In this third part of the series, Tom Hirons and myself talk through his poem ‘Sometimes a Wild God’ and some of it’s connections to the Green Knight. The following discussion explores Sir Gawain’s relationship with Lady Bertilak and what this can tell us about medieval and modern ideas of sexuality. You can also listenContinue reading “Sir Gawain, Woman and Wild God”
Category Archives: Celtic Mythology
Sir Gawain, Desire and Death
In this second part of the conversation between the poet Tom Hirons and myself we explore the different tensions in Sir Gawain, initially between desire and death, and then between the different types of morality that can be read in the poem. Listen to the podcast episode here.
Sir Gawain and the Mabinogi (Part 1)
I have been intending to explore Sir Gawain for some time now, and I thought it best to do it in conversation with a good friend of mine, the poet, storyteller and guide Tom Hirons. We recorded a lengthy conversation that I’ve edited into several chapters. Here is the first, Sir Gawain and the Mabinogi.Continue reading “Sir Gawain and the Mabinogi (Part 1)”
The Story of the Story
The Mabinogi contain many influences and draw on many sources. In this last talk on Rhiannon’s Mabinogi, we look at W.J. Gruffydd’s conclusions about how the Mabinogi evolved, and take a brief look at later scholars who disagree with his basic premise. You can also listen to this talk as a podcast here.
The Goddess’ Stolen Child
There are several stories in the Welsh tradition and beyond about stolen children and their mothers, but what do they mean? Part 6 of Rhiannon’s Mabinogi. Listen as a podcast here: https://anchor.fm/celtic-source/episodes/45–The-Goddess-Stolen-Child-e1umrqv
Who is Manawydan?
Manawydan in Welsh myth and Manannán in Irish myth are often considered variations on the same mythological figure. But is this true? And if so what connects them? Part 6 of Rhiannon’s Mabinogi. You can also listen to this episode as a podcast: https://anchor.fm/celtic-source/episodes/43–Who-is-Manawydan-e1u73u0
Ceridwen’s Mabinogi?
To really understand a myth we need to understand the tradition in which it arises. So what is the broader tradition that Ceridwen’s myth arises in?
A Queen Betrayed
Both Rhiannon’s and Branwen’s stories in the Mabinogi express some of the most tragic themes in Celtic myth. They are also very similar to later folktales from other traditions. In comparing all of these stories we find some very interesting ideas and beliefs common to many of them. You can also listen to the podcastContinue reading “A Queen Betrayed”
The Celtic Wonder-child Myth
Myths about immortal fathers and miraculous births are found in many cultures across the world, including the stories of the Welsh and the Irish. What does this widespread myth tell us about mythology itself? Rhiannon’s Mabinogi part 3. You can also listen to this episode as a podcast here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/8cvTIARTAvb
How can we understand the Mabinogi?
In this second video on W.J.Gruffydd’s classic of Celtic scholarship, Rhiannon we explore his comparison of the Irish story the Conception of Mongán with the Welsh story of Pwyll in Annwfn. What can this tell us about Celtic myth? You can also listen to this episode as a podcast. https://anchor.fm/celtic-source/embed/episodes/40–How-can-we-understand-the-Mabinogi–Rhiannons-Mabinogi-part-2-e1rhvp7