Exploring the myths of the Celtic nations.
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.
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.
You can also listen to this episode on the podcast here.
You find out more about the marvellous Tom Hirons here.
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.
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
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
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?
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 podcast version here:
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
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.
The story of Rhiannon is found in the first and third branches of the Mabinogi. One of the most important books written on the subject is Rhiannon by W.J. Gruffydd, one of Wales’ most prominent poets and scholars of the 20th century. But why is his work so ingenious and contentious? This talk is the first in a series exploring this book in depth. Feel free to follow along.
Listen to the podacst here: