The Folklore of Gwyn ap Nudd, Part 1
This is the first in a series of talks on Welsh folklore. Gwyn ap Nudd is one of the clearest examples of a Welsh folk character who has remained largely unchanged during the last millennia. We begin with his exploits as a mischievous spirit bothering travellers out in the wilds.
Are you using myths? Or are myths using you?
Following on from a question about patriarchy and The Three Romances of the Mabinogi, here’s an outline of an old problem that most of us will fall into at some point or another.
The Bleeding Lance in Celtic myth
In this last talk on Peredur and the Three Romances of The Mabinogion, we take a look at one of the more overlooked elements in the famous Grail procession scene, and find that the Bleeding Lance is best understood in the context of Celtic myth, where its meaning becomes clear.
The Fisher King’s Question
The Mabinogion tale of Peredur contains a version of the famous grail scene that so fascinated medieval audiences across Europe. But in a Welsh context, this scene has several other meanings, just as profound and just as pertinent to the study of Celtic storytelling.
Contemplating the Goddess in Welsh story
In this first video on the Mabinogion romance of Peredur we see how symbolic colours and martial arts witches give the hero a brief respite from his constant fighting.
The Enchanted Mist in Welsh Myth
In this third video on the Mabinogion story of Geraint, we delve into the many enchanted mists contained in this old Welsh story, and trying to discern what the mists mean . . .
Patterns in Welsh Storytelling
In this second video on the story of Geraint from the Mabinogion, we look at how medieval Welsh storytellers wove repeating patterns and symmetry into their stories. In Geraint, this technique is used to deepen the theme of the hero’s journey.
Were the Welsh bards shamans?
A question that often arises on courses is whether or not the medieval Welsh bards — those that gave us the Taliesin myth as we understand it today — were shamans in any way? As always, the answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.
The Taliesin Tradition
Online course: February 2021 TBC
The Taliesin myth is one of Britain’s oldest surviving traditions. With its roots in the Celtic Iron Age it continues to flourish to this day as a central part of Welsh language culture, modern Paganism and Druidry. The main sources for this tradition include some of the oldest, most mystical and intriguing poems of the Welsh bardic tradition, as well as some of the better known folk stories of Wales. By examining these sources in detail, this course explores the evolution of this venerable mythology; what is essentially the oldest surviving evocation of a native British priesthood.
If you would like to book your place on this online course, please follow the instructions in the course information document:
Week 1. From Druids to Bards
Beginning in the Celtic Iron Age, this session follows the evolution of the Brythonic priest class through the Roman period, into the Early and High Middle Ages. Along the way we will follow the development of the Welsh bardic tradition, beginning with the historical Taliesin in the 6th century and ending with the bardic nobility of 12th century Wales.
Week 2. The Chief Bards: Cynddelw Brydydd Mawr and Prydydd y Moch
From the 11th century onwards, we see the chief bards of Wales not only serving the Welsh aristocracy, but also evoking the Taliesin mythology in poetry and performance, as suggested in the poem Angar Kyfundawt.
Week 3 and 4. Poems from The Book of Taliesin
The Book of Taliesin gives a rare glimpse of the esoteric culture of the medieval Welsh bards. Week 3 and 4 are dedicated to interpreting the more important poems from the book, including Prif Gyuarch Geluyd, Buarth Beird, Kat Godeu, Mabgyfreu Taliessin, Mydwyf Merweryd, Kadeir Teÿrnon, Kadeir Kerrituen, Preideu Annwfyn.
Week 5. The Later Tradition: Poetry 1300 – 1600
The Late Middle Ages saw the slow transformation of the Welsh bardic guilds. As Welsh society changed under English occupation, so too did Welsh bardic culture. During this period the Taliesin myth was taken up by a new generations of bards.
Week 6. The Later Tradition: Folklore 1500 – 1900
The Taliesin mythology persists into the modern era as part of Welsh folk culture. The story of Taliesin and Ceridwen was once common throughout Wales. By comparing the different versions of the story with the earlier material from the course, this session looks at the shape of the tradition as it’s passed onto us today.
If you would like to book your place on this online course, please follow the instructions in the course information document: