Matthew Rhys has been inducted as a druid.
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The Edge of Love actor returned to his hometown for the ceremony at the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff, which honours prominent people and their contribution to Welsh life and culture.
Matthew – who is now a member of the Gorsedd of Bards – said: “It’s a huge honour to be recognised. This is double or 10 times more when you hear the names of those who have gone before you and the things they have achieved.
“The honour didn’t hit me until I saw who I would be sharing the stage with today. People like Caryl Parry Jones and Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas. I can’t believe I’m being included among them.
“It’s really humbling to be in their number. I was brought up an Eisteddfodwr. I used to compete in the Urdd Eisteddfod, perhaps not as much as I should, when I was young I used to compete, or try to compete. It had a big effect on me as a child.”
Matthew – dressed in a sparkling white robe and headdress – was inducted following a dance and the formal offering of flowers to the Archdruid.
He joined other members of the Gorstedd in a procession leading to a temporary stone circle built on the Eisteddfod Maes, where he was introduced to the Archdruid, where former Archdruid John Gwilym Jones of Bangor, described him as “one of Wales’ and the world’s most recognisable actors”.
The Brothers and Sisters star will now be known as Matthew Taf in honour of the Cardiff river. Other famous members of the Gorstedd include actor Ioan Gruffudd and opera singer Bryn Terfel.
Druids existed in ancient Celtic societies in Western Europe, Ireland and Britain, and members of the priestly and learned classes.
The Gorsedd of Bards is a group that promotes literary scholarship and the creation of poetry and music.
