Not all Mabinogion's are created equal. This version has not only the four branches, but the Four Independent Tales, The Three Romances. Result? None are done as well as could be leaving much to be desired. Redemption, that it is in clear English and readable. 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. Set in dual realms of the forests and valleys of Wales and the shadowy otherworld, the tales are filled by a dreamlike atmosphere. 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 honor, revenge, and love are set against the backdrop of a country struggling to retain its independence. King Arthur's court provides the backdrop to tales such as "How Culhwch Won Olwen", in which a young man must complete many tasks before he can marry a giant's daughter. The work is divided into 11 disparate tales. Only the four of the first sections are explicitly "Branches of the Mabinogi," or stories of a youth. The youth is, according to a tradition followed by Gwyn Jones in her introduction, is Pryderi, the son of a Welsh King, Pwyll. Paperback: 272 pages Rating: 3 & a half Stars. Review by Bill Tillman |
May 17, 2010
The Mabinogion by Gwyn Jones
Labels:
Celtic-lore,
demons,
dragons,
druid,
enchantress,
fae,
faeries,
fantasy,
Folklore,
gods,
mabinogion,
magic,
mythology,
otherworlds,
Wales
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
Author Judith Barrow AmeriCymru: Hi, Judith and many thanks for agreeing to be interviewed by AmeriCymru. Your most recent novel Patter...
-
If you, your school, choir, church or dinner wants to sing the Saint David’s Day song which has already been performed in Ontario, Patago...
-
Learn With Grandma Member Valerie Wood-Gaiger – author, grandmother and teacher – recently won a contest to become one of two W-Icons, or sp...
-
Sign the Petition HERE RE: The Plaque Story Which The Rest Of The Worlds Press Is Covering But Not You Dear Sir As a resident of Portland ,...
-
Today we are pleased and proud to announce the first of our Left Coast Eisteddfod online competitions for 2010. Others will soon...
-
Here at Americymru we have burned the Wicker Man and interpreted the ashes. We confidently predict a Welsh victory over the French on Saturd...
-
A Child’s Christmas in Wales – 2009 Adapted from the story by Dylan Thomas & Directed by Kalon Thibodeaux Dec. 4-24 Fri ...
-
Americymru A message to all members and readers of Americymru We interrupt our normal service to bring you a special announcement...
-
Hello my name is Valerie. I live in Myddfai, a tiny village in The Brecon Beacons National Park, in rural Wales and I need your help! Sky TV...
-
Bruce Lader’s fourth collection of poetry, Embrace, is about the need for love and intimacy. Winner of the 2010 Left Coast Eisteddfod Poet...
No comments:
Post a Comment