One of the main functions of the Bard became to promote and maintain the twilight state so favoured by the Celts –

a sort of Dream Time. A particular outlook on life that, indeed, marks one as a Celt. Namely, a belief in the dualistic

'OtherWorld' that, although not often seen, is always felt - inside oneself with the heart and outside with a prickling

of hair on the nape of the neck or a tingling of the spine. The duty of the Bard became to convey with words and

music an ideal which the mind can understand at one level, but only the spirit will perceive at another. For the

former understanding comes from this world - and the Gods...and the latter from the emotive OtherWorld - whose

essence belongs to the Goddess. The Bard, therefore, must be more than a musician and storyteller - She or he must

be a messenger from the OtherWorld.

Gweddi'r Derwydd

Dyro, Dduw, dy nawdd;
ac yn nawdd, nerth;
ac yn nerth, ddeall;
ac yn neall, gwybod;
ac o wybod, gwybod yn gyfiawn;
ac o wybod yn gyfiawn ei garu;
ac o garu, caru Duw.
Duw a phob daioni.
English Translation
Grant, God, thy refuge;
and in refuge, strength;
and in strength, understanding;
and in understanding, knowledge;
and from knowledge, knowledge of what is right;
and from knowledge of what is right, the love of it;
and from loving, the love of God.