Awen is a Welsh,[1] Cornish and Breton word for "inspiration" (and typically poetic inspiration).
In Welsh mythology, awen is the inspiration of the poets, or bards; its personification, Awen is the inspirational muse of creative artists in general. The inspired individual (often a poet or a soothsayer) is an awenydd. Neo-Druids define awen as "flowing energy" or as "a force that flows with the essence of life".[citation needed][dubious – discuss]
In current usage, awen is sometimes ascribed to musicians and poets. Awen also occurs as a female given name.
The word appears in the third stanza of "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau", the national anthem of Wales.[2]