Imagine a world where America was discovered not by Christopher Columbus, but by a Welsh prince named Madog ap Owain Gwynedd in 1170. This intriguing legend, which has captivated historians, explorers, and maritime history enthusiasts for centuries, is a tale I, for one, would love to be true. But what do we really know about this enigmatic figure and his alleged discovery of America?

Griffith ap Rhys, a man forged in the crucible of tragedy, witnessed his father, Rhys ap Tewdwr, the king of Deheubarth, fall to the Normans. This cataclysmic event cast him into exile in Ireland, a period that would shape his character and fuel his unyielding quest to reclaim his family’s lands and honour and to secure freedom for his people.

Maredudd ap Bleddyn was a nobleman of the late 11th and early 12th century born into an influential ruling family of Powys. While his lineage endowed him with inherent authority and influence, Maredudd’s early years remained shrouded in obscurity, with few historical records shedding light on his activities and ambitions.

At the core of Welsh literature were the bards, revered figures who held sway in the courts of powerful nobility. Their words possessed a transformative power, capable of elevating a ruler to legendary status or condemning them to ignominy. The relationship between the bard and ruler was a delicate balance of loyalty and the responsibility to speak truth to power.

Bernard, Bishop of St David’s tenure, symbolises the convergence of Norman ambition and Welsh resilience, a testament to the complex interplay of forces of the twelfth century. He certainly left an indelible mark on history.