Poet Emyr Lewis wins Eisteddfod Chair for the second time
Professor Emyr Lewis has won the prestigious National Eisteddfod Chair for the second time, with judges praising his poem for its originality and tender, exhilarating quality. The competition saw its highest number of entries since 1988, with Lewis's work standing out for its unique exploration of the subconscious.
Why it matters
This award is a significant cultural milestone in Welsh literature, highlighting the continued relevance and evolution of traditional poetic forms.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Holly Harrison BBC Wales The National Eisteddfod Emyr Lewis moved from London to Wales when he was six One of the National Eisteddfod's most prestigious honours has been awarded to poet Emyr Lewis for his work, which has been described as "exhilarating and tender".
Lewis won this year's Eisteddfod Chair after judges praised his winning poem for its originality in a competition that attracted 16 entries - the highest number since 1988.
It is the second time he has received the award, having previously won in 1994.
Judges described the winning work as "a riot of an awdl" - a long poem - spanning eight centuries and said it brought "astonishing novelty" to the competition.
Presenting the award on behalf of his fellow judges, Idris Reynolds said the theme "Line/Lines" had given poets "the freedom to go wherever they wished".
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