The "Red Book of Hergest" is a significant medieval Welsh manuscript that is known for its invaluable contribution to the preservation of Welsh literature and history. Composed in the fourteenth or fifteenth century, it is named after the distinctive red leather cover that it once possessed.
This precious book holds a prominent place in Welsh literary heritage, as it contains a diverse collection of medieval texts, including poems, genealogies, prose tales, and historical records. It is considered one of the most important sources for the study of the Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh myths and legends. Additionally, the "Red Book of Hergest" contains texts such as the Welsh legal code of Hywel Dda, various Arthurian tales, and a number of religious and philosophical works.
The manuscript was compiled and transcribed by numerous scribes, and it showcases their individual styles and language choice, reflecting the linguistic diversity of medieval Wales. Despite the existence of earlier versions of some of the texts found within the "Red Book of Hergest," this compilation remains a crucial resource for scholars and researchers due to its comprehensive range of material.
Currently preserved at Jesus College, Oxford, the "Red Book of Hergest" is considered a national treasure of Wales, providing a window into the literary, cultural, and historical landscape of medieval Wales. Its significance is highlighted by its inclusion in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, recognizing its universal value and importance to humanity's collective heritage.
