Dylan Thomas was born on October 27th, 1914, in Pantygwydr, Abertawe (Uplands, Swansea) and is widely regarded as one of the most influential poets of the 20th Century. He is also arguably the most influential Welsh poet of all time.

There are mixed accounts on whether Dylan could speak the Welsh language, though it has become somewhat accepted that he was unable to write but could speak and understand it well. This was confirmed in the 1921 Census, where it was entered he could speak the language. His parents were bilingual.

Alas, it is often noted that Dylan did not associate strongly with his Welshness – resenting the fact he was often viewed as a Welsh poet akin to the medieval bards. Despite this, plenty of his works are rooted in Welsh geography and, perhaps somewhere, he treasured his Welshness in secret.

Dylan is often remembered for a colourful personality and his personal demons – including alcoholism and philandering. Alcoholism is often attributed to his death at just 39 years of age in 1953 but autopsy accounts did not support this. His death was most likely brought on by a combination of pneumonia, brain swelling and a fatty liver.

Here is my personal favourite Thomas poem:

Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

“Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

Because their words had forked no lightning they

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight

Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,

Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

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Niklas George

Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.