Bard was an ancient singer-poet. The best-known bards lived in such Celtic lands as Ireland, Scotland, and Wales during the Middle Ages. They were professional poets who sang about the heroes, accomplishments, and customs of the nation. These bards generally accompanied themselves on a harp or other stringed instrument. They passed their material on from one bard to another and extensively used the poetic techniques of alliteration and internal rhyme. By the 1700’s, the Celtic bards were no longer major cultural figures. The tradition of the bard today survives at folk festivals, such as the eisteddfod in Wales. The term bard is sometimes used to describe certain poets. William Shakespeare, who was born at Stratford-upon-Avon, is often called the Bard of Avon. Some folk singers and composers may be called bards. See also Irish literature (Early Irish literature); Homer; Wales (The arts)
