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The Mabinogion


Synopsis


'I cannot be killed indoors,' he said, 'nor out of doors; I cannot be killed on horseback, nor on foot.' 'Well,' she said, 'how can you be killed?' Celtic mythology, Arthurian romance, and an intriguing interpretation of British history - these are just some of the themes embraced by the anonymous authors of the eleven tales that make up the Welsh medieval masterpiece known as the Mabinogion. They tell of Gwydion the shape-shifter, who can create a woman out of flowers; of Math the magician whose feet must lie in the lap of a virgin; of hanging a pregnant mouse and hunting a magical boar. Dragons, witches, and giants live alongside kings and heroes, and quests of honour, revenge, and love are set against the backdrop of a country struggling to retain its independence. This new translation, the first for thirty years, recreates the storytelling world of medieval Wales and re-invests the tales with the power of performance. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Sioned Davies (translator)

Summary

Chapter 1: Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed

* Summary: Pwyll, a mighty warrior, meets Arawn, the Lord of Annwn (the Otherworld). They swap places for a year and a day, each ruling the other's realm.
* Real Example: Pwyll's courageous battle tactics and his ability to connect with the supernatural highlight the qualities of a strong Celtic leader.

Chapter 2: Branwen, Daughter of Llyr

* Summary: Branwen's marriage to Matholwch, king of Ireland, brings misfortune upon her people. Exiled to Ireland, she uses her magical birds to communicate with her brother, Bran the Blessed.
* Real Example: Branwen's loyalty to her family, even in exile, symbolizes the importance of kinship and the power of connections beyond geographical boundaries.

Chapter 3: Manawydan, Son of Llyr

* Summary: Manawydan, Branwen's brother, seeks revenge for her mistreatment and recovers her freedom. He uses his magical abilities to restore prosperity to Dyfed.
* Real Example: Manawydan's resourcefulness and ability to manipulate the magical realm demonstrate the power of intellectualism and resilience in Celtic legend.

Chapter 4: Math, Son of Mathonwy

* Summary: Math, a powerful magician, raises his nephew, Gwyddion, to become a skilled craftsman and a gifted poet. Together, they overcome a series of challenges and outwit their enemies.
* Real Example: Math's role as a mentor and his emphasis on education and skill development emphasize the importance of wisdom and ingenuity in Celtic culture.

Chapter 5: Lleu Llaw Gyffes

* Summary: Lleu, the son of Math, becomes king of Gwynedd after defeating his uncle, Gwydion. He is tricked into losing his powers but regains them through the help of his loyal consort, Blodeuwedd.
* Real Example: Lleu's journey of self-discovery and redemption illustrates the themes of human weakness, the power of love, and the cycles of nature.

Chapter 6: Peredur, Son of Evrawc

* Summary: Peredur, a young knight, embarks on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Along the way, he learns the importance of compassion, humility, and forgiveness.
* Real Example: Peredur's chivalrous values and his willingness to challenge societal norms represent the ideals of medieval knighthood.

Chapter 7: The Dream of Rhonabwy

* Summary: Rhonabwy, a young man, falls asleep at Arthur's court and witnesses a vision of a battle between Arthur and his enemies. The dream reveals the power of storytelling and the impact of history on the present.
* Real Example: Rhonabwy's dream within a dream demonstrates the imaginative and metaphorical nature of Celtic literature.