Welsh Tribes

Llwythau Cymru - The Patrilineal Descent Groups of Wales

Understanding Welsh Tribal Structure

Welsh society was traditionally organized around patrilineal tribes known as llwythau (singular: llwyth). These were kinship groups that traced their descent through the male line from a common ancestor - the patriarch or founder of the tribe.

Patrilineal Descent: In Welsh tribal society, one belonged to the tribe of their father. This meant that children automatically became members of their father's tribe, regardless of their mother's tribal affiliation. This system of inheritance and identity was fundamental to Welsh law, land ownership, and social structure.

Each tribe was named after its founding patriarch, and genealogies were carefully maintained to establish legitimacy, inheritance rights, and social standing. The Welsh legal system recognized these tribal connections for matters of inheritance, compensation for crimes, and political authority.

Key Welsh Terms:

Llwyth - Tribe or clan
Llwythau - Tribes (plural)
Patriarch - Founding ancestor of a tribe
Bonedd - Noble descent or pedigree
Achau - Genealogies or ancestral lines

The tribes listed below represent the major patrilineal descent groups of Wales, each founded by a significant historical or legendary figure. Many of these patriarchs were kings, princes, or important nobles whose descendants formed the Welsh aristocracy and gentry.