A short discussion on Taliesin’s potential to transform his patron through the bardic power of myth!
Author Archives: Gwilym Morus-Baird
Awen, symbol and cauldron
In this talk, I take a look at the role of awen in creating symbolic reality and give an outline of some of the symbolic meanings that can be found in the great mythic cauldron of the Celts. You can sign up for all of the courses on this website with the monthly membership. SeeContinue reading “Awen, symbol and cauldron”
Celtic Spirituality and Cultural Appropriation
This is an old issue when it comes to Celtic culture and our historical source texts. In this video I try to unpick the position we’re currently in from the perspective of Welsh culture, and explain why I’m not necessarily taking the usual route with this field of study.
Mari Lwyd – The Welsh Sources and Meaning
An overview of the Mari Lwyd folk custom and the meaning of some of the folk verses sung during the festivities.
This Mythic Life
An interview I did in December 2019 with Sharon Blackie, author of If Women Rose Rooted, for her podcast This Mythic Life. We discuss the Welsh Bardic Tradition, how they used myth and how Taliesin is the embodiment of bardic myth making.
What was the real power of Taliesin?
What power did the historical Taliesin wield? As a sixth century chief bard of the early Welsh his ceremonial role involved more than praising and eulogising the great war chiefs of his time. Taken from a live Q&A where I was responding to answers sent in by students following the Taliesin Origins course.
What does Annwfn mean?
. . . and how its meaning may have evolved over time.
Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange)
Brú na Bóinne is an enormous passage grave in Ireland that was built about five thousand years ago, and it was considered a dwelling place of gods for at least three and a half thousand years. So how come this ancient monument played such a prominent role in Irish history?
The Twrch Trwyth
The Twrch Trwyth, a nobleman transformed into a giant boar, is one of the more prominent characters in Welsh myth. In the tale of Culhwch and Olwen he is hunted by Arthur and his men, but not even these great heroes can vanquish this most terrible of enchanted beasts. So why is the Trwch TrwythContinue reading “The Twrch Trwyth”
The Conversion of the British Celts
Christianity is one of the most successful religions ever. Through out its long history it has gained enormous political and cultural power, and attracted the devotion of billions. So what was the key to its success in Celtic Britain?