#Manawydan

[aneurinallday]

The Four Branches of the Mabinogion

The First Branch: Pwyll and Rhiannon

Prince Pwyll encounters a mysterious maiden, who evades him until he finally calls out to her. Her name is Rhiannon. They marry and have a son, but the newborn vanishes and is presumed dead. Rhiannon is falsely accused of the crime, but Pwyll refuses to accept her guilt. Eventually, they were reunited with their lost child, Pryderi, thus proving Rhiannon's innocence and vindicating Pwyll.

The Second Branch: Bran and Branwen

Brân the Blessed, king of Britain, is visited by a starling. The starling carries a message from his sister Branwen, telling him that her husband, the Irish king Matholwch, is abusive. Brân and his army set sail to Ireland to rescue his sister and have revenge on Matholwch. Brân is slain by a poisoned spear, and Branwen dies from heartbreak.

The Third Branch: Manawydan

Only seven British warriors survive the war with Ireland. Pryderi offers the throne to his friend Manawydan, along with his mother Rhiannon's hand in marriage. Manawydan and Rhiannon are happily married, and along with Pryderi and his wife Cigfa, lift a curse afflicting the kingdom of Dyfed.

The Fourth Branch: Math, son of Mathonwy

In the kingdom of Gwynedd, the lady Arianrhod is ashamed at losing her virginity. She curses her son to never have a name and never bear arms; but her brother, the magician Gwydion, tricks her into giving the boy a name (Lleu) and a weapon.

Angry at being deceived, she places a third curse on the boy: that he can never have a human wife. Gwydion makes Lleu a wife out of flowers, and names her Blodeuwedd, but Blodeuwedd falls for another man instead and tries to murder Lleu. Lleu has revenge on those who betrayed him, and becomes ruler of Gwynedd, since Arianrhod was the niece of King Math.

(originally posted June 17 2024)

[gingersnaptaff]

Thinking about Manawydan, Bendigeidfran and Branwen today and how they all must've felt to have their lives upended by the carnage again Matholwch's steeds their half-brother - slighted, hot-tempered, bitter Efnisien - committed.

Do you think they realised when the grooms brought the news, or did they have an inkling before then? Did they hear the steeds' screams but just dismissed them as being the howls of the sea or an owl? Do you think Branwen knew Matholwch was an abusive man after she was greeted with cold silences from him once she'd awoken, or do you think she only found out after they returned to Ireland? Did she foresee the destruction her summons would cause lot before she made the plea?

Do you think Bendigeidfran had an inkling of his demise at the hands of a poisoned speartip? Did the ravens whisper it to him? Crowed it in his ear alongside visions of his head being cut off, being buried, being dug up in a hubristic fit by a King who'd perish in battle just as he'd done. Did he give Matholwch the Pair Dadeni as a gift without thinking about the consequences, or did he know of them - of the conflict that might ignite - because he was the son of the sea and the sea knows all?

And Manawydan. Do you think he knew he'd be the only one of his siblings left behind? That he'd have no home to go back to, no kingdom, no family? Did his perceptiveness fail him, his kingship now in tatters?

(Do you think he blamed himself for hailing Matholwch back once the Irish boats had crashed back into the tide, steadily sailing away without their bride? And yet... he still persuaded the Irish king to return because his older brother, his lord wanted to build a bridge?)

[birdsofrhiannon]

[oespiritocelta]

Mitologia - País de Gales

A maior fonte de informação sobre a mitologia do País de Gales vem do livro Mabinogion, que alguns estudiosos acreditam ser fragmentos da mitologia celta galesa, em especial as primeiras histórias, conhecidas como Os Quatro Ramos do Mabinogion.

Primeiro Ramo:

Arawn: Arawn (Araun) é o rei do outro mundo na mitologia galesa (Annwn). Ele é um grande caçador e mágico habilidoso em mudar de forma.

Pwyll: Pwyll (Púil) é o rei de Dyfed, marido de Rhiannon e pai de Pryderi. Seu nome quer dizer "bom senso".

Rhiannon: Rhiannon é uma mulher do Outro Mundo, inteligente, bela e famosa por sua generosidade. Com Pwyll ela tem um filho, Pryderi e como viúva ela se casa com Manawydan. Rhiannon significa "grande rainha" e ela é considerada uma deusa da soberania, autoconfiança e resiliência. Como uma figura importante, ela aparece no Primeiro e no Terceiro Ramos.

Pryderi: Pryderi (Pridéri) é filho de Pwyll e da deusa Rhiannon. Ele é o único herói a aparecer em todos os quatro Ramos. Seu nome significa "cuidado, preocupação".

Segundo Ramo:

Branwen: Branwen é casada com o rei da Irlanda, Matholwch e algumas pessoas acreditam que ela seja uma deusa do amor e da beleza. Seu nome significa "corvo branco".

Bendigeidfran: Bendigeidfran (Bendigueidvran) é o gigante rei da Grã-Bretanha e irmão de Brânwen e Manawydan. Seu nome é geralmente traduzido como "corvo abençoado". Quando estava morrendo, Bendigeidfran ordenou que seus seguidores cortassem sua cabeça e a enterrassem sob onde hoje fica a Torre de Londres como um talismã para proteger a Grã-Bretanha de invasões estrangeiras. Hoje em dia, na Torre de Londres, há um grupo de corvos cativos que se acredita protegerem a Coroa e a Torre.

Manawydan: Manawydan (Manauídan) é irmão de Branwen e Bendigeidfran. Ele é associado com o deus dos mares irlandês Manannán mac Lir. As aparições mais importantes de Manawydan ocorrem no Segundo e Terceiro Ramos do Mabinogion.

Quarto Ramo:

Arianrhod: Arianrhod (Arianród) é a deusa do cosmos e do destino. Seu nome significa "roda de prata", simbolizando a lua e/ou a roda que tece o destino. No Mabinogion, ela é mãe de Lleu Llaw Gyffes. Na mitologia galesa, a constelação Corona Borealis é chamada de Caer Arianrhod (o Castelo de Arianrhod).

Lleu Llaw Gyffes: Lleu Llaw Gyffes (Lei Lau Guifes) é filho de Arianrhod. Ele foi negado de um nome, armas e uma esposa, mas seu tio Gwydion forneceu-lhe tudo com truques. Seu nome quer dizer “o de cabelos claros com mãos habilidosas” e ele é visto como o equivalente do deus irlandês Lugh.

Blodeuwedd: Blodeuwedd (Blodêiued) é a esposa de Lleu Llaw Gyffes, feita de flores pelos mágicos Math e Gwydion e que se transforma em uma coruja no final do conto. Seu nome significa "rosto de flor" e ela é considerada deusa da beleza, inteligência e independência.

Outras Histórias:

Ceridwen: Ceridwen (Queríduen) é uma feiticeira que aparece na versão mítica da vida do verdadeiro bardo Taliesin. Ela é considerada uma deusa da inspiração, da memória e do tempo.

Awen: Awen (Auen) é uma palavra galesa que quer dizer "inspiração". É junção da inspiração divina com a imaginação, é o que faz o ser humano compreender o significado e a profundidade das coisas. Awen é a poção que Ceridwen prepara em seu caldeirão cuja apenas as três primeiras gotas concedem conhecimento infinito. 

Annwn: Annwn, (Anúven) é o Outro Mundo na mitologia galesa. Governado por Arawn, é um mundo adjacente ao nosso; entre os dois mundos não existem fronteiras, apenas a consciência de uma nova dimensão. Annwn é um mundo sem doenças e com comida sempre abundante.

[mgakwentongbayan]

Manawydan, Son of Llŷr

“Manawydan, Son of Llŷr” is another captivating tale from “The Mabinogion,” the collection of Welsh medieval legends. The story follows the adventures and trials of Manawydan, the son of Llŷr, a powerful figure in Welsh mythology. Here’s an abridged version of the story: After the tragic events of “Branwen, Daughter of Llŷr,” Manawydan, the son of Llŷr and brother of Branwen, returned to Britain…

[doctorchapatinphd]

[the-welsh-witch]

Ok serious question, have your deities ever said anything that made you go 'bitch, I did NOT need to be called out by that. The fact that you had to say it irrelevant, how you know this shit?!'

That is my first encounter with Pluto in a nutshell. Had just done my english oracy exam and was in a state of constant anxiety of 'what do I do now?'. Pluto called my ass out hard first time he spoke to me. literally, first advice from him, 'rest, relax, you don't need to be productive all the time and the things you are worrying about can't be changed'. Like, damn.

You had a deity do that before?

Oh, an then first meeting with Loki consisted of him using my mother's words in the exact opposite way she meant them. Same words, opposite meaning. Mind blown, not gonna lie-

So, the only dieties I have really interacted with have been Rhiannon, Manawydan, Hekate, and POSSIBLY Poseidon and Demeter but only when I was little.

Now, Rhiannon has been around for years, and I honestly have no clue why, but she is very motherly. She'll tell me I'm an idiot, but will also allow me to make my own decisions, as long as I make sure to stay safe. She's very 'Fuck around and find out, but if you fuck around I'm not helping you' vibes. On the flip side, she has also helped me A LOT even before I knew of her, and makes her presence known VERY strongly.

Hekate however, is a bit more stern. She does understand that I learn through doing, however since my working with her is new, is a bit more demanding that I do things By The Book. She'll help me, but I'll dedicate a candle or research, or something to her.

Now, Manawydan is a different story. I sort of half work with him, through Rhiannon, respecting that both he and Poseidon are deities of the sea (Manawydan Fab Llyr LITERALLY means 'Manawydan, Son of The Sea', and Poseidon was gifted hold over the seas by his brother Zeus after killing The Titans), and as I have a history with the sea, I like to give back through working with him and Poseidon (I have found many items in the sea, and lived by the sea for a while, etc).

However, I believe myself and my deities have a very respectful is sassy relationship. Deities are different, and some require different things, it depends on how much you research, and how well you know them. I think the best example is that my friend works with Odin. He is both an eons-old deity with immeasurable power that I will never be able to understand, that I had to re-cleanse, ward, and black salt my house INTENSELY after he and Rhiannon got into a disagreement, however, he is ALSO a sassy bitch that likes Sour Cream Pringles.

[eruscreaminginthedistance]

Dammit not me remembering that I've placed one of the five Amell mage!cousins in Tevinter like. I can't do it I can't play a human again. But the middle aged non binary Free Marches swag....

[mlmxreader]

Sweet On You | Arthur Morgan x m!reader

『••✎••』

↳ ❝ "Maybe I'm just an idiot and thought you cared'' with Arthur Morgan please? ( good ending if possible) ❞

: ̗̀➛ You and Arthur have to spend a lot of time together, but he isn't sure how you feel about it.

: ̗̀➛ swearing, smoking, guns

↳ if you can, please consider giving to Fadi's family; they're currently in Gaza, and need to raise funds in order to escape the genocide. So far, they've raised $39,380 of their $62,500 goal!

•───────────────★•♛•★──────────────•

Arthur sat by the campfire, twiddling his thumbs as he looked around nervously; it wasn't like he was jumpy on hunting trips, but when he was near you it was a different story. You made his heart pound and his hands go all sweaty and sticky, his throat would get dry and he would struggle to speak a single word, let alone a whole sentence.

Yet he loved being near you; hearing you speak about all the different animals and plants and what they did in the world. Listening to you hum softly as you brushed your horse; that animal didn't like Arthur a single bit.

A loyal and faithful companion, it seemed strong enough to carry at least thirty men without breaking a single sweat; it looked dignified and noble, but was certainly also a strong and powerful animal.

Whether it was cougars, wolves or bears, the horse did not ever shy away or spook when it came to battle.

In the right lighting, the horse looked red in colour, with a dark, almost black, mane and tail; its dark eyes were keen and focused. With its bright green and white saddle, it looked every bit the noble steed it truly was.

"Manawydan," the horse's name was. Arthur liked to draw him, though; he had an almost medieval artistry about him when he grazed and he interacted with Arthur's horse - like he belonged in some mythic tale about kings and wizards, not in the outskirts of Lemoyne hunting cougar and boar.

Slowly, Arthur looked up from the campfire when you moved, curiosity etched into his features as the dull light flickered in his eyes; he looked away the second you turned slightly towards him, awkwardly returning back to the orange and yellow before him and the soft warmth.

He swallowed thickly.

"Y'know," you started, "wouldn't kill you to look at me."

Arthur spared you an all too quick glance. "Hmm?"

"Said," you pulled your rifle from Manawydan's saddle, and sat opposite Arthur. "It wouldn't kill you to look at me. You do this every time we go out together - do you hate me that much? I'm not worse than Micah, am I?"

He smiled for a split second as he shook his head. "Nah, nah, you're much better than him."

You shrugged, examining your rifle; the way that you yielded it and how you always used it for everything and anything, it was akin to how knights used to wield swords in the stories that Arthur had heard and read growing up.

A fantastical weapon used loyally; the wood finish was a beautiful dull red and dark brown colour, and looked like it was wrapped leather thanks to the brilliant craftsmanship. The metal was a fine, almost sparkling, silver colour, with a distinct rune on either side of the barrel in black.

"Gorau tarian, cyfiawnder" on one side, and "Golud gwlad rhyddid" on the other - at least, that was what you had told Arthur they had meant.

Yet your skilled hands worked the metal and the wood so acutely and carefully that it wasn't difficult for him to see that you had skill; you were precise and methodical, getting rid of every scrap of dirt and every bite of dust.

Arthur could only watch, his head tilted slightly to the side as he focused as best as he could. But then he heard you hum, and he perked up slightly.

He knew that song.

You sang it a lot when you were fishing, and whistled it even moreso when you were meandering through towns with him; he knew that it meant you were in a good mood. Hopeful, Arthur cleared his throat, and slowly removed his hat so he could place it on his knee.

"It ain't you," he started quietly, "it really ain't you... I just... I feel things when I'm around you, and it ain't like I deserve you..."

You stopped, quirking a brow as you looked over at him through the fire. You shook your head. "Arthur. C'mon. When you met me, I was a fuckin' assistant to Trelawny - it ain't like I've been holed up in a fuckin' mansion, eating fucking geese and shit all my life."

"I know, I just..." he shrugged, struggling to talk so much and struggling to find the right words even more. He sucked in a harsh breath. "I ain't a good man. And you deserve a good man, to get outta this life and-"

"Fuck's sake, Morgan," you growled, shaking your head. "I'm not being funny here, but you need to quit that shit. You are a good man, you've just done shitty things - I ain't getting out of this life any time soon, so it's entirely down to you - I mean, shit, I used to think that maybe I'm just an idiot and thought you cared... and now you're saying you do, but you're shitting all over it. I wanna love you, Arthur, I do. I enjoy being around you."

He frowned, clearing his throat awkwardly. "You do?"

"Of course I do, you silly bugger!" You all but howled, a whisper of jovial playfulness to your voice. "I like being near you, and spending time with you... my horse might not, but I do."

He laughed softly at that, moving a little closer so he could sit next to you. "You sure you wanna do this?"

You sighed heavily, putting your hand on his knee. "Yes. I very much fucking am... now, let me finish polishing me rifle, and afterwards, I'm gonna get you to lie down, and I'm gonna cuddle into you to see if you're as warm as you seem. Alright?"

Arthur nodded. "Alright... that, erm, that does sound good."

"Light up a cigarette a second," you hummed, fumbling in your pockets and tossing him the packet. "Help yourself if you want one."

He didn't hesitate, lighting two of them and gently passing one over. "Thanks."

"Hey," you whistled softly to grab his attention. "I'm sweet on you, Arthur. You remember that, yeah?"

[jasminewalkerauthor]

Deep dives into folklore: Welsh folklore

Welsh folklore is a rich tapestry of myths, legends, and traditional stories that have been passed down through generations, shaping the cultural identity of the Welsh people. Rooted in a landscape steeped in history and mysticism, Welsh folklore reflects the unique character of Wales and its people. Let's take a deep dive into some key aspects of Welsh folklore:

The Mabinogion:

The Mabinogion is a collection of Welsh prose tales, comprising some of the earliest literary works in the Welsh language. It consists of four branches: Pwyll Pendefig Dyfed, Branwen ferch Llŷr, Manawydan fab Llŷr, and Math fab Mathonwy.

These tales are a blend of mythology, legend, and fantasy, featuring gods, heroes, and magical elements. Notable characters include Pryderi, Rhiannon, and Bran the Blessed.

The Red Dragon:

The Red Dragon is a symbol deeply ingrained in Welsh folklore and mythology. Legend has it that the red dragon was the emblem of Cadwaladr, a legendary king of Gwynedd. The dragon is associated with Welsh identity and pride and is prominently featured on the national flag of Wales.

King Arthur and the Welsh Connection:

The legendary King Arthur has strong ties to Welsh folklore. While the broader Arthurian legend is widespread, some key elements, such as the magical sword Excalibur and the wizard Merlin, have roots in Welsh tales like the Mabinogion.

Places like Caerleon and the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran in Llangollen are often linked to Arthurian legends.

Y Tylwyth Teg (The Fair Folk):

The Tylwyth Teg are Welsh fairies or magical beings often associated with mounds or fairy rings. They are known for their beauty and magical abilities. Crossing paths with them could lead to both blessings and misfortune, depending on the encounter.

Tales warn of the Tylwyth Teg taking humans to their underground realm, where time passes differently.

The Legend of Gelert:

The legend of Gelert is a poignant tale of loyalty and tragedy. It tells the story of Llywelyn the Great, a medieval Welsh prince, and his faithful hound Gelert. The dog is mistakenly killed by Llywelyn, who later discovers that Gelert had actually saved his son from a wolf.

The Mari Lwyd:

The Mari Lwyd is a traditional Welsh custom associated with the winter season. It involves a horse's skull mounted on a pole, decorated with ribbons and bells, carried by individuals who go from house to house, engaging in a form of door-to-door singing and challenge.

Celtic Water Spirits:

Wales, with its rivers, lakes, and coastline, has numerous tales of water spirits. Creatures like the Afanc, a lake monster, and the Gwragedd Annwn, beautiful water maidens, are part of Welsh folklore. These spirits often play pivotal roles in cautionary tales and myths.

Branwen Uerch Lyr:

The tragic tale of Branwen, the sister of the legendary King Bran the Blessed, is another prominent story in Welsh folklore. It involves betrayal, war, and the symbolic connection between Wales and Ireland.

Welsh folklore continues to inspire contemporary literature, art, and cultural expressions, maintaining a strong connection to the country's past. The tales and mythical elements contribute to the unique identity of Wales and its people, adding a layer of enchantment to the historical and natural landscape.

Taglist (reply or reblog to be added): @axl-ul @crow-flower @thoughts-fromthevoid @alderwoodbooks @harleyacoincidence @tuberosumtater @sonic-spade @theonlygardenia @holymzogynybatman @nulliel-tres @w0rkah0licz @sylvanthorn @tigertaurus22 @profiterole-reads @mathias-musings @1899adgg1997tbmd @grimmparanormalinvestigations

[aneurinallday]

The Four Branches of the Mabinogi

The Third Branch: Manawydan

Only seven British warriors survive the war with Ireland. Pryderi offers the throne to his friend Manawydan, along with his mother Rhiannon's hand in marriage. Manawydan and Rhiannon are happily married, and along with Pryderi and his wife Cigfa, lift a curse afflicting the kingdom of Dyfed.

First Branch, Second Branch, Fourth Branch

[gingersnaptaff]

Thinking about the fact that in Welsh mythology/ Welsh Arthurian legend the battle of Camlann was started by Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere) and his sister, Gwenhwyfar over NUTS. WJDJDJDJD

Imagine, ur husband and his nephew/kid/BROTHER-IN-LAW have to fight each other because of NUTS. What tf happened? Did Gwenhwyfar just fancy the last macadamia in the pot* and Gwenhwyfach threw such a strop that she slapped her?

(*tbf, I too have fancied the last macadamia nut on many occasions, but nobody has slapped me. Is it because I'm not the Queen of the Britons? Boi howdy, I gotta up my game.)

[birdsofrhiannon]

[apiswitchcraft]

the celtic gods

please note that sometimes history gets blended with stories created by neopagan groups, and it's above my pay grade to know what is what

the creation myth of the irish is pretty much lost to time, but as far neopagan groups are concerned, it began with a horse named Eioch emerging from sea foam. nearby a hearty tree grew which Eioch fed upon, and this tree may have been Cerunnos (not many sources exist to corroborate this). jealous of the giants (who created the earth) that were many in number, Cerunnos and Eioch procreated to create the gods

CERUNNOS: irish god of nature, life, and fertility. associated with horned animals

the clan of Tuatha De Danann

DANU/ANU/ANANN: the matriarch of Tuatha de Danann (literally meaning "the people of the goddess Danu"), she is the irish goddess of regeneration, wisdom (since the Tuatha de Danann themselves were crafty), and sovereignty

THE DAGDA: son of Elatha (a Fomorian king) and possibly Ethniu, a triple god and one chief of Tuatha de Danann, god of life and death, the seasons, magic, and agriculture

BRIGID: daughter of Dagd, irish goddess of healing, fire/metalworking, and poetry

AENGUS/OENGUS: son of Dagd, irish god of love, beauty, summer, youth, and inspiration

MIDIR: son of the Dagd, although his name may mean "judge," some stories say he crafted the rivers and lakes

ERNMAS: her name refers to death by weapons

THE MORRIGAN: daughter of Ernmas, a triple goddess and the other chief of Tuatha de Danann, irish goddess of war, death, prophecy and ravens. her aspects are often considered Badb, Macha, and Nemain/Anand/Eea

ERIU: sometimes considered a daughter of Ernmas, goddess of Ireland (Ireland is derived from her name) and sovereignty

BRES: son of Eriu and Elatha (of the Fomorians), he was an unpopular king of Tuatha de Danann since he often gave preferential treatment to the Fomorians

BANBA: sometimes considered a daughter of Ernmas, goddess of Ireland

FODLA: sometimes considered a daughter of Ernmas, goddess of Ireland

LUGH/LUGUS: son of Ethniu (of the Fomorians) and Cian (of Tuatha de Danann), irish god of nobility, warriors, crafts, oaths, justice and sometimes light or the sun. he kills Balor at the battle of Mag Tuired

NUADA: the first king of Tuatha de Danann, irish god of fairness, justice, and honesty

OGMA: son of Elatha (of the Fomorians), irish god of language, eloquence, and learning

DIAN CECHT: irish god of healing and medicine, Tuatha de Danann's healer. father of Cian and grandfather of Lugh

GOIBNIU: irish god of craft, metalsmith for the Tuatha de Danann

the clan of the Fomorians, who fought to take over Ireland,

DOMNU: irish goddess of the abyss, or deep sea. patron goddess of the Fomorians

INDECH: irish son of Domnu, sometimes king of the Fomorians, other times just a warrior

BALOR: a giant cyclops that is usually considered the chief of the Fomorians. it is his death, at the hands of his grandson Lugh, that creates a time of peace and prosperity in Ireland

CAITLIN/CETHLENN: wife of Balor, a prophet

ELATHA/EALADHA: a king of the Fomorians, son of Balor and Caitlin, perhaps a god of the sun

ETHNIU: daughter of Balor and by some sources, irish goddess of the North Star

gods associated with the underworld,

ARAWN: welsh god of hunting, magic, and lord of the Annwn (afterlife). represents honor and fairness

CERRIDWEN: welsh goddess of the underworld, a shapeshifting witch and prophet

MANANNAN/MANAWYDAN: welsh god of the sea and guardian of the underworld

and the rest,

MATH AP MATHONWY: brother of Don, god of magic, sorcery and enchantment. created Blodeuwedd for a man, and turned her into an owl when she became unfaithful

BELI: welsh god of fire, death, and darkness

DON: welsh equivalent of Danu, the mother goddess. there is another welsh god by this name who is considered the god of the dead

GOVANNON: son of Beli and Don, welsh god of blacksmithing and crafts

GILVAETHWY: son of Beli and Don, god of agriculture and ploughing

GWYDYON: son of Beli and Don, welsh god of war, magic, illusion, poetry, and music

AMATHON: son of Beli and Don, welsh god of agriculture

NUDD/LLUDD: son of Beli and Don, welsh god of healing

GWYNN AP NUDD: son of Nudd, king of the fair folk, associated with the Annwn

CREIDDYLAD/CORDELIA: daughter of Lludd, welsh goddess of flowers and desire

ARIANRHOD: virgin goddess of the moon, reincarnation, the sky, and fertility. tricked into jumping over the magic wand of Math, which made her give birth to Dylan and Lleu. she refused to claim Lleu as her son and laid three curses upon him

DYLAN: welsh god of the sea and waves

LLEU: welsh hero, often attributed the same powers as Gwydion

AERON: welsh god of battle, slaughter, and fate

LLYR: welsh equivalent of Lir, god of the sea

MANAWYDDAN: son of Llyr, welsh god of the sea

BRAN: son of Llyr, welsh god of prophecy, war, and kingship

BRANWEN: daughter of Llyr, welsh goddess of love, beauty, and marriage

MODRON/MATRONA: mother of Mabon, welsh goddess of motherhood

MABON: welsh god of eternal youth, hunting, love, and the autumnal equinox

TALIESIN: welsh god of bards and poetry/music

MERLIN/MYRRDIN: welsh god of magic, gifted with prophecy and wisdom

RHIANNON: welsh equivalent of Epona, goddess of horses, motherhood, and strength

PRYDERI: son of Pwyll and Rhiannon, hero who's story is told in the Mabinogi

BLODEUWEDD: welsh goddess of flowers and emotions, protector of women

AINS/AINE: irish goddess of summer, fertility, and crops, Queen of the Faeries

EPONA: gaelic goddess of horses and fertility

BORVO/BORMO: gaelic god of hot springs

BELENUS: irish god of the sun, fire, healing, and fertility. celebrated during Beltainne

CAILLEACH/SCOTIA: irish goddess of the winds and winter, patron of animals

DRUANTIA: gaelic goddess of trees, fertility and passion, seen as Queen of the Druids

ESUS/AISUS: gaelic god of vegetation

FAND: irish goddess of the sea

FIONN MAC CUMHAILL: irish god of the woodlands, leader of the Fianna hunters

MAEVE/MEDB: irish goddess of sovereignty, intoxication, seduction

SCATHACH SCATA: irish warrior goddess, teacher, prophet, and sorceress

SUCELLOS: gaelic god of good fortune, wine, an agriculture, equivalent to the Dagd

TAILTIU: irish goddess of the earth, vigor, strength, and endurance. foster mother of Lugh

TARANIS: gaelic god of thunder and storms, associated with wheels

TEUTATES/ALBORIX/CATURIX: gaelic god of the tribe, protector of the people

[welshwitchking]

The Houses of the Mabinogi

The Houses of Dôn and Llyr are connected by marriage through Llyr's wife, Penarddun but are diverse in their stories and personalities.

Dôn collage to the bottom left, Llyr collage to the bottom right.

The House of Dôn, apart from the mother goddess herself, boasts two powerful magicians: Math and Gwydion. Also the Goddess of the Wheel of the Year, Arianhod, and her estranged son Lleu Llaw Gyffes are popular characters of this house. The children of Dôn also include Amaethon, the god of agriculture and who started the 'Cad Goddeu' or Battle of the Trees, where all the children declared war against Arawn, King of Annwn. They only won due to Gwydion's expert wizardy with his summoning of a tree army. Finally, the grandson of Dôn, Gwyn, son of Nudd, is popular in Welsh folklore as the king of the Tylwyth Teg (fairy-folk) and leader of the Wild Hunt.

The House of Llyr is smaller in sized but full of tragedy.

Llyr has two sons and one daughter, Branwen. She gets betrothed to the King of Ireland, Matholwch. On return to ireland though, she gets forced into the kitchens. After hearing of his sisters plight, Bran the Blessed, a giant and the King of Britain, wades across the Irish Sea with an army of Welshmen, including his brother and trusted advisor Manawydan. After the tragic death of Branwen's son Gwern, the Welsh and Irish fight until no-one is left but Bran, Branwen, Manawydan and six Welshmen. Unfortunately, Bran finds a poison arrow in his leg and as he is dying, asks Manawydan to cut off his head and take it back to Wales. Upon their return, Branwen dies of a broken heart from her brother and sons death.

[gawrkin]

All the Canons, All at once

I am always thinking about the vast Arthurian Mythos and its various traditions and canons. All of them being mutually exclusive to each other...

...Aaaand I can't help but want to smash them together like playdough. Its my favorite past-time as of late.

Like, don't tell me no-one has ever amused themselves of the fact that the Celtic Gods like Gwyn ap Nudd and Manawydan just hanging out in Arthur's court with Palamedes, Dubricius, Galahad and Nasciens.

Or my very favorite concept of Guinevere being a giantess AND a sorceress while also being Morgan the fairy's ex-girlfriend Best-friend-turned-Arch-nemesis. Nevermind what this means for Lancelot, Arthur, Galehaut, Meleagant and the other abductors.

Or the various children that's been given to every character, including Palamedes, Merlin and Tristan. Even Freaking Lancelot and Guinevere have children together. They even have a grandson in Gargantua.

You could literally have your own next-gen version of the Round Table, led by Amr, Loholt and Melora. Staffed by: Guingalain, Ysaye, Lohengrin, Brisan, Bronsidel, Melehan, Munsolinos, Amren, Garanwyn, Kelemon, Andronia, Florismarte, Pantagruel, Vanoc, etc.

And then Dragon Knight Branor, (From Uther's Generation of Round Table Knights) shows up and kicks their asses.