I have written about this magnificent Welsh sculpture in more detail in an earlier post, Warrior Wind-Singer of Llyn, but I thought he/she deserved another viewing. This brave Celtic guardian surveys Cardigan Bay from the cliff top above Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, Llanbedrog, on the Llyn Peninsula. It is the work of local craftsmen Berwyn Jones and Huw Jones and replaces two earlier figureheads that met there doom there by fire and corrosion. It is known as the Iron Man of Mynydd Tir y Cwmwd, but as I say, I think it could also be a woman. After all, the Celts had fierce women like Buddug, known more widely today as Boudicca. She was the warrior queen of the Iceni, who took on the invading Romans.
I find the figure very moving, the remnant twist of sinew and ligament after bone and flesh have been weathered away. In the spaces between, the steel armature gathers the sea winds and sings. A metaphor, perhaps, for Welsh culture – the bardic verses and sea-sounds of the language that outsiders find so hard to get their tongues round. And for those of you want to hear some Welsh being spoken and see some superlative Welsh drama produced by BBC Cymru Wales, then look out for Hinterland, (Y Gwyll in Welsh), the so-called Celtic Noir detective series. It is currently showing on the UK’s BBC, but it deserves to go world-wide.
The winding cliff path to the Iron Man
© 2014 Tish Farrell
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Tish Farrell 
Great find. And a good look into the history of the location. It deserves a WordPress Like.
Thanks, Mike. And thanks for visiting.
Brilliant, exceptional use of old iron, beats melting it down. Oh for a gas torch and welding kit
You’ve not got room in your cavern for any more kit, Bits to Banjos.
I think I liked him last time too 😉
Thank you, Lynne, for liking him again. Always good to demonstrate the courage of one’s convictions, I find 🙂
I lived in South Wales at St. Athan for nearly two years from 66 to 68 when dad was in the RAF. I was but a nipper!
This sculpture reminds me of the warrior on the cover or the Wishbone Ash album , Argus, for some reason.
That is quite the statue/sculpture
Yes, Lana, I think so. And thanks for visiting.
You’re welcome Tish
Thank you for this…a magnificent sculpture, and yes I have been watching Hinterland. Superb. The atmospheric and moody imagery reminds me a little of Top of the Lake which I also thoroughly enjoyed. Have a lovely weekend.:)
And to you too, Janet. I love the character layers in Hinterland. Glad you’re enjoying it too.
Tish, it’s even more spectacular with that background! I love seeing Welsh names, although I’d never have a go at pronouncing them!
janet
Yes, G did a good job didn’t he, and the sun did a quick appearance too.
That was a very interesting post. The sound of the wind singing through the metal must sound very strange. I agree – the figure does have a feminine look.
Glad it struck a chord, Suzanne 🙂
Great interpretation – I like it!
Thanks, Andrew
kewl one 🙂
Thank you, Quarksire
Perfect for the theme – and very well captured… 🙂
🙂
Wonderful sculpture and the blues of the background set it off so well.
Yes, that blue is glorious, isn’t it. It didn’t last long either.
Great interpretation.
Thank you for commenting.
Great entry! 🙂
Thanks, Arlene.
Fascinating figure. Tish, you led me to read about Boudicca (Boadicea) and what a history! I had come across her name variously in my past readings elsewhere but this is the first time I’m reading about her detailed life. A truly magnificent woman and I would want to believe that the above figure is hers. 🙂
Well thank you, Celestine. I think if we both think it’s Boudicca then it must be so. Lovely of you to be inspired to read up about her. There’s a powerful historical (fiction) trilogy/quartette? by Manda Scott that features her and life in Roman occupied Britain, as well as including much about the sacred beliefs of the Celts.
I find the figure very moving as well. I know we bring the emotions to the screen before us, but this almost seems to have it’s own emotional reflection. Glad I stopped by today. ❤ Paulette
I’m glad you visited too. Thanks.
Marvellous art. I doubt we will see Hinterland here….sigh. 😦
Thanks, Gallivanta, for visiting the Warrior. The more I look at it, the more fascinating it becomes. And as for Hinterland, it may come out on DVD. 🙂
We can hope. 😉