Merriam Webster defines Cyndhanedd (pronounced kung-han-eth) as “a strict intricate system of alliteration and rhyme used in Welsh poetry.” It was developed by the 14th century and codified in the Caerwys Eisteddfod (Assembly of Bards) of 1523. In Welsh poetry, it’s an elaborate system of sound relationships involving accent, alliteration and internal rhyme, and comes in four basic types.
Cyndhanedd lusg (dragging Cyndhanedd): The simplest kind of Cyndhanedd (yes, by this point I’m on cut and paste with that word). “The 6th syllable of the line is stressed and rhymes with the final syllable of the first stressed word of the line.”
Cyndhanedd Groes (cross Cyndhanedd): “the line..is divided into two parts, and the consonants in the first part of the line are repeated in the same order in the second part of the line.”
Cyndanedd Draws (oblique Cyndanedd): similar to C. Groes. “The line is divided into three parts, and the consonants of the first part are repeated in the third part of the line. ”
Cyndanedd Sain (sound Cyndanedd): combines them all-“the line is divided into three parts. The first two parts of the line rhyme, while one or more consonants from the second part are repeated in the same order in the third part.”
More on this to come as we do more research.