The Legacy of Owain Glyndŵr: Redeemer of the Welsh English conquest of foreign territory began long before the age of colonization within the British Isles themselves. History focuses primarily on the English point of view towards their acquisitions because little text survives to this day from the subjected lands. Due to its colonization, the ancient country of Wales witnessed the rise of abuses, taxes, and occupation in the late fourteenth century. Consequently, opposition developed towards their English oppressors as a result of the disruption of its traditional way of life. It was an easy conquest because Wales was rural with a low population. Due to the desperation of many of the commoners and Welsh officials alike, the unlikely hero
…show more content…
These taxes were extremely heavy for an already poor country, especially since no form of specie existed in Wales at that time. King Richard II had already heavily taxed the people in order to fund the royal’s lavish lifestyle and conquests in Scotland. After Richard’s deposition in 1399, Henry IV increased these taxes even further with little permissible reason other than his so called reforms. These reforms included further restrictions of rights and pointless taxes. As a result of these mistreatments, the rebellion created a Welsh led parliament and strove towards becoming independent in 1404. By removing what little wealth these people possessed, the English continued to remain oblivious to the growing resistance from not only Owain Glyndŵr, but the Welsh as a …show more content…
The great bards of Wales often prophesized of a “great redeemer who would one day deliver their people from this oppression.” They believed this man would be one of their own, and have the capability of restoring Wales to its former glory. Traditionally, Wales was pagan, and at the time many of the people intertwined Christianity with traditional beliefs. Many Welsh noblemen, including Glyndŵr, employed personal soothsayers as advisers. These wise men would advise decisions and give predictions of what the future held. The views on the future were not just limited to prophecies from soothsayers. It is documented that a large comet appeared across the sky in the year leading up to the rebellion. It signified great bloodshed and much death to come. This foreshadowing could have influenced Glyndŵr of his future destiny because predictions were not taken lightly in Welsh culture. To the English, Glyndŵr was viewed as a sorcerer because of the disastrous weather during the rebellion that forced troops to return to England. The soldiers believed that he possessed the ability to conjure storms and high winds in order to intimidate his enemies. Glyndŵr was aware of these accusations, and became quite the trickster by often using them to his advantage. While away, he would place scarecrow-like
These taxes were extremely heavy for an already poor country, especially since no form of specie existed in Wales at that time. King Richard II had already heavily taxed the people in order to fund the royal’s lavish lifestyle and conquests in Scotland. After Richard’s deposition in 1399, Henry IV increased these taxes even further with little permissible reason other than his so called reforms. These reforms included further restrictions of rights and pointless taxes. As a result of these mistreatments, the rebellion created a Welsh led parliament and strove towards becoming independent in 1404. By removing what little wealth these people possessed, the English continued to remain oblivious to the growing resistance from not only Owain Glyndŵr, but the Welsh as a …show more content…
The great bards of Wales often prophesized of a “great redeemer who would one day deliver their people from this oppression.” They believed this man would be one of their own, and have the capability of restoring Wales to its former glory. Traditionally, Wales was pagan, and at the time many of the people intertwined Christianity with traditional beliefs. Many Welsh noblemen, including Glyndŵr, employed personal soothsayers as advisers. These wise men would advise decisions and give predictions of what the future held. The views on the future were not just limited to prophecies from soothsayers. It is documented that a large comet appeared across the sky in the year leading up to the rebellion. It signified great bloodshed and much death to come. This foreshadowing could have influenced Glyndŵr of his future destiny because predictions were not taken lightly in Welsh culture. To the English, Glyndŵr was viewed as a sorcerer because of the disastrous weather during the rebellion that forced troops to return to England. The soldiers believed that he possessed the ability to conjure storms and high winds in order to intimidate his enemies. Glyndŵr was aware of these accusations, and became quite the trickster by often using them to his advantage. While away, he would place scarecrow-like