.

n<iim*t :

ii~t--iii

-rri'-WT -^
i

'^

'

"'?"'^"^-

SHER

UNWIN

Thornton &Son,
Booksellers,
Ti

The Broad,

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in

2011 with funding from

University of Toronto

http://www.archive.org/details/mabinogion03schr

Ebe Melsb Xibrar^

Edited by Owen Edwards

THE MABINOGION

^h^ JRabittogmn

THE FINDING OF TALIESIN,

THEMABl NOGION
TRANSLATED FROM THE RED BOOK OF HERGEST BY LADY CHARLOTTE GUEST VOL. HL LONDON
r.

FISHER

UNVVIN
MXCII

II

PATERNOSTER

BUILDINGS.

VOLUME

III.

PWYLL, PRINCE OF DYVED

BRANWEN, DAUGHTER OF LLYR

MANAWYDDAN, SON OF LLYR

MATH, SON OF MATHONWY

STORY OF LLUDD AND LLEVELYS

HISTORY OF TALIESIN

INTRODUCTION.
This third volume completes the series of Mabinogion and tales translated by Lady Charlotte
Guest.

As
the

in

the

two preceding volumes,

of Hergest, and with

have com-

pared Lady Guest's transcript with the original text in

Red Book

Dr Gwenogvryn
I

Evans' scrupulously accurate diplomatic edition.

have, as before, revised the translation as carefully as

I could. I

have not altered Lady Guest's version in

;

the slightest degree

but

have again put in the form

of foot-notes what seems to

me

to

be a better or a
are fairly

more

literal translation.
;

The mistranslations

few in number
Channel.

but some of them are quite important,

such as the references to pagan baptism or to the Irish

At the end of

my

revision I

may

say that I

have been struck by the comparative accuracy of the

transcript of the

Red Book which Lady Guest

used,

and by the accurate thoroughness with which she translated every one of the tales. This volume contains the oldest of the Mabinogion
7

INTRODUCTION
four branches of the

the

Mabinogion proper and the kindred tale of Lludd and Llevelys. In all these we are in a perfectly pagan atmosphere, neither the

introduction of Christianity nor the growth of chivalry

having affected them to any extent.

The
that
is

Story of Taliesin

is

the only one in the series

not found in the

Red Book

of Hergest.

It is

taken from very

is

much

later manuscripts,
Its subject,

and

its

Welsh
akin

much more modern.

of the

however,
if,

is

to that

Mabinogion proper;

indeed, the
is

contest

between Elphin and the bards

an echo

of the contest between decaying Paganism and growing

Christianity.

OWEN

EDAVARDS.

Llanuwchllyn,
13//^

September 1902.

CONTENTS
PAGE

PWYLL, PRINCE OF DYVED

II

BRANWEN, DAUGHTER OF LLYR

39
6i

MANAWYDDAN, SON OF LLYR

MATH, SON OF MATHONWY
.

80
108
117

STORY OF LLUDD AND LLEVELYS

HISTORY OF TALIESIN

-^^^:S

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED.

PwYLL, prince of Dyved, was lord of the seven Cantrevs of Dyved and once upon a time he was at Narberth his chief palace, and he was minded to go and hunt, and the part of his dominions in which it pleased him to hunt was Glyn Cuch. So he set forth from Narberth that night, and went as far as Llwyn Diarwyd.^ And that night he tarried there, and early 2 on the morrow he rose and came to Glyn
;
^

Diarwya.

While the day was

still

young.
II

12
;

THE MABINOGION

Cuch when he let loose the dogs in the wood, and sounded the horn, and began the chace. And as he followed the dogs, he lost his companions and whilst he listened to the hounds, he heard the cry of other hounds, a cry different from his own, and coming in the opposite direction. And he beheld a glade in the wood forming a level plain, and as his dogs came to the edge of the glade, he saw a stag before the other dogs. And lo, as it reached the middle of the glade, the dogs that followed the stag overtook it, and brought it down. Then looked he at the colour of the dogs, staying not to look at the stag, and of all the hounds that he had seen in the world, he had never seen any that were like unto those. For their hair was of a brilliant shining white, and their ears were red and as the
;
;

whiteness of their bodies shone, so did the redness of their ears glisten. And he came towards the dogs, and drove away those that had brought down the stag,

and

set his

own dogs upon

it.

And as he was setting on his dogs, he saw a horseman coming towards him upon a large light grey
steed, with a hunting
in

horn about

his neck,

and clad

garments of grey woollen in the fashion of a hunting garb. And the horseman drew near and spoke " Chieftain," said he, " I know who unto him thus. thou art, and I greet thee not." " Peradventure," said Pwyll, " thou art of such dignity that thou ''Verily," answered he, ''it is shouldest not do so." not my dignity that prevents me." " What is it then, O chieftain ? " asked he. " By Heaven, it is by reason of thine own ignorance and want of courtesy." " What discourtesy. Chieftain, hast thou seen in me?" "Greater discourtesy saw I never in man,"

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

said
he,

13

away the dogs that were This kiUing the stag, and to set upon it thine own. was discourteous, and though I may not be revenged upon thee, yet I declare to Heaven that I will do thee more dishonour than the value of an hundred *'0 chieftain," he replied, "if I have done stags." " How wilt thou ill I will redeem thy friendship."
^'than to drive

('a

redeem it?"
but
I

"According

as thy dignity

may

be,

crowned King am I in the land whence I come." "Lord," said he, " may the day prosper with thee, and from what land " From Annwvyn," answered he comest thou ? " "Arawn, a King of Annwvyn, ^ am I." "Lord," said
he,

know not who thou

art ? "

"A

"how may

I
^

gain thy friendship?''

"After

this

Arawn, king

of

Annwvyn,

"

"

14

THE MABINOGION

manner mayest thou," he said, ^* There is a man whose dominions are opposite to mine, who is ever warring against me, and he is Havgan, a King of Annwvyn, and by ridding me of this oppression which thou canst easily do shalt thou gain my friendship." ** Gladly will I do this," said he, **sh.ow me how I may." " I will show thee. Behold thus it is thou mayest. I will make firm friendship with thee and
;

send thee to Annwvyn in my stead, and I will give thee the fairest lady thou didst ever behold, to be thy companion, and I will put my form and semblance upon thee, so that not a page of the chamber, nor an officer, nor any other man that
this will I do,
I

will

has always followed

me

be morrow, and then will " but when I shall have been there for the said he space of a year, by what means shall I discover him of whom thou speakest?" ^' One year from this night," he answered, "is the time fixed between him and me, that we should meet at the Ford be thou there in my likeness, and with one stroke that thou givest him, he shall no longer live. And if he ask thee to give him another, give it not, how much soever he may entreat thee, for when I did so, he fought with me next day as well as ever before." "Verily," said Pwyll, " what shall I do concerning my kingdom ? Said Arawn, " I will cause that no one in all thy dominions, neither man, nor woman, shall know that I am not thou, and I will go there in thy stead." "Gladly then/' said Pwyll, "will I set forward." " Clear shall be thy path and nothing shall detain thee, until thou come into my dominions, and I myself will be thy guide
this shall

And

for the

know that it is not I. space of a year from towe meet in this place." '^ Yes,"
shall

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

So he conducted him until he came in sight of " Behold," said he, the palace and its dwellings. "the Court and the kingdom in thy power. Enter the Court, there is no one there who will know thee, and when thou seest ^ what service is done there, thou wilt know the customs of the Court." So he went forward to the Court, and when he came there, he beheld sleeping rooms, and halls, and chambers, and the most beautiful buildings ever seen. And he went into the hall to disarray, and there came youths and pages and disarrayed him, and all as they entered saluted him. And two knights came and drew his hunting dress from about him, and clothed him in a vesture of silk and gold. And the hall was prepared, and behold he saw the household and the host enter in, and the host was the most comely and the best equipped that he had ever seen. And with them came in likewise the Queen, who was the fairest woman that he ever yet beheld. And she had on a yellow robe of shining satin and they washed and went to the table, and they sat, the Queen upon one side of him, and one who seemed to be an Earl on the other side. And he began to speak with the Queen, and he thought from her speech, that she was the seemliest, and most noble lady of converse and of cheer that ever was. And they partook of meat, and drink, with songs, and with feasting and of all the Courts upon the earth, behold this was the best supplied with food and drink, and vessels of gold and royal
;
;

jewels.

And

the year he spent in hunting,

^

and

minstrelsy,

And

as thou seest.

i6

THE MABINOGION
feasting,

and discourse with his companions, until the night that was fixed for the conflict. And when that night came, it was remembered even by those who hved in the farthest part of his dominions, and he went to the meeting, and the nobles of the kingdom with him. And when he came to the Ford, a knight arose and spake thus, ''Lords,'' said he, "listen well. It is between two Kings that this meeting is, and between them only. Each claimeth of the other his land and territory, and do all of you stand aside and leave the fight to be
diversions,

and

and

between them."

in

Thereupon the two Kings approached each other the middle of the Ford, and encountered, and at
first

the

thrust,

the

man who was

in

the

stead of

Arawn^ struck Havgan on the centre of the boss of his shield, so that it was cloven in twain, and his armour was broken, and Havgan himself was borne to the ground an arm's and a spear's length over the crupper of his horse, and he received a deadly blow. ''O Chieftain," said Havgan, "what right hast thou to cause my death? I was not injuring thee in any

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

thing,

not wherefore thou wouldest slay for the love of Heaven, since thou hast me. "Ah, begun to slay me, complete thy work." ** Chieftain," he replied, I may yet repent doing that unto thee. Slay thee who may, I will not do so."^ "My trusty Lords," said Havgan, "bear me hence. My death has come. I shall be no more able to uphold you." "My Nobles," also said he who was in the semblance of Arawn, " take counsel and know who ought to be my subjects." "Lord," said the Nobles, "all should be, for there is no King over the whole of Annwvyn but thee." "Yes," he replied, "it is right that he who comes humbly should be received graciously, but he that doth not come with obedience, shall be compelled by the force of swords." And thereupon he received the homage of the men, and he began to conquer the country ; and the next day by noon the two kingdoms were in his power.
I

and But

know

And

thereupon he went to keep his tryst, and came to Glyn Cuch. And when he came there, the king of Annwvyn was there to meet him, and each of them was
" Verily," said Arawn, rejoiced to see the other. "may Heaven reward thee for thy friendship towards me, I have heard of it. When thou comest thyself to thy dominions," said he, " thou wilt see that which

have done for thee." "Whatever thou hast done for me, may Heaven repay it thee." Then Arawn gave to Pwyll Prince of Dyved his proper form and semblance, and he himself took his own and Arawn set forth towards the Court of
I
;

"

It

may be

thee.

Seek

whom

that I shall repent for what I have done unto thou wiliest to slay thee, I shall not slay

thee."

THE MABINOGION
;

and he was rejoiced when he beheld his hosts, and his household, whoni he had not seen so long but they had not known of his absence, and wondered no more at his coming than usual. And that day w^as spent in joy and merriment; and he sat and conversed with his wife and his nobles. And when it was time for them rather to sleep than
;

Annwvyn

to carouse, they

went to

rest.

Prince of Dyved, came likewise to his country and dominions, and began to enquire of the nobles of the land, how his rule had been during the past year, compared with what it had been before. *' Lord," said they, " thy wisdom was never so great, and thou wert never so kind nor so free in bestowing thy gifts, and thy justice was never more worthily *' By Heaven," said he, seen than in this year." "for all the good you have enjoyed, you should thank him who hath been with you ; for behold, thus hath this matter been." And thereupon Pwyll " Verily, Lord," said related the whole unto them. '* render thanks unto Heaven that thou hast they, such a fellowship, and withhold not from us the rule which we have enjoyed for this year past." '^ I take Heaven to witness that I will not withhold it,"
Pwyll,

answered Pwyll.
strong the friendship that w^as between them, and each sent unto the other

And

thenceforth they

made

and greyhounds, and hawks, and jewels as they thought would be pleasing
horses,
other.

all

such to each

by reason of his having dwelt that year in Annwvyn, and having ruled there so prosperously, and united the two kingdoms in one day by his valour and prowess, he lost the name of Pwyll Prince

And

; ;

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

of Dyved,

and was

called Pwyll Chief of

Annwvyn

from that time forward.

Pwyll was at Narberth his chief palace, where a feast had been prepared for him, and with him was a great host of men. And after the first meal, Pwyll arose to walk, and he went to the top of a mound that was above the palace, and was called Gorsedd Arberth. " Lord," said one
a
time,

Once upon

of the Court, *^ it is peculiar to the mound that whosoever sits upon it cannot go thence, without either receiving wounds or blows, or else seeing a wonder.'' '' I fear not to receive wounds and blows in the midst of such a host as this, but as to the wonder, gladly would I will go therefore and sit upon the mound.'' I see it. And upon the mound he sat. And while he sat there, they saw a lady, on a pure white horse of large size, with a garment of shining gold around her, coming along the high way that led from the mound and the horse seemed to move at a slow and even pace, and to be coming up towards the mound. '* My men," said Pwyll, "is there any among you who knows yonder lady?" *' There is not. Lord," said " Go one of you and meet her, that we may they. know who she is." And one of them arose, and as he came upon the road to meet her, she passed by, and he followed as fast as he could, being on foot and the greater was his speed, the further was she from him. And when he saw that it profited him nothing to follow her, he returned to Pwyll, and said unto him, " Lord, it is idle for any one in the world to follow her on foot." "Verily," said Pwyll, "go unto the palace, and take the fleetest horse that thou
seest,

and go

after her."

20

THE MABINOGION
to an

took a horse and went forward. And he open level plain, and put spurs to his horse and the more he urged his horse, the further was she from him. Yet she held the same pace as at first. And his horse began to fail ; and when his horse's feet failed him, he returned to the place where Pwyll was. *^Lord,'' said he, *' it will avail nothing

And he
;

came

of no horse in these realms swifter than this, and it availed me not to pursue her." "Of a truth,'' said Pwyll, "there must be some illusion here. Let us go towards the palace." So to the palace they went, and they spent that day. And the next day they arose, and that also they spent until it was time to go to meat. And after the first meal, " Verily," said Pwyll, " we will go the same party as yesterday to the top of the mound. And do thou," said he to one of " his young men, take the swiftest horse that thou knowest in the field." And thus did the young man. And they went towards the mound, taking the horse with them. And as they were sitting down they beheld the lady on the same horse, and in the same "Behold," apparel, coming along the same road. Make said Pwyll, " here is the lady of yesterday. " Lord," ready, youth, to learn who she is." " said he, that will I gladly do." And thereupon the lady came opposite to them. So the youth mounted his horse ; and before he had settled himself in his saddle, she passed by, and there was a clear space between them. But her speed was no greater than it had been the day before. Then he put his horse into an amble, and thought that notwithstanding the gentle pace at which his horse went, he should soon But this availed him not ; so he gave overtake her.
for

any one to follow yonder lady.

know

My

I " ;

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

his horse the reins.

21

And

still

he came no nearer to

And the her than when he went at a foot's pace. more he urged his horse, the further was she from Yet she rode not faster than before. When him. he saw that it availed not to follow her, he returned ^*Lord,'' said he, to the place where Pwyll was. "the horse can no more than thou hast seen." *' see indeed that it avails not that any one should
follow her.

And by Heaven,"

said he,

"she must
her

needs have an errand to some one in

this plain, if

Let us go back haste would allow her to declare it. And to the palace they went, and to the palace." they spent that night in songs and feasting, as it
pleased them. And the next day they amused themselves until it was time to go to meat. And when meat was ended, Pwyll said, " Where are the hosts that went yesterday and the day before to the top of the mound ? " Let us " Behold, Lord, we are here," said they. And do go," said he, "to the mound, to sit there. thou," said he to the page who tended his horse, " saddle my horse well, and hasten with him to the road, and bring also my spurs with thee." And the youth did thus. And they went and sat upon the mound and ere they had been there but a short time, they beheld the lady coming by the same road, and in the same manner, and at the same pace. " Young man," said Pwyll, " I see the lady coming give me my horse." And no sooner had he mounted his horse than she passed him. And he turned after her and followed her. And he let his horse go bounding playfully, and thought that at the second step or the third he should come up with her. But he came no nearer to her than at first. Then he
;

22

THE MABINOGION

urged his horse to his utmost speed, yet he found that it availed nothing to follow her. Then said Pwyll, maiden, for sake him the of "O whom thou best
lovest, stay for me.''
*' ^*

will stay gladly," said she,

hadst thou asked it long since.'' So the maiden stopped, and she threw back that part of her head dress which covered her And she fixed her eyes upon him, and began face. to talk with him. '*Lady," asked he, ''whence comest thou, and whereunto dost thou journey?" " I journey on mine own errand," said she, " and '* right glad am I to see thee." My greeting be unto thee," said he. Then he thought that the beauty of all the maidens, and all the ladies that he had ever seen, was as nothing compared to her beauty. '* Lady," he said, "wilt thou tell me aught concern''I will tell thee," said she. ing thy purpose?" *'My chief quest was to seek thee." "Behold," said Pwyll, "this is to me the most pleasing quest on which thou couldst have come ; and wilt thou tell me who thou art?" "I will tell thee. Lord," said she, " I am Rhiannon, the daughter of Heveydd Hen, and they sought to give me to a husband against my
it

and

were better

for thy horse

But no husband would I have, and that because of my love for thee, neither will I yet have one unless thou reject me. And hither have I come " By Heaven," said Pwyll, to hear thy answer." If I might choose "behold this is my answer. among all the ladies and damsels in the world, thee would I choose." "Verily," said she, " If thou art thus minded, make a pledge to meet me ere 1 am "The sooner I may do so, the given to another." more pleasing will it be unto me," said Pwyll, "and wheresoever thou wilt, there will I meet with the^."
will.

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

'^

23
at

I will that

thou meet

will cause a feast to the palace of be prepared, so that it be ready against thou come.'' "Lord," "Gladly," said he, "will I keep this tryst."

me this Heveydd. And I

day twelvemonth

said she,

"remain

in health,

and be mindful

that thou

keep thy promise ; and now will I go hence." So they parted, and he went back to his hosts and to them of his household. And whatsoever questions they asked him respecting the damsel, he always

And when turned the discourse upon other matters. a year from that time was gone, he caused a hundred knights to equip themselves and to go with him to And he came to the the palace of Heveydd Hen. him, with concerning palace, and there was great joy much concourse of people and great rejoicing, and And the whole vast preparations for his coming. court was placed under his orders. And the hall was garnished and they went to meat, and thus did they sit Heveydd Hen was on one side of Pwyll, and Rhiannon on the other. And all the And they eat and feasted rest according to their rank. and talked one with another, and at the beginning of the carousal after the meat, there entered a tall auburn-haired youth, of royal bearing, clothed in a garment of satin. And when he came into the hall, " The greethe saluted Pwyll and his companions. ing of Heaven be unto thee, my soul," said Pwyll, "come thou and sit down." "Nay," said he, "a
;

Do so " " willingly," said Pwyll. Lord," said he, my errand is unto thee, and it is to crave a boon of thee that I come." " What boon soever thou mayest ask of me,
suitor
I,

am

and

will

do mine errand."

"

as far as I

am able, thou shalt have." "Ah," said " Rhiannon, Wherefore didst thou give that answer ? "

24
"

THE MABINOGION

given it before the presence of these nobles?" asked the youth. *^My soul," said Pwyll, **what is the boon thou askest?" ^'The lady whom best I love is to be thy bride this night ; I come to ask her of thee, with the feast and the banquet that are in this place." And Pwyll was silent because of " Be silent as long the answer which he had given. " as thou wilt," said Rhiannon. Never did man make worse use of his wits than thou hast done." " Lady," said he, "I knew not who he was." ^'Behold, this is the man to whom they would have given me against my will," said she. *' And he is Gwawl the son of Clud, a man of great power and wealth, and because of the word thou hast spoken, bestow me upon him " Lady," said he, *^ I underlest shame befall thee." stand not thine answer. Never can I do as thou him," said she, "and I sayest." ^* Bestow me upon "By what will cause that I shall never be his." means will that be?" asked Pwyll. "In thy hand " See that will I give thee a small bag," said she. thou keep it well, and he will ask of thee the banquet, and the feast, and the preparations which are not in thy power. Unto the hosts and the household will I give the feast. And such will be thy answer respecting this. And as concerns myself, I will engage to become his bride this night twelve-month. And at the end of the year be thou here," said she, "and bring this bag with thee, and let thy hundred knights be in the orchard up yonder. And when he is in the midst of joy and feasting, come thou in by thyself, clad in ragged garments, and holding thy bag in thy hand, and ask nothing but a bagfull of food, and I will cause that if all the meat and liquor that are in these seven Cantrevs were put into it, it would be no fuller

Has he not

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

than before.
therein,
full.

25

And

after a great deal has

never will, until a man of noble birth and of great wealth arise and press the Enough food in the bag, with both his feet saying, ; and I will cause him to go has been put therein and tread down the food in the bag, and when he does so, turn thou the bag, so that he shall be up over his head in it, and then slip a knot upon the Let there be also a good bugle thongs of the bag. horn about thy neck, and as soon as thou hast bound him in the bag, wind thy horn, and let it be a signal between thee and thy knights. And when they hear
it
*
'

he will ask thee, Say thou then that

been put whether thy bag will ever be

the sound of the horn, let them come down upon the palace." "Lord," said Gwawl, "it is meet that I have an answer to my request." " As much of that thou hast asked as it is in my power to give, thou " soul," said Rhiannon shalt have," replied Pwyll. " unto him, as for the feast and the banquet that are here, I have bestowed them upon the men of Dyved, and the household, and the warriors that are with us. These can I not suffer to be given to any. In a year from to-night a banquet shall be prepared for thee in this palace, that I may become thy bride." So Gwawl went forth to his possessions, and Pwyll went also back to Dyved. And they both spent that year until it was the time for the feast at the palace of Heveydd Hen. Then Gwawl the son of Clud set out to the feast that was prepared for him, and he came to the palace, and was received there with rejoicing. Pwyll, also, the chief of Annwn came to the orchard with his hundred knights, as Rhiannon had commanded him, having the bag with him. And Pwyll was clad in coarse and ragged garments, and wore

My

26
large

THE MABINOGION
clumsy old shoes upon
his feet.

he knew that the carousal after the meat had begun, he went towards the hall, and when he came into the hall, he saluted Gwawl the son of Clud, and his company, both men and women. " Heaven prosper thee,'' said Gwawl, '^and the greeting of Heaven be unto thee.'"' *' Lord," said he, " May Heaven reward " Welcome be thee, I have an errand unto thee." thine errand, and if thou ask of me that which is just, thou shalt have it gladly." *' It is fitting," answered ** I crave but from want, he.^ and the boon that I ask is to have this small bag that thou seest filled
with meat." ''A request within reason is this," said he, "and gladly shalt thou have it. Bring him food." great number of attendants arose and begun to fill the bag, but for all that they put into it, it was no " My soul," said Gwawl, '^ will fuller than at first. thy bag be ever full?" "It will not, I declare to Heaven," said he, "for all that may be put into it, unless one possessed of lands, and domains, and treasure, shall arise and tread down with both his feet the food that is within the bag, and shall say, Enough has been put herein.' " Then said Rhiannon unto Gwawl the son of Clud, " Rise up quickly." " I will willingly arise," said he. So he rose up, and put his two feet into the bag. And Pwyll turned up the sides of the bag, so that Gwawl was over his head in it. And he shut it up quickly and slipped a knot upon the thongs, and blew his horn. And

And when

thereupon behold his household came down upon

the palace. come with
^
**

And

they seized
cast

all

the host that had

into
his

Gwawl, and

them

own
it

If

thou wilt ask for a reasonable

**

gladly."

gift, thou shalt have reasonable one, lord," answered he.

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

prison.

2/

Pwyll threw off his rags, and his old shoes, and his tattered array ; and as they came in, every one of Pwyll's knights struck a blow upon the ** A Badger," said bag, and asked, " What is here? " in manner they And this played, each of them they. striking the bag, either with his foot or with a staff. And thus played they with the bag. Every one as he came in asked, ** What game are you playing at thus?'' /'The game of Badger in the Bag," said And then was the game of Badger in the Bag they.
played. " Lord," said the man in the bag, " If thou wouldest but hear me, I merit not to be slain in a bag." It Said Heveydd Hen, "Lord, he speaks truth. were fitting that thou listen to him, for he deserves not this." '* Verily," said Pwyll, "I will do thy
first

And

" Behold this is my counsel concerning him." counsel then," said Rhiannon ; " Thou art now in a position in which it behoves thee to satisfy suitors and minstrels, let him give unto them in thy stead, and take a pledge from him that he will never seek to revenge that which has been done to him. And this " I will do this gladly," will be punishment enough." " And gladly will I accept said the man in the bag. " it," said Pwyll, since it is the counsel of Heveydd *' and Rhiannon." Such then is our counsel," answered they. ''I accept it," said Pwyll. ''Seek " thyself sureties." We will be for him," said Heveydd, "until his men be free to answer for him." And upon this he was let out of the bag, and " Demand now of his liegemen were liberated.

Gwawl

his sureties," said

Heveydd, " we know which

should be taken for him.'' And Heveydd numbered the sureties. Said Gwawl, " Do thou thyself draw up

28
the
covenant.'^

THE MABINOGION
" It will
suffice

me

that

it

be as

unto that covenant were the sureties pledged. "Verily, Lord," " said Gwawl, I am greatly hurt, and I have many bruises. I have need to be anointed, with thy leave I will go forth. I will leave nobles in my stead, to answer for me in all that thou shalt require." " Willingly," said Pwyll, " mayest thou do thus." So Gwawl went towards his own possessions. And the hall was set in order for Pwyll and the
said,"

Rhiannon

answered

Pwyll.

So

of his host, and for them also of the palace, and they went to the tables and sat down. And as they had sat that time twelve-month, so sat they that night. And they eat, and feasted, and spent the in mirth and tranquillity. And the time came night that they should sleep, and Pwyll and Rhiannon went
to their chamber.

men

next morning at the break of day, "My Lord," said Rhiannon, "arise and begin to give thy Refuse no one to-day that gifts unto the minstrels. " Thus shall it be gladly," may claim thy bounty." " said Pwyll, both to-day and every day while the So Pwyll arose, and he caused feast shall last." silence to be proclaimed, and desired all the suitors and the minstrels to show and to point out what gifts were to their wish and desire."^ And this being done the feast went on, and he denied no one while it And when the feast was ended, Pwyll said lasted. unto Heveydd, " My Lord, with thy permission I will " Certainly," said set out for Dyved to-morrow."

And

and caused silence to be proclaimed, to and minstrels to show what they desired, and to tell them that every one of them would be satisfied according to his wish and desire.
^

Pwyll

rose,

command

all suitors

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

29

Heveydd, "may Heaven prosper thee. Fix also a "By time when Rhiannon may follow thee. Heaven," said Pwyll, "we will go hence together." " Wiliest thou this, Lord ? " said Heveydd. " Yes, by Heaven," answered Pwyll. And the next day, they set forward towards Dyved, and journeyed to the palace of Narberth, where a feast was made ready for them. And there came to them great numbers of the chief men and the most noble ladies of the land, and of these there were none to whom Rhiannon did not give some rich gift, either
a bracelet, or a ring, or a precious stone. And they ruled the land prosperously both that year and the
next.

And

in the third year the nobles of the land

began

to be sorrowful at seeing a man whom they loved so much, and who was moreover their lord and their foster-brother, without an heir. And they came to him.^ And the place where they met was Preseleu, in Dyved. " Lord," said they, " we know that thou art not so young as some of the men of this country, and we fear that thou mayest not have an heir of the wife

whom thou hast taken. Take therefore another of whom thou mayest have heirs. Thou canst
always
to

wife

not

continue with us, and though thou desire remain as thou art, we will not suffer thee." "Truly," said Pwyll, "we have not long been joined together, and many things may yet befall. Grant me a year from this time, and for the space of a year we will abide together, and after that I will do according to your wishes." So they granted it. And before the end of a year a son was born unto him. And in Narberth was he born; and on the night that he was
^

And

they

summoned him

to them.

30

THE MABINOGION

born, women were brought to watch the mother and the boy. And the women slept, as did also Rhiannon, the mother of the boy. And the number of the women that were brought into the chamber, was six. And they watched for a good portion of the night, and before midnight every one of them fell asleep, and towards break of day they awoke ; and when they awoke, they looked where they had put the *' Oh," said one boy, and behold he was not there. " Yes,'' said of the women, " the boy is lost " another, *'and it will be small vengeance if we are burnt or put to death because of the child." Said one of the women, ''Is there any counsel for us in " There is," answered the world in this matter ? " " What is another, " I offer you good counsel." ? " There is here a stag-hound that " asked they.
!

and she has a litter of whelps. Let us kill some of the cubs, and rub the blood on the face and hands of Rhiannon, and lay the bones before her, and assert that she herself had devoured her son, and
bitch,

she alone will not be able to gainsay us six." according to this counsel it was settled. towards morning Rhiannon awoke, and she

And And
said,

"Women, where is my son?" "Lady," said they, " ask us not concerning thy son, we have nought but the blows and the bruises we got by struggling with thee, and of a truth we never saw any woman so
violent as thou, for
thee.
it

was of no

Hast thou not

;

contend with thyself devoured thy son ?

avail to

Claim him not therefore of us." "For pity's sake," " The Lord God knows all things. said Rhiannon Charge me not falsely.^ If you tell me this from
Wretched women," said Rhiannon, "for the sake of the God who knows everything, charge me not falsely. The God who knows everything knows that that is false."
1
*<

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

fear, I assert
'^

before

Heaven

that I will defend you."

Truly," said they, ''we would not bring evil on " For pity's ourselves for any one in the world." "you will receive no evil by sake," said Rhiannon But for all her words, whether fair telling the truth." or harsh, ^ she received but the same answer from the
;

women.
Pwyll the chief of Annwvyn arose, and his And this occurrence could household, and his hosts. not be concealed, but the story went forth throughThen the out the land, and all the nobles heard it. nobles came to Pwyll, and besought him to put away his wife, because of the great ^ crime which she had But Pwyll answered them, that they had no done. cause wherefore they might ask him to put away his " But children wife, save for her having no children. has she now had, therefore will I not put her away, if she has done wrong, let her do penance for it." So Rhiannon sent for the teachers and the wise men, and as she preferred doing penance to contending with the women, she took upon her a penance. And the penance that was imposed upon her was, that she should remain in that palace of Narberth until the end of seven years, and that she should sit every day near unto a horse-block that was without the gate. And that she should relate the story to all who should come there, whom she might suppose not to know it already and that she should offer the guests and strangers, if they would permit her, to carry them upon her back into the palace. But it rarely happened that any would permit. And thus did she spend part of the year. Now at that time Teirnyon Twryv Vliant was Lord ^ Whether she persuaded or pleaded. ^ Unbeseeming.

And

32

THE MABINOGION

of Gwent Is Coed, and he was the best man in the world. And unto his house there belonged a mare, than which neither mare nor horse in the kingdom was more beautiful. And on the night of every first of May she foaled, and no one ever knew what became of the colt. And one night Teirnyon talked with his wife; "Wife," said he, *'it is very simple of us that our mare should foal every year, and that we should have none of her colts." " What can be done in the matter?" said she. "This is the night of the ** first of May,'' said he. The vengeance of Heaven be upon me, if I learn not what it is that takes away the colts." So he caused the mare to be brought into a house, and he armed himself, and began to watch that night. And in the beginning of the night, the mare foaled a large and beautiful colt. And it was standing up in the place. And Teirnyon rose up and looked at the size of the colt, and as he did so he heard a great tumult, and after the tumult behold a claw came through the window into the house, and Then Teirnyon drew it seized the colt by the mane. his sword, and struck off the arm at the elbow, so that portion of the arm together with the colt was in And then did he hear a tumult the house with him. and wailing, both at once. And he opened the door,

and rushed out

in the direction of the noise,

and he

could not see the cause of the tumult, because of the darkness of the night ; but he rushed after it and Then he remembered that he had left followed it. And at the door the door open, and he returned. behold there was an infant boy in swaddling clothes, wrapped around in a mantle of satin. And he took up the boy, and behold he was very strong for the age that he was of.

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

Then he
where

33

shut the door, and went unto the chamber "Lady," said he, "art thou his wife was.

"No, Lord," said she, "I was asleep, sleeping?" " Behold here but as thou earnest in I did awake." is a boy for thee if thou wilt," said he, " since thou "My Lord," said she, "What hast never had one." " " It was thus," said Teirnyon ; adventure is this ? and he told her how it all befell. "Verily, Lord," said she, " What sort of garments are there upon the boy?" "A mantle of satin," said he. "He is then " My Lord," a boy of gentle lineage," she replied. she said, "if thou wilt, I shall have great diversion and mirth. I will call my women unto me, and tell them that I have been pregnant." " I will readily And thus did grant thee to do this," he answered. they, and they caused the boy to be baptized, and
the ceremony was performed there ; ^ and the name which they gave unto him, was Gwri Wallt Euryn, because what hair was upon his head was as yellow And they had the boy nursed in the court as gold. And before the year was until he was a year old.
over,

he was larger than a boy of three years old, even one of great growth and And the boy was nursed the second year, and size. then he was as large as a child six years old. And before the end of the fourth year, he would bribe the grooms to allow him to take the horses to water. " My Lord," said his wife unto Teirnyon, " Where is the colt which thou didst save on the night that thou foundest the boy?" "I have commanded the grooms of the horses," said he, " that they take care of him." "Would it not be well. Lord," said she, ^*if thou wert to cause him to be broken in, and given to
stoutly.
^

he could walk

And

According to the kind of baptism that was then made.

34

THE MABINOGION

the boy, seeing that on the same night that thou didst find the boy, the colt was foaled and thou didst save him.'' **I will not oppose thee in this matter," said Teirnyon. ^* I will allow thee to give him the colt." "Lord," said she, "may Heaven reward thee; I will give it him." So the horse was given to the boy. Then she went to the grooms and those who tended the horses, and commanded them to be careful of the horse, so that he might be broken in by the time that the boy could ride him. And while these things were going forward, they heard tidings of Rhiannon and her punishment. And Teirnyon Twryv Vliant, by reason of the pity that he felt on hearing this story of Rhiannon, and her punishment, enquired closely concerning it, until he had heard from many of those who came to his Then did Teirnyon, often lamenting the sad court. history, ponder within himself, and he looked steadfastly on the boy, and as he looked upon him, it seemed to him that he had never beheld so great a likeness between father and son, as between the boy and Pwyll, the chief of Annwvyn. Now the semblance of Pwyll was well known to him, for he had of yore been one of his followers. And thereupon he became grieved for the wrong that he did, in keeping with him a boy whom he knew to be the son And the first time that he was of another man. alone with his wife, he told her, that it was not right that they should keep the boy with them, and suffer so excellent a lady as Rhiannon to be punished so greatly on his account, whereas the boy was the son And Teirnyon's of Pwyll, the chief of Annwvyn. wife agreed with him, that they should send the boy "And three things, Lord," said she. to Pwyll.

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

35

Thanks and gifts for "shall we gain thereby. and releasing Rhiannon from her punishment; thanks from Pwyll, for nursing his son, and restoring him unto him ; and thirdly, if the boy is of gentle
nature,

he

us

all

be our foster-son, and he will do for So it was settled the good in his power."
will

according to this counsel. And no later than the next day was Teirnyon And the equipped, and two other knights with him. boy, as a fourth in their company, went with them upon the horse which Teirnyon had given him. And they journeyed towards Narberth, and it was not long And as they drew before they reached that place. palace, they beheld Rhiannon sitting near to the And when they were beside the horse block. "Chieftain," said she, "go not opposite to her. further thus, I will bear every one of you into the

and this is my penance for slaying my own " Oh fair lady," said son and devouring him." Teirnyon, " think not that I will be one to be carried upon thy back." " Neither will I," said the boy.
palace,

"Truly, my soul," said Teirnyon, "we will not go." ^ So they went forward to the palace, and there was great joy at their coming. And at the palace a feast was prepared, because Pwyll was come back from the confines of Dyved. And they went into the hall and washed, and Pwyll rejoiced to see Teirnyon. And in this order they sat. Teirnyon between Pwyll and Rhiannon, and Teirnyon's two companions on the other side of Pwyll, with the boy between them.
^ ^'Oh fair lady," said Teirnon, *'it is not very likely to me *' that any of these will be carried on thy back." Let who will do so," said the son, "I shall not. *' Truly, my soul," said Teirnon, ^' neither shall we go."

36

THE MABINOGION
after

And

meat they began

to carouse

and

to

dis-

Teirnyon's discourse was concerning the adventure of the mare and the boy, and how he and his wife had nursed and reared the child as their "And behold here is thy son, lady,'' said own. Teirnyon. "And whosoever told that lie concernAnd when I heard of thy ing thee, has done wrong. sorrow, I was troubled and grieved. And I believe that there is none of this host, who will not perceive that the boy is the son of Pwyll," said Teirnyon. "There is none," said they all, "who is not certain " I declare to Heaven," said Rhiannon, thereof." " that if this be true, there indeed is an end to my " Lady," said Pendaran Dyved, " well trouble." ^ hast thou named thy son Pryderi, and well becomes him the name of Pryderi, son of Pwyll, chief of Annwvyn." " Look you," said Rhiannon, " will not "What name his own name become him better?" " Gwri Wallt has he ? " asked Pendaran Dyved. Euryn, is the name that we gave him." "Pryderi," "It were more said Pendaran, "shall his name be." proper," said Pwyll, "that the boy should take his name from the word his mother spoke when she received the joyful tidings of him." And thus was it arranged. " Teirnyon," said Pwyll, " Heaven reward thee that thou hast reared the boy up to this time, and, being of gentle lineage,^ it were fitting that he repay thee for it." "My Lord," said Teirnyon, "It was my wife who nursed him, and there is no one in the world so afflicted as she at parting with him. It were well that he should bear in mind what I and my wife
course.
^

And

The Welsh
If

he

will

is vy\m pryder i ( = be of gentle bearing.

my

trouble).

PWYLL PRINCE OF DYVED

have done for him."
''

37
to witness,"

call

Heaven

said Pwyll, **that while I live I will support thee

and

thy possessions, as long as

am

able to preserve

my

he shall have power, he will more And if this counsel be fitly maintain them than I.^ pleasing unto thee, and to my nobles, it shall be that, as thou hast reared him up to the present time, I will give him to be brought up by Pendaran Dyved, from And you shall be companions and shall henceforth. both be foster-fathers unto him." ^'This is good counsel," said they all. So the boy was given to Pendaran Dyved, and the nobles of the land were sent with him. And Teirnyon Twryv Vliant, and his companions, set out for his country, and his possessions, with love and gladness. And he went not
own.
without being offered the fairest jewels and the fairest horses and the choicest dogs ; but he would take none of them. Thereupon they all remained in their own dominions. And Pryderi, the son of Pwyll the chief of Annwvyn, was brought up carefully as was fit, so that he became the fairest youth, and the most comely, and the best skilled in all good games, of any in the kingdom. And thus passed years and years, until the end of Pwyll the chief of Annwvyn's life came, and he died. And Pryderi ruled the seven Cantrevs of Dyved prosperously, and he was beloved by his people, and by all around him. And at length ^ he added unto them the three Cantrevs of Ystrad Tywi and the four Cantrevs of Cardigan and these were called
;

And when

And

if

he

is

in
it

power,

it

will

be more right for him to

maintain thee than

'^

was even

for

me.

After that.

38

THE MABINOGION

the Seven Cantrevs of Seissyllwch. And when he made this addition, Pryderi the son of Pwyll the chief of Annwvyn, desired to take a wife. And was Kicva, the daughter the wife he chose of Gwynn Gohoyw, the son of Gloyw Wlallt^ Lydan, the son of Prince Casnar, one of the nobles of this
island.

And

thus ends this portion of the Mabinogion.

1

Walk.

BRANWEN THE DAUGHTER OF

LLYR.
Bendigeid Vran, the son of Llyr was the crowned king of this Island, and he was exalted from the crown of London.^ And one afternoon he was at Harlech in Ardudwy, at his court, and he sat upon

the rock of Harlech, looking over the sea.^ And with him were his brother Manawyddan the son of Llyr,
1

splendid wearer of the crown of London. Over-looking the sea,

And

39

40
and

THE MABINOGION

his brothers by the mother's side, Nissyen and Evnissyen, and many nobles hkewise, as was fitting His two brothers by the to see around a king. mother's side were the sons of Eurosswydd, by his mother, Penardun,^ the daughter of Beli son of Manogan. And one of these youths was a good youth and of gentle nature, and would make peace between his kindred and cause his family to be friends when their wrath was at the highest ; and this one was Nissyen but the other would cause strife between his two brothers when they were most at And as they sat thus, they beheld thirteen peace. ships coming from the South of Ireland, and making towards them, and they came with a swift motion, the wind being behind them, and they neared them '' rapidly. I see ships afar," said the king, " coming Command the men of the swiftly towards the land. court that they equip themselves, and go and learn So the men equipped themselves and their intent." went down towards them. And when they saw the ships near, certain were they that they had never seen Beautiful flags of satin were ships better furnished. behold one of the ships outstripped And upon them. the others, and they saw a shield lifted up above the side of the ship, and the point of the shield was upwards, in token of peace. And the men drew Then they put near that they might hold converse. And they out boats and came towards the land. Now the king could hear them saluted the king. from the place where he was, upon the rock above you," said he, "and '' Heaven prosper their heads. be ye welcome. To whom do these ships belong and who is the chief amongst you?" "Lord," said
;

Penordim.

BRANWEN THE DAUGHTER OF LLYR

they, "

4I

Matholwch king of Ireland is here and these "Wherefore comes he?" ships belong to him." asked the king, "and will he come to the land?" "He is a suitor unto thee, lord," said they, "and he "And what will not land unless he have his boon."
" He desires to enquired the king. ally himself with thee, lord," said they, "and he comes to ask Branwen the daughter of Llyr, that, if

may

that be

? "

it

seem

well to thee, the Island of the

Mighty may

be leagued with Ireland and both become

"Verily," said he, "let land, and we will take counsel thereupon." " I answer was brought to Matholwch.
powerful."

more him come to

And
will

this

go

willingly," said he. So he landed, and they received him joyfully ; and great was the throng in the palace that night, between his hosts and those of the court and next day they took counsel, and they resolved to bestow Branwen upon Matholwch. Now she was one of the three chief ladies of this Island, and she was the fairest damsel in the world. And they fixed upon Aberffraw, as the place where she should become his bride. And they went thence, and towards Aberffraw the hosts proceeded Matholwch and his host in their ships ; Bendigeid Vran and his host by land, until they came to Aberffraw. And at Aberffraw they began the feast and sat down. And thus sat they. The King of the Island of the Mighty and Manawyddan the son of Llyr, on one side, and Matholwch on the other side, and Branwen the daughter of Llyr beside him. And they were not within a house, but under tents. No house could ever contain Bendigeid Vran. And they began the banquet and caroused and discoursed. And w^hen it was more pleasing to them to sleep than

42
to carouse they

THE MABINOGION

went to rest, and that night Bran wen became Matholwch's bride. And next day they arose, and all they of the court, and the officers began to equip and to range the horses and the attendants, and they ranged them in
order as
far as the sea.

And behold one man of whom it is

day, Evnissyen, the quarrelsome

spoken above, came by chance

into the place, where the horses of

Matholwch were,
be.

and asked whose horses they might the horses of Matholwch king of

^^They are

Ireland,

who

is

married to Branwen, thy sister ; his horses are they.'' " And is it thus they have done with a maiden such as she, and moreover my sister, bestowing her without my consent ? They could have offered no greater insult to me than this," said he. And thereupon he rushed under the horses and cut off their lips at the
teeth,
tails
^

and

their ears close to their heads,

and

their

and wherever he could clutch their eyelids, he cut them to the very bone, and he disfigured the horses and rendered them useclose to their backs,
less.

these tidings unto Matholwch, saying that the horses were disfigured, and injured so that not one of them could ever be of any use " Verily, lord,'' said one, " it was an insult again. unto thee, and as such was it meant." " Of a truth, it is a marvel to me, that if they desire to insult me, they should have given me a maiden of such high rank and so much beloved of her kindred, as they

And

they

came with

have done."
thus
it is,

Lord," said another, ^' thou seest that and there is nothing for thee to do but to
**
^

Mane,

BRANWEN THE DAUGHTER OF LLYR

go to thy ships." he set out.

43

And
came

thereupon towards his ships

to

Bendigeid Vran that Matholwch was quitting the court without asking leave, and messengers were sent to enquire of him And the messengers that went, wherefore he did so. Anarawd, and Heveydd Hir. of the son were Iddic And these overtook him and asked of him what he *' Of designed to do, and wherefore he went forth.
tidings

And

a truth," said he, "if

had not come hither. I have been altogether insulted, no one had But one ever worse treatment than I have had here. *' What is that ? " thing surprises me above all." "That Branwen the daughter of Llyr, asked they. one of the three chief ladies of this Island, and the daughter of the King of the Island of the Mighty, should have been given r^ie as my bride, and that after that I should have been insulted and I marvel that the insult was not done me before they had bestowed upon me a maiden so exalted as she." *' Truly, lord, it was not the will of any that are of the court," said
I

had known

any that are of the council that thou shouldest have received this insult, and as thou hast been insulted, the dishonour is greater unto Bendigeid Vran than unto thee." "Verily," said he, "I think so. Nevertheless he cannot recall the insult." These men returned with that answer to the place where Bendigeid Vran was, and they told him what reply " Truly," said he, Matholwch had given them. " there are no means by which we may prevent his going away at enmity with us, that we will not take." "Well, lord," said they, "send after him another " I will do so," said he. " Arise embassy." Manawyddan son of Llyr, and Heveydd Hir, and

they, " nor of

44

THE MABINOGION

Unic Glew Ysgwyd, and go after him, and tell him that he shall have a sound horse for every one that has been injured. And beside that, as an atonement
for the insult,

he
as

shall

have a

staff

of

silver,

as large

and

and a plate of gold of the breadth of his face. And show unto him who it was that did this, and that it was done against my will but that he who did it is my brother, by the mother's side, and therefore it would be hard for me to put him to death. And let him come and meet me," said he, *'and vve will make peace in any way he may
as
tall

himself,

desire."

Matholwch, and told him all these sayings in a friendly manner, and he " Men," said he, *' I will take listened thereunto. counsel." So to the council he went. And in the
after

The embassy went

council they considered that j| they should refuse this, they were likely to have more shame rather than to They resolved thereobtain so great an atonement. fore to accept it, and they returned to the court in peace. Then the pavilions and the tents were set in order after the fashion of a hall ; and they went to meat, and as they had sat at the beginning of the feast, so And Matholwch and Bendigeid Vran sat they there. and behold it seemed to began to discourse Bendigeid Vran, while they talked, that Matholwch was not so cheerful as he had been before. And he thought that the chieftain might be sad because of the smallness of the atonement which he had, for the wrong that had been done him. "Oh man," said Bendigeid Vran, "thou dost not discourse to-night And if it be because so cheerfully as thou wert wont. of the smallness of the atonement, thou shalt add
;

BRANWEN THE DAUGHTER OF LLYR

45

thereunto whatsoever thou mayest choose, and tomorrow I will pay thee the horses.'' " Lord," said
he,

"And I will enhance thee." Vran, "for I will give Bendigeid the atonement," said unto thee a cauldron, the property of which is, that if one of thy men be slain to-day, and be cast therein, to-morrow he will be as well as ever he was at the And best, except that he will not regain his speech." thereupon he gave him great thanks, and very joyful was he for that cause.
"Heaven reward
the next morning they paid Matholwxh the And horses as long as the trained horses lasted. commot, where they then they journeyed into another paid him with colts until the whole had been paid, and from thenceforth that commot was called Talebolion. And a second night sat they together. " My lord," said Matholwch, " whence hadst thou the cauldron which thou hast given me ? " "I had it of a man who had been in thy land," said he, "and I would not give it except to one from there." ^ "Who w^as " Llaesgyvnewid it?" asked he. Llassar ; he came here from Ireland, with Kymideu Kymeinvoll, his wife, who escaped from the Iron House in Ireland, when it was made red hot around them, and fled hither. And it is a marvel to me that thou shouldst know nothing concerning the matter." " Something I do know," said he, "and as much as I know I will tell thee. One day I was hunting in Ireland, and I came to the mound at the head of the lake, which is called the Lake of the Cauldron. And I beheld a huge yellow-haired man coming from the lake with a cauldron upon his back. And he was a man of vast
1

And

And

am

not sure

it

was not there he got

it.

46
size,

THE MABINOGION
and of horrid
aspect,

and a woman followed after him. And if the man was tall, twice as large as he was the woman, and they came towards me and greeted me. Verily,' asked I, wherefore are you journeying?' 'Behold this,' said he to me, *is the cause that we journey. At the end of a month and a fortnight this woman will have a son and the
'

child that will be born at the end of the month and the fortnight will be a warrior fully armed.' So I maintained them. And with me, and took them And that year I had they were with me for a year. them with me not grudgingly. But thenceforth was there murmuring, because that they were with me.

For from the beginning of the fourth month they had

BRANWEN THE DAUGHTER OF LLYR

begun
to

4^

make themselves hated and

;

to

be disorderly

committing outrages, and molesting and harassing the nobles and ladies; and thenceforward my people rose up and besought me to part with them, and they bade me to choose between them and my dominions. And I applied to the council of my country to know what should be done concerning them ; for of their own free will they would not go, neither could they be compelled against their will, through fighting. And [the people of the country,] being in this strait, they caused a chamber to be made all of iron. Now when the chamber was ready, there came there every smith that was in Ireland, and every one who owned tongs and hammer. And they caused coals to be piled up as high as the top of the chamber. And they had the man, and the woman, and the children, served with plenty of meat and drink ; but when it was known that they were drunk, they began to put fire to the coals about the chamber, and they blew it with bellows until the house was Then was there a council red hot all around them. held in the centre of the floor of the chamber. And the man tarried until the plates of iron were all of a white heat ; and then, by reason of the great heat, the man dashed against the plates with his shoulder and struck them out, and his wife followed him ; but except him and his wife none escaped thence. And then I suppose, lord," said Matholwch unto Bendigeid Vran, "that he came over unto thee." "Doubtless he came here," said he, "and gave unto me the " In what manner didst thou receive cauldron." ? them " "I dispersed them through every part of my dominions, and they have become numerous and
in the land

are prospering everywhere,

and they

fortify the places

48

THE MABINOGION

where they are with men and arms, of the best that were ever seen." That night they continued to discourse as much as they would, and had minstrelsy and carousing, and when it was more pleasant to them to sleep than to sit longer, they went to rest. And thus was the banquet carried on with joyousness and when it was finished, Matholwch journeyed towards Ireland, and Branwen with him, and they went from Aber Menei, with thirteen ships and came to Ireland. And in Ireland was there great joy because of their coming. And not one great man or noble lady visited Branwen unto whom she gave not either a clasp, or a ring, or a royal jewel to keep, such as it was honourable to be
;

seen departing with. And in these things she spent year in that much renown, and she passed her time pleasantly, enjoying honour and friendship. And in the meanwhile, it chanced that she became pregnant, and in due time a son was born unto her, and the name that they gave him was Gwern the son of Matholwch, and they put the boy out to be fosternursed, in a place where were the best men of
Ireland.

behold in the second year a tumult arose in Ireland, on account of the insult which Matholwch

And

and the payment made him for and such as were And his horses. nearest unto him, blamed him openly^ for that And he might have no peace by reason of matter. the tumult until they should revenge upon him this disgrace. And the vengeance which they took was to drive away Branwen from the same chamber with him, and to make her cook ^ for the court and they had received
in Wales,
his foster-brothers,
;

Taunted him openly.

Bake,

BRANWEN THE DAUGHTER OF LLYR

49

caused the butcher, after he had cut up the meat, to come to her and give her every day a blow on the ear, and such they made her punishment. "forbid *' Verily, lord," said his men to Matholwch,
the ships and the ferry boats and the coracles, that they go not into Wales, and such as come over from Wales hither, imprison them that they go not back for this thing to be known there." And they did so; and it was thus for no less than three

now

years.

reared a starling in the cover of the kneading trough, and she taught it to speak, and she taught the bird what manner of man her brother was. And she wrote a letter of her woes, and the despite with which she was treated, and she bound the letter to the root of the bird's wing, and sent it towards Wales. And the bird came to
this Island,

And Branwen

and one day

it

found Bendigeid Vran at

Caer Seiont in Arvon, conferring there, and it alighted upon his shoulder and ruffled its feathers^ so that the

50
letter

THE MABINOGION

was seen, and they knew that the bird had been reared in a domestic manner. Then Bendigeid Vran took the letter and looked And when he had read the letter, he upon it. grieved exceedingly at the tidings of Branwen's woes. And immediately he began sending messengers to summon the Island together. And he caused seven score and four countries to come unto him, and he complained to them himself of the grief that So they took counsel. his sister endured. And in the counsel they resolved to go to Ireland, and
to leave seven

men

as princes here.

And Caradawc

the son of Bran, as the chief of them, and their In Edeyrnion, were these men left seven knights. for this reason were the seven knights placed And Now the names of these seven were in the town.^ Caradawc the son of Bran, and Heveydd Hir, and Unic Glew Ysgwyd, and Iddic the son of Anarawc Gwalltgrwn, and Fodor the son of Ervyll, and Gwlch Minascwrn, and Llassar the son of Llaesar Llaesgygwyd, and Pendaran Dyved as a young page with them. And these abode as seven ministers to take charge of this Island ; and Caradawc the son of Bran was the chief amongst them. Bendigeid Vran, with the hosts of which we spoke, sailed towards Ireland, and it was not far across the It was but by two sea, and he came to shoal water. rivers ; the Lli and the Archan were they called and the nations covered the sea.^ Then he proceeded with what provisions he had on his own back, and approached the shore of Ireland.
^

On

the township.
rivers,

There were but two

Lli

and Archan were they

called.

After that the ocean separated the kingdoms.

"

BRANWEN THE DAUGHTER OF LLYR

Now

51

the swineherds of Matholwch were upon the " Lord," sea shore, and they came to Matholwch. ''Heaven prosaid they, ''greeting be unto thee." " Lord," tect you," said he, " have you any news ? " " we have marvellous news ; a wood have said they,
the sea, in a place where we never yet saw a single tree." " This is indeed, a marvel," said saw, lord," said he; " saw you aught else?" they, "a vast mountain beside the wood, which moved, and there was a lofty ridge on the top of the mountain, and a lake on each side of the ridge. And the wood, and the mountain, and all these "Verily," said he, "there is none things moved." who can know aught concerning this, unless it be

we seen upon

"We

Bran wen." Messengers then went unto Branwen.

said they, "

" Lady,"

What

thinkest thou that this is?"

"The

of the Island of the Mighty, who have come hither on hearing of my ill treatment and my woes." "What is the forest that is seen upon the sea?" asked they. "The yards and the masts of ships," she answered. "Alas," said they, "what is the mountain that is seen by the side of the ships ? " Bendigeid Vran, my brother," she replied, " coming to shoal water ; there is no ship that can contain him " What is the lofty ridge with the lake on in it." each side thereof?" "On looking towards this Island he is wroth, and his two eyes on each side of his nose are the two lakes on each side of the
ridge."

men

and chief men of Ireland were brought together in haste, and they took counsel. " Lord," said the nobles unto Matholwch, " there is no other counsel than to retreat over the Linon,
warriors

The

52
(a river

THE MABINOGION
which
is ^

in Ireland,)

and

to

keep the

river

between thee and him, and

the bridge that is across the river, for there is a load-stone at the bottom of the river that neither ship nor vessel can pass over." So they retreated across the river, and broke down the bridge. Bendigeid Vran came to land, and the fleet with him by the bank of the river. ''Lord," said his chieftains, "knowest thou the nature of this river, that nothing can go across it, and there is no bridge '' What," said they, *'is thy counsel conover it?" ''There is none," said he, cerning a bridge?" " except that he who will be chief let him be a I will be so," said he. And then was that bridge. saying first uttered, and it is still used as a proverb. And when he had lain down across the river, hurdles were placed upon him, and the host passed over thereby. And as he rose up, behold the messengers of Matholwch came to him, and saluted him, and gave him greeting in the name of Matholwch, his kinsman, and showed how that of his good will he had merited " For Matholwch has of him nothing but good. given the kingdom of Ireland to Gwern the son of Matholwch, thy nephew and thy sister's son. And this he places before thee, as a compensation for the wrong and despite that has been done unto Branwen.

to break

down

And Matholwch

shall

be maintained

wheresoever

thou wilt, either here or in the Island of the Mighty." Said Bendigeid Vran, " Shall not I myself have the kingdom ? ^ Then peradventure I may take counsel
1
'^

Was. " Yes,"

said Bendigeid Vran, "unless I myself can get the

kingship."

BRANWEN THE DAUGHTER OF LLYR

53

concerning your message. From this time until then no other answer will you get from me." ^'Verily,''
said they, " the best message that

we

convey it unto thee, and " I will wait," answered he, message unto him." " and do you return quickly." The messengers set forth and came to Matholwch. " Lord," said they, " prepare a better message for Bendigeid Vran. He would not listen at all to the message that we bore him ? " *' My friends," said Matholwch, '^ what may be your counsel ? " " Lord,"
will

we

receive for thee, do thou await our

said they, " there

is

no other counsel than

this alone.

was never known to be within a house, make therefore a house that will contain him and the men of the Island of the Mighty on the one side, and thyself and thy host on the other ; and give over thy kingdom to his will, and do him homage. So by reason of the honour thou doest him in making him a house, whereas he never before had a house to contain him, he will make peace with thee." So the messengers went back to Bendigeid Vran, bearing
message. And he took counsel, and in the council it was resolved that he should accept this, and this was all done by the advice of Branwen, and lest the country should be destroyed. And this peace was made, and the house was built both vast and strong. But the Irish planned a crafty device, and the craft was that they should put brackets on each side of the hundred pillars that were in the house, and should place a leathern bag on each bracket, and an armed man in every one of them. Then Evnissyen came in before the host of the Island of the Mighty, and scanned the house with fierce and savage looks, and
this

He

him


THE MABINOGION
*'What
Irish.
''

54

descried the leathern bags which were

pillars.
is

in

this

around the bag?" asked he of one

Meal, good soul/' said he. And Evnissyen felt about it until he came to the man's head, and he squeezed the head until he felt his fingers meet together in the brain through the bone. And he left that one and put his hand upon another, '* and asked what was therein ? Meal," said the Irishman. So he did the like unto every one of them, until he had not left alive of all the two hundred men save one only and when he came to him, he asked w^iat was there? "Meal, good soul," said the Irishman. And he felt about until he felt the head, and he squeezed that head as he had done
of the
;

he found that the head of this one was armed, he left him not until he had killed him. And then he sang an Englyn,
the others.
albeit
*'

And

There

is

in this

bag a

different sort oi meal,

The ready combatant, when the By his fellow warriors, prepared

assault

is

made

for battle."

Thereupon came the hosts unto the house.

The

of the Island of Ireland entered the house on the one side, and the men of the Island of the Mighty on the other. And as soon as they had sat down, there was concord between them ; and When the sovereignty was conferred upon the boy. the peace was concluded, Bendigeid Vran called the boy unto him, and from Bendigeid Vran the boy

men

went unto Manawyddan, and he was beloved by all that beheld him. And from Manawyddan the boy was called by Nissyen the son of Eurosswydd, and *' Wherefore," said the boy went unto him lovingly.
Evnissyen,

"comes not my nephew

the son of

my

BRAN WEN THE DAUGHTER OF LLYR

sister

55

unto

me ? Though
would
I

he were not king of Ireland,

^*

yet wiUingly

Cheerfully let to thee," said Bendigeid Vran, and the boy went unto him cheerfully. *' By my confession
fondle the boy."

him go

Heaven," said Evnissyen in his heart, " unthought of by the household is the slaughter that I will this instant commit." Then he arose and took up the boy by the feet, and before any one in the house could seize hold of him, he thrust the boy headlong into the blazing fire. And when Branwen saw her son burning in the fire, she strove to leap into the fire also, from the place where she sat between her two brothers. But Bendigeid Vran grasped her with one hand, and his
to

shield with the other.

Then

they

the

never was there tumult by any host in one house as was made by Then said them, as each man armed himself.

house, and

hurried about made so great a

all

Morddwydtyllyon,
tyllyon's

^^The

gad-flies

of
all

Morddwydsought their

Cow

"

And

while they

arms, Bendigeid
his shield

Vran supported Branwen between

and his shoulder. the Irish kindled a fire under the cauldron of renovation, and they cast the dead bodies into the cauldron until it was full, and the next day they came forth fighting men as good as before, except that they were not able to speak. Then when Evnissyen saw the dead bodies of the men of the Island of the Mighty nowhere resuscitated, he said

Then

in his heart, "

Alas woe is me, that I should have been the cause of bringing the men of the Island of
!

the Mighty into so great a strait. Evil betide me if I find not a deliverance therefrom." And he cast himself among the dead bodies of the Irish, and

56

THE MABINOGION

two unshod Irishmen came to him, and, taking him to be one of the Irish, flung him into the cauldron. And he stretched himself out in the cauldron, so that he rent the cauldron into four pieces, and burst his

own

heart also.

In consequence of that, the men of the Island of the Mighty obtained such success as they had but they were not victorious, for only seven men of them all escaped, and Bendigeid Vran himself was wounded in the foot with a poisoned dart. Now the seven men that escaped were Pryderi, Manawyddan, Gluneu^ Eil Taran, Taliesin, Ynawc, Grudyen^ the son of Muryel, and Heilyn the son of Gwynn Hen. And Bendigeid Vran commanded them that they should cut off his head. "And take you my head," " and bear it even unto the White Mount, in said he, London, and bury it there, with the face towards And a long time will you be upon the road. France. In Harlech you will be feasting seven years, the birds of Rhiannon singing unto you the while. And all that time the head will be to you as pleasant company And at Gwales in as it ever was when on my body.

Penvro you will be fourscore years, and you may remain there, and the head with you uncorrupted, until you open the door that looks towards Aber And after you Henvelen, and towards Cornwall. have opened that door, there you may no longer tarry, set forth then to London to bury the head and go straight forward." So they cut off his head, and these seven went And Branwen was the eighth with forward therewith. them, and they came to land at Aber Alaw, in And Talebolyon, and they sat down to rest.
^

Glivieri.

Grodyeu.

"

BRANWEN THE DAUGHTER GF LLYR

5^

Branwen looked towards Ireland and towards the

Island of the Mighty, to see if she could descry them. " Alas," said she, *' woe is me that I was ever born ; two Islands have been destroyed because of me Then she uttered a loud groan and there broke her heart. And they made her a four-sided grave and buried her upon the banks of the Alaw. Then the seven men journeyed forward towards Harlech, bearing the head with them ; and as they went behold there met them a multitude of men and of women. *'Have you any tidings?" asked Manawyddan. "We have none," said they, "save that Caswallawn, the son of Beli, has conquered the Island of the Mighty, and is crowned King in London." "What has become," said they, "of Caradawc the son of Bran, and the seven men who were left v>^ith him in this Island ? " " Caswallawn came upon them, and slew six of the men, and Caradawc's heart broke for grief thereof; for he could see the sword that slew the men, but knew not who it was that wielded it. Caswallawn had flung upon him the Veil of Illusion, so that no one could see him slay the men, but the sword only could they And it liked him not to slay Caradawc, because see. he was his nephew the son of his cousin. And now he was the third whose heart had broke through grief. Pendaran Dyved, who had remained as a young page with these men, escaped into the wood," said
!

they.

they went on to Harlech, and there stopped to rest, and they provided meat and liquor, and sat down to eat and to drink. And there came three birds, and began singing unto them a certain song, and all the songs they had ever heard were unpleasant

Then

5^

THE MABINOGION
;

compared thereto

and the birds seemed to them to be at a great distance from them over the sea, yet they appeared as distinct as if they were close by and at this repast they continued seven years. And at the close of the seventh year, they went
forth to

Gw^ales in Penvro. And there they found a fair and regal spot overlooking the ocean ; and a spacious hall was therein. And they went into the hall, and two of its doors were open, but the third door was closed, that which looked towards Cornwall. ''See, yonder," said Manawyddan, "is the door that we may not open." And that night they regaled themselves and were joyful. And of all they had seen of food laid before them, and of all

they had heard of, they remembered nothing neither of that, nor of any sorrow whatsoever. And there they remained fourscore years, unconscious of having And ever spent a time more joyous and mirthful. they were not more weary than when first they came, neither did they, any of them, know the time they had been there. And it was not more irksome to them having the head with them, than if Bendigeid Vran had been with them himself. And because of these fourscore years, it was called the entertaining The entertaining of Branwen of the noble head. and Matholwch was in the time that they w^ent to
;

Ireland.

Heilyn the son of Gwynn, " Evil betide me, if I do not open the door to know if that So he opened is true which is said concerning it." the door and looked towards Cornwall and Aber Henvelen. And when they had looked, they were as conscious of all the evils they had ever sustained,

One day

said

and of

all

the friends and companions they had

lost,

BRANWEN THE DAUGHTER OF LLYR

;

59

and of all the misery that had befallen them, as if all had happened in that very spot ^ and especially of
the fate of their lord. And because of their perturbation they could not rest,^ but journeyed forth with the head towards London. And they buried the head in the White Mount, and when it was buried, this was the third goodly concealment ; and it was the third ill-fated disclosure when it was disinterred, inasmuch as no invasion from across the sea came to this Island, while the head was in that

concealment.
thus is the story related of those who journeyed over from Ireland. In Ireland none were left alive, except five pregnant women in a cave in the Irish wilderness and to these five women in the same night were born five sons, whom they nursed until they became grown up youths. And they thought about wives, and they at the same time desired to possess them, and each took a wife of the mothers of their companions, and they governed the country and peopled it. And these five divided it amongst them, and because of this partition are the five divisions of Ireland still so termed. And they examined the land where the battles had taken place, and they found gold and silver until they became wealthy. And thus ends this portion of the Mabinogi, concerning the blow given to Branw^en, which w^as the third unhappy blow of this Island ; and concerning the entertainment of Bran, when the hosts of sevenscore countries and ten went over to Ireland, to
^
'^

And

At

that very

moment.

And from

that hour they could not rest.

do

THE MABINOGION

revenge the blow given to Branwen ; and concerning the seven years' banquet in Harlech, and the singing of the birds of Rhiannon, and the sojourning of the head for the space of fourscore years.

MANAWYDDAN THE SON OF

LLYR.
the seven men of whom we spoke above, had the head of Bendigeid Vran, in the White Mount in London, with its face towards France Manawyddan gazed upon the town of London, and upon his companions, and heaved a great sigh ; and much grief and heaviness came upon him. '*Alas, Almighty Heaven, woe is me," he exclaimed, '^ there is none save myself without a resting place this

When

buried

61

62
night."
*^

THE MABINOGION

Lord," said Pryderi, " be not so sorrowful. Thy cousin is king of the Island of the Mighty, and though he should do thee wrong, thou hast never heen a claimant of land or possessions. Thou art " Yea," answered the third disinherited ^ prince." he, " but although this man is my cousin, it grieveth me to see any one in the place of my brother Bendigeid Vran, neither can I be happy in the same '' Wilt thou follow the counsel dwelling with him." ?" said Pryderi. "I stand in need of of another counsel," he answered, '*and what may that counsel " Seven Cantrevs remain unto me," said be ? " Pryderi, " wherein Rhiannon my mother dwells, I will bestow her upon thee and the seven Cantrevs with her, and though thou hadst no possessions but those Cantrevs only, thou couldst not have seven Kicva, the daughter of Cantrevs fairer than they. Gwynn Gloyw, is my wife, and since the inheritance of the Cantrevs belongs to me, do thou and Rhiannon enjoy them, and if thou ever desire any possessions thou wilt take these." " I do not, chieftain," said he; "Heaven reward thee for thy friendship." "I would show thee the best friendship in the world if thou wouldst let me." " I will, my friend," said he, " and Heaven reward thee. I will go with thee to seek Rhiannon and to look at thy possessions." " And I believe " Thou wilt do well," he answered. that thou didst never hear a lady discourse better than she, and when she was in her prime none was Even now her aspect is not uncomely."^ ever fairer. They set forth, and, however long the journey,
^'

Meek.

And even appearance.

^

now

thou

wilt

Wilt thou follow another counsel ? not be disappointed with her

MANAWYDDAN THE SON OF LLYR

63

they came at length to Dyved, and a feast was prepared for them against their coming to Narberth, which Rhiannon and Kicva had provided. Then

began Manawyddan and Rhiannon to sit and to talk together, and from their discourse his mind and his thoughts became warmed towards her, and he thought in his heart he had never beheld any lady more " Pryderi," fulfilled of grace and beauty than she.
said he, " I will that

saying was that ? " Pryderi, " I did offer thee as a wife to Manawyddan " By that will I gladly abide," said the son of Llyr." '' Right glad am I also," said ManaRhiannon. '' May Heaven reward him who hath shewn wyddan, unto me friendship so perfect as this." And before the feast was over she became his bride. Said Pwyll, '* Tarry ye here the rest of the feast, and I will go into England to tender my " Caswallawn the son of Beli." homage unto Lord," said Rhiannon, *' Caswallawn is in Kent, thou mayest therefore tarry at the feast, and wait until he shall be nearer." "We will wait," he answered. So they finished the feast. And they began to make the circuit of Dyved and to hunt, and to take their pleasure. And as they went through the country, they had never seen lands more pleasant to live in, nor better hunting grounds, nor greater plenty of honey and fish. And such was the friendship between those four, that they would not be parted from each other by night nor by day. And in the midst of all this he went to Caswallawn at Oxford, and tendered his homage ; and honourable was his reception there, and highly was he praised
for offering his

be as thou didst say." " What '' Lady," said asked Rhiannon.
it

homage.

64

THE MABINOGION
after his

Pryderi and Manawyddan feasted and took their ease and pleasure. And they began a feast at Narberth, for it was the chief palace ; and there originated all honour. And when they had ended the first meal that night, while those who served them eat, they arose and went forth, and proceeded all four to the Gorsedd of Narberth, and their retinue with them. And as they sat thus, behold a peal of thunder, and with the violence of the thunderstorm, lo there came a fall of mist, so thick that not one of them could see the other. And after the mist it became light all around. And when they looked towards the place where they were wont to see cattle, and herds, and dwellings, they saw nothing now, neither house, nor beast, nor smoke, nor fire, nor man, nor dwelling ; but the houses of the court empty, and desert, and uninhabited, without either And truly all their man, or beast within them. companions were lost to them, without their knowing aught of what had befallen them, save those four
return,

And

only.

In the name of Heaven," cried Manawyddan, " where are they of the court, and all my host beside Let us go and see.'' So they came into the these ? hall, and there was no man ; and they went on to the castle, and to the sleeping-place, and they saw none and in the mead-cellar and in the kitchen So they four there was nought but desolation.
**
;

feasted,

and hunted, and took their pleasure. Then they began to go through the land and all the possessions that they had, and they visited the houses and And dwellings, and found nothing but wild beasts. when they had consumed their feast and all their provisions^ they fed upon the prey they killed in

MANAWYDDAN THE SON OF LLYR

65

And hunting,! and the honey of the wild swarms. and the pleasantly, thus they passed the first year second ; but at the last they began to be weary. "Verily," said Manawyddan, "we must not bide Let us go into England, and seek some craft thus. whereby we may gain our support." So they went And they into England, and came as far as Hereford.
betook themselves to making saddles.

And Mana-

wyddan began to make housings, and he gilded and coloured them with blue enamel, in the manner that he had seen it done by Llasar Llaesgywydd. And he made the blue enamel as it was made by the other
man.
[blue

And
it.

therefore

is

it

still

called Calch Lassar,

enamel,]

because

liassar

Llaesgywydd

had

wrought

workmanship could be had of Manawyddan, neither saddle nor housing was bought
as long as that

And

of a saddler throughout
1

all

Hereford
fish."

till

at length

Add "and

66

THE MABINOGION

every one of the saddlers perceived that they were losing much of their gain, and that no man bought of them, but he who could not get what he sought from Manawyddan. Then they assembled together, and agreed to slay him and his companions. Now they received warning of this, and took " By counsel whether they should leave the city. Heaven," said Pryderi, '*it is not my counsel that we should quit the town, but that we should slay these boors." ^'Not so," said Manawyddan, "for if we fight with them, we shall have evil fame, and shall be put in prison. It were better for us to go to another town to maintain ourselves." So they four went to another city.

What craft shall we take?" said Pryderi. "We " Do we will make shields," said Manawyddan. know anything about that craft ? " said Pryderi.
**

answered he. There they began to make shields, and fashioned them after the shape of the good shields they had seen and they enamelled them, as they had done the saddles. And they prospered in that place, so that not a shield was asked for in the whole town, but such as was had of them. Rapid therefore was their work, and numberless were But at last they were marked the shields they made. by the craftsmen, who came together in haste, and their fellow-townsmen with them, and agreed that But they received they should seek to slay them. warning, and heard how the men had resolved on

**We

will try,"

their

destruction.

" Pryderi,"

said

Manawyddan,

"these men desire to slay us." "Let us not endure this from these boors, but let us rather fall upon them and slay them." " Not so," he answered, " Caswallawn and his men will hear of it, and we shall be un-

MANAWYDDAN THE SON OF LLYR

done.
'*

6y

Let us go to another town."

craft

So

to another

town they went.

we take ? " said Manawyddan. " Whatsoever thou wilt that we know," said Pryderi. *'Not so," he replied, "but let us take to making shoes, for there is not courage among cordwainers

What

shall

either to fight with us

know," nothing thereof," I answered Manawyddan; "and I will teach thee to stitch. We will not attempt to dress the leather, but we will buy it ready dressed and will make the shoes from it." So he began by buying the best cordwal that could be had in the town, and none other would he buy except the leather for the soles and he associated himself with the best goldsmith in the town, and caused him to make clasps for the shoes, and to gild the clasps, and he marked how it was done until he learned the method. And therefore was he called one of the three makers of Gold Shoes ; and, when they could be had from him, not a shoe nor hose was bought of any of the cordwainers in the town. But when the cordwainers perceive'd that their gains were failing, (for as Manawyddan shaped the work, so Pryderi stitched it,) they came together and took counsel, and agreed that they would slay them. "Pryderi," said Manawyddan, "these men are minded to slay us." " Wherefore should we bear this from the boorish thieves ? " said Pryderi.
;

or to molest us." " But said Pryderi.

"

know

"Rather let us slay them all." "Not so," said Manawyddan, "we will not slay them, neither will we remain in England any longer. Let us set forth to Dyved and go to see it." So they journeyed along until they came to Dyved,

68

THE MABINOGION

and they went forward to Narberth. And there they kindled a fire and supported themselves by hunting.

And

And they gathered dogs around them, and tarried there one year. And one morning Pryderi and Manawyddan rose up to hunt, and they ranged their dogs and went forth from the palace. And some of the dogs ran before them and came to a small bush which was near at
thus they spent a month.
their

but as soon as they were come to the bush, they hastily drew back and returned to the men, their *' Let us go near to the hair bristling up greatly. bush," said Pryderi, " and see what is in it." And as they came near, behold, a wild boar of a pure white Then the dogs being colour rose up from the bush.

hand

MANAWYDDAN THE SON OF LLYR

set
;

69

on by the men, rushed towards him but he left the bush and fell back a little way from the men, and made a stand against the dogs without retreating from And when the them, until the men had come near. men came up, he fell back a second time, and betook him to flight. Then they pursued the boar until they beheld a vast and lofty castle, all newly built, in a place where they had never before seen either stone
or building. And the boar ran swiftly into the castle and the dogs after him. Now when the boar and the

they began to wonder where they had never And before then seen any building whatsoever. from the top of the Gorsedd they looked and listened for the dogs. But so long as they were there they heard not one of the dogs nor aught concerning them. "Lord," said Pryderi, " I will go into the castle to " Truly," he replied, '* thou get tidings of the dogs." wouldst be unwise to go into this castle, which thou If thou wouldst follow my hast never seen till now. counsel, thou wouldst not enter therein. Whosoever has cast a spell over this land, has caused this castle to be here." "Of a truth," answered Pryderi, "I cannot thus give up my dogs." And for all the counsel that Manawyddan gave him, yet to the castle he went. When he came within the castle, neither man nor beast, nor boar nor dogs, nor house nor dwelling saw he within it. But in the centre of the castle floor he beheld a fountain with marble work around it, and on the margin of the fountain a golden bowl upon a marble slab, and chains hanging from the air, to which he saw no end.

dogs had gone into the

castle,

at finding a castle in a place

70

THE MABINOGION

he was greatly pleased with the beauty of the gold, and with the rich workmanship of the bowl, and he went up to the bowl and laid hold of it. And when he had taken hold of it his hands stuck to the bowl, and his feet to the slab on which the bowl was
forsook him, so that he could not utter a word. And thus he stood. And Manawyddan waited for him till near the close of the day. And late in the evening, being certain he that should have no tidings of Pryderi or of the dogs, he went back to the palace. And as he entered, *' Rhiannon looked at him, Where," said she, " are
placed,
all

And

and

his joyousness

thy

companion

and

thy

dogs

? "

*'

answered, " the adventure that has And he related it all unto her. "An evil companion hast thou been," said Rhiannon, " and a good companion hast thou lost." And with that word she went out, and proceeded towards the castle according The gate of the to the direction which he gave her. castle she found open. She was nothing daunted, and she went in. And as she went in, she perceived Pryderi laying hold of the bowl, and she went towards ** him. Oh my lord," said she, "what dost thou here?" And she took hold of the bowl with him; and as she did so, her hands also became fast to the bowl, and her feet to the slab, and she was not able And with that, as it became night, to utter a word. lo there came thunder upon them, and a fall of mist, and thereupon the castle vanished, and they with it. When Kicva the daughter of Gwynn Gloew saw that there was no one in the palace but herself and Manawyddan, she sorrowed so that she cared not whether she lived or died. And Manawyddan saw this. *'Thou art in the wrong," said he, " if through

Behold," he befallen me."

MANAWYDDAN THE SON OF LLYR

fear of

thou grievest thus. I call Heaven to witness that thou hast never seen friendship more pure than that which I will bear thee, as long as Heaven will that thou shouldst be thus. I declare to thee that were I in the dawn of youth I would keep my faith unto Pryderi, and unto thee also will I keep it.

me

Be there no fear upon Heaven is my witness

thee, therefore," said he,

" for
all

that thou shalt

meet with

the friendship thou canst wish, and that it is in my power to show thee, as long as it shall please Heaven " Heaven to continue us in this grief and woe." reward thee," she said, " and that is what I deemed of thee." And the damsel thereupon took courage

and was
*'

glad.

Truly, lady," said Manawyddan, " it is not fitting for us to stay here, we have lost our dogs, and we cannot get food. Let us go into England ; it is " Gladly, lord," easiest for us to find support there." said she, " we will do so." And they set forth

together to England.

"Lord," said she, "What craft wilt thou follow? Take up one that is seemly." "None other will I take," answered he, "save that of making shoes, as I " Lord," said she, " such a craft did formerly." becomes not a man so nobly born as thou." " By that however will I abide," said he. So he began his craft, and he made all his work of the finest leather he could get in the town, and, as he had done at the other place, he caused gilded clasps to be made for the shoes. ^ And except himself all the cordwainers in the town were idle, and without work. For as long as they could be had from him, neither shoes nor hose were bought elseHe furnished gilded clasps for the shoes.
^

"ji

The mabinogiok

And thus they tarried there a year, until the where. cordwainers became envious, and took counsel concerning him. And he had warning thereof, and it was told him how the cordwainers had agreed together to slay him. *' Lord,'' said Kicva, "Wherefore should this be borne from these boors ? " " Nay," said he, " we will go back unto Dyved." So towards Dyved they set
forth.

he set out to return to Dyved, took with him a burden of wheat. And he proceeded towards Narberth, and there he dwelt. And never was he better pleased than when he saw Narberth again, and the lands where he had been wont to hunt with Pryderi and with Rhiannon. And he accustomed himself to fish, and to hunt the deer in their covert. And then he began to prepare some ground and he sowed a croft, and a second, and a third. And no wheat in the world ever sprung up better. And the three crofts prospered with perfect growth, and no man ever saw fairer wheat than it. And thus passed the seasons of the year until the harvest came. And he went to look at one of his " I will reap this crofts, and behold it was ripe. to-morrow," said he. And that night he went back to Narberth, and on the morrow in the grey dawn he went to reap the croft, and when he came there he found nothing but the bare straw. Every one of the ears of the wheat was cut from off the stalk, and all the ears carried entirely away, and nothing but the straw left. And at this he marvelled greatly. Then he went to look at another croft, and behold '* Verily," said he, "this will I that also was ripe. reap to-morrow." And on the morrow he came with

Now Manawyddan, when

MANAWYDDAN THE SON OF LLYR

73

the intent to reap it, and when he came there he *' Oh gracious found nothing but the bare straw. Heaven," he exclaimed, " I know that whosoever has begun my ruin is completing it, and has also destroyed the country with me." Then he went to look at the third croft, and when he came there, finer wheat had there never been seen, and this also was ripe. "Evil betide me," said he, " if I watch not here to-night. Whoever carried off like manner the other corn will come in to take this. And I will know who it is." So he took his arms, and began to watch the croft. And he told Kicva all that had befallen. "Verily," said she, " what thinkest ? thou to do " "I will watch the croft to-night,"
said he.

he went to watch the croft. And at midnight, lo there arose the loudest tumult in the world. And he looked, and behold the mightiest host of mice in the world, which could neither be numbered nor measured. And he knew not what it was until the mice had made their way into the croft, and each of them climbing up the straw and bending it down with its weight, and had cut off one of the ears of wheat,
!

And

and had carried it away, leaving there the stalk, and he saw not a single straw there that had not a mouse to it. And they all took their way, carrying
the ears with them.

In wrath and anger did he rush upon the mice, but he could no more come up with them than if they had been gnats, or birds in the air, except one only, which though it was but sluggish, went so fast that a man on foot could scarce overtake it.^ And after
^

And

then, half in guile

midst of the mice.

he rushed into the But he could no more keep one of them

in anger,

and half

74
this

THE MABINOGION

one he went, and he caught it and put it in his glove, and tied up the opening of the glove with a string, and kept it with him, and returned to the palace. Then he came to the hall where Kicva w^as, and he lighted a fire, and hung the glove by the string upon a peg. *^What hast thou there, lord?" said Kicva. '^A thief," said he, "that I found robbing me." What kind of thief may it be, lord, that thou couldst put into thy glove?" said she. "Behold I will tell thee," he answ^ered. Then he showed her how his fields had been wasted and destroyed, and how the mice came to the last of the fields in his sight. "And one of them was less nimble than the rest, and is now in my glove to-morrow I will hang it, and before Heaven, if I had them, I would hang
'

marvellous but yet it would be unseemly for a man of dignity like thee to be hanging such a reptile as this. And if thou doest right, thou w^ilt not meddle with the " Woe betide me," said creature, but wilt let it go." he, "if I would not hang them all could I catch them, and such as I have I will hang." "Verily, lord," said she, " there is no reason that I should succour this reptile, except to prevent discredit unto thee. Do therefore, lord, as thou wilt." " If I knew of any cause in the world w^herefore thou shouldst succour it, I w^ould take thy counsel concerning it," said Manawyddan, " but as I know of none, lady, I am minded to destroy it." "Do so willingly then,"
all."

them

"

My

lord," said she, "this

is

said she.

And

then he went to the Gorsedd of Narberth,

within sight than he could gnats or birds in the air, except one, which he saw was heavy with young, and which he thought

could not run.

MANAWYDDAN THE SON OF LLYR

75

And he set up two taking the mouse with him. And forks on the highest part of the Gorsedd. while he was doing this, behold he saw a scholar coming towards him, in old and poor and tattered garments. And it was now seven years since he had seen in that place either man or beast, except those four persons who had remained together until two of
them were
"
lost.

day to thee." Heaven prosper thee, and my greeting be unto thee. And whence dost thou come, scholar ? " asked he. ** and whereI come, lord, from singing in England for the last fore dost thou enquire?" *' Because ^' he, seven years," answered I have seen no man here save four secluded persons, and thyself this moment." ''Truly, lord," said he, "I go through this land unto mine own. And what work art thou ? upon, lord " "I am hanging a thief that I caught robbing me," said he. ''What manner of thief is " " I see a creature in thy that ? asked the scholar. hand like unto a mouse, and ill does it become a man of rank equal to thine, to touch a reptile such as this. Let it go forth free." " I will not let it go free, by Heaven," said he "I caught it robbing me, and the doom of a thief will I inflict upon it and I " Lord," said he, " rather than see a will hang it." man of rank equal to thine at such a work as this, I would give thee a pound which I have received as " I will not let alms, to let the reptile go forth free." it go free," said he, "by Heaven, neither will I sell it." "As thou wilt, lord,'' he answered, "except that I would not see a man of rank equal to thine touching
lord," said the scholar, *'good
*'
; ;

My

such

reptile,

care

nought."

And

the

scholar

went

his way.

"

76

THE MABINOGION
as

he was placing the cross-beam upon the two forks, behold a priest came tow^ards him upon a '^ horse covered with trappings. Good day to thee,
lord,'' said

And

he.

*'

Heaven prosper

thee," said

thou doing ? " I am hanging a thief that I caught robbing me," said he. "What manner of thief, lord?" asked he. "A creature," he answered, "in form of a mouse. It has been robbing me, and I am inflicting upon it " Lord," said he, " rather than the doom of a thief." see thee touch this reptile, I w^ould purchase its freedom." "By my confession to Heaven, neither will I sell it nor set it free." "It is true, lord, that it is worth nothing to buy but rather than see thee defile thyself by touching such a reptile as this, I will " I will not, by give thee three pounds to let it go." Heaven," said he, "take any price for it. As it "Willingly, lord, do ought, so shall it be hanged." thy good pleasure." And the priest went his way. Then he noosed the string around the mouse's neck, and as he w^as about to draw it up, behold, he
thee.
w^hat,

wyddan be upon
;

''thy blessing."

"The

blessing of

ManaHeaven

And

lord, art

saw a bishop's
his

retinue, with his sumpter-horses,

and

attendants.

" Lord w^ork. towards him. "Heaven's blessbishop," said he, "thy blessing." ing be unto thee," said he, "What work art thou upon ? " " Hanging a thief that I caught robbing me," said he, " Is not that a mouse that I see in thy "And she has hand?" "Yes," answered he. robbed me." "Aye," said he, "since I have come
at the

And the bishop And he stayed his

himself

came

of this reptile I will ransom it of thee. I will give thee seven pounds for it, and that rather than see a man of rank equal to thine destroying so

doom

MANAWYDDAN THE SON OF LLYR

vile

JJ

Let it loose and thou shalt a reptile as this. " I declare to Heaven that I will have the money." " If thou wilt not loose it for this, not set it loose." I will give thee four and twenty pounds of ready money to set it free." " I will not set it free, by Heaven, for as much again," said he. ^' If thou wilt not set it free for this, I will give thee all the horses that thou seest in this plain, and the seven loads of baggage, and the seven horses that they are upon." '' By Heaven, I will not," he replied. " Since for this thou wilt not, do so at what price soever thou
wilt."
*'I

will

do

so,"

said

he.

''I

will

that

Rhiannon and Pryderi be

free,"

said

he.

"That

^'Not yet will I thou shalt have," he answered. '* What then wouldst loose the mouse, by Heaven." thou?" "That the charm and the illusion be removed from the seven Cantrevs of Dyved." " This shalt thou have also, set therefore the mouse free." " I will not set it free, by Heaven," said he. " I will

know who the mouse may be." "She is my wife." " Even though she be, I will not set her free. Where"To despoil thee," he fore came she to me?"
answered.
cast the

am Llvvyd the son of Kilcoed, and I charm over the seven Cantrevs of Dyved.
"I

was to avenge Gwawl the son of Clud, from the friendship I had towards him, that I cast the charm. And upon Pryderi did I revenge Gwawl the son of Clud, for the game of Badger in the Bag, that Pwyll Pen Annwn played upon him, which he did unadvisedly in the court of Heveydd Hen. And when it was known that thou wast come to dwell in the land, my household came and besought me to transform them into mice, that they might destroy thy corn. And it was my own household that weqt
it

And

78
the
first

THE MABINOGION
night.

the second night also they went, and they destroyed thy two crofts. And the third night came unto me my wife and the ladies of the court, and besought me to transform them. And I transformed them. Now she is pregnant. And had she not been pregnant thou wouldst not have been able to overtake her, but since this has taken place and she has been caught, I will restore thee Pryderi and Rhiannon ; and I will take the charm and illusion from off Dyved. I have now told thee who *' free." she is. her therefore Set I will not set her
free,

And

by Heaven," said he.

**

*'

What

wilt

thou more ?"

no more charm upon the seven Cantrevs of Dyved, and that none shall be put upon it henceforth." "This thou shalt have," " I will not by my " Now set her free." said he. faith," he answered. ''What wilt thou furthermore," "Behold," said he, "this will I have; asked he. that vengeance be never taken for this, either upon "All this shalt Pryderi or Rhiannon, or upon me." thou have. And truly thou hast done wisely in asking this. Upon thy head would have lit all this trouble." "Yea," said he, "for fear thereof was it, "Set now my wife at liberty.'' that I required this." "I will not, by Heaven," said he, "until I see Pryderi and Rhiannon with me free." "Behold, here they come," he answered. And thereupon behold Pryderi and Rhiannon. And he rose up to meet them, and greeted them, and
he asked.
I will that

there be

"Ah chieftain, set now my beside them. " Hast thou not wife at liberty," said the bishop. ? "I will release her received all thou didst ask " And thereupon he set her free. gladly," said he. Then he struck her with a magic wand, and she
sat

down

MANAWYDDAN THE SON OF LLYR

was changed back into a young woman, the
ever seen. " Look around

79
fairest

upon thy land," said he, " and then thou wilt see it all tilled and peopled, as it was in its best state." And he rose up and looked forth. And when he looked he saw all the lands tilled, and full *'What bondage," he enof herds and dwellings. quired, "has there been upon Pryderi and Rhiannon?" ^* Pryderi has had the knockers of the gate of my palace about his neck, and Rhiannon has had
the collars of the asses, after they have been carrying hay, about her neck."

And such had been their bondage. And by reason of this bondage is

this story called

the Mabinogi of Mynnweir and Mynord.^ And thus ends this portion of the Mabinogi.
^

Knockers and

Collars.

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY.

the son of Mathonwy was lord over Gwynedd, and Pryderi the son of Pwyll was lord over the one and twenty Cantrevs of the South ; and these were the seven Cantrevs of Dyved, and the seven Cantrevs

Math

80

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

of Morganwc, the four Cantrevs of Ceredigiawn, and the three of Ystrad Tywi. At that time, Math the son of Mathonwy could not exist unless his feet were in the lap of a maiden, except only when he was prevented by the tumult of war. Now the maiden who was with him was Goewin, the daughter of Pebin of D61 Pebin, in Arvon, and she was the fairest maiden of her time

who was known there. And Math dwelt always

Arvon, and was not able to go the circuit of the land, but Gilvaethwy the son of Don, and Eneyd ^ the son of Don, his nephews, the sons of his sister, with his household, went the circuit of the land in his stead. Now the maiden was with Math continually, and Gilvaethwy the son of Don set his affections upon her, and loved her so that he knew not what he should do because of her, and therefrom behold his
at

Caer Dathyl,

in

hue, and his aspect, and his spirits changed for love of her, so that it w^as not easy to know him. One day his brother Gwydion gazed steadfastly upon him. '* Youth," said he, " what aileth thee ? " '' Why,'' replied he, "what seest thou in me?" "I " see," said he, that thou hast lost thy aspect and thy hue; what, therefore, aileth thee?" ''My lord, brother," he answered, "that which aileth me, it will " What not profit me that I should own to any."

soul?" said he. "Thou knowest," he said, Math the son of Mathonwy has this property, that if men whisper together, in a tone how low soever, if the wind meet it, it becomes known unto him." " Yes," said Gwydyon, " hold now thy peace, I know thy intent, thou lovest Goewin."

may

it

be,

my

" that

Eveyd.

82

THE MABiNOGION
When
he found that
his brother

knew
"

his intent,

he gave the heaviest sigh in the world. Be silent, " my soul, and sigh not,'' he said. It is not thereby I will cause," said he, " if it that thou wilt succeed. cannot be otherwise, the rising of Gwynedd, and Powys, and Deheubarth, to seek the maiden. Be thou of glad cheer therefore, and I will compass it." So they went unto Math the son of Mathonwy. " Lord," said Gwydion, *' I have heard that there have come to the South some beasts, such as were never known in this island before." *' What are they "Pigs, lord." *'And what kind called?" he asked.
" They are small animals, and of animals are they ? " "They their flesh is better than the flesh of oxen."
are

"And they change their names. small then?" Swine are they now called." "Who owneth them ?" " Pryderi the son of Pwyll ; they were sent him from Annwn, by Arawn the king of Annwn, and still they keep that name, half hog, half pig." " Verily," asked
"and by what means may they be obtained from him ? " "I will go, lord, as one of twelve in the "But it may be guise of bards, to seek the swine."
he,

" journey will that he will refuse you," said he. " I will not come back not be evil, lord," said he,

My

without the swine."

forward."

"Gladly," said he, "go thou

So he and Gilvaethwy went, and ten other men

And they came into Ceredigiawn, to the with them. place that is now called Rhuddlan Teivi, where the In the guise of bards they palace of Pryderi was. came in, and they w^ere received joyfully, and Gwydion was placed beside Pryderi that night. " Of a truth," said Pryderi, " gladly would I have "Lord," a tale from some of your men yonder."

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

said

83

Gwydion, " we have a custom that the first night that we come to the court of a great man, the chief of song recites. Gladly will I relate a tale." Now Gwydion was the best teller of tales in the world, and he diverted all the court that night with pleasant discourse and with tales, so that he charmed every one in the court, and it pleased Pryderi to talk with him. And after this, ^' Lord," said he unto Pryderi, "were it more pleasing to thee, that another should
discharge my errand unto thee, than that I should tell thee myself what it is?'' ''No," he answered, "ample speech hast thou.'' "Behold, then, lord," said he, "my errand. It is to crave from thee the animals that were sent thee from Annwn." " Verily," he replied, " that were the easiest thing in the world to grant, were there not a covenant between me and my land concerning them. And the covenant is that they shall not go from me, until they have produced double their number in the land." "Lord," said he, " I can set thee free from these words, and this is the way I can do so ; give me not the swine to-night,
neither refuse

them unto me, and to-morrow

will

show thee an exchange for them." And that night he and his fellows went unto their "Ah, my men," lodging, and they took counsel.
said he, "we shall not have the swine for the asking." " Well," said they, " how may they be obtained ? " " I will cause them to be obtained," said Gwydion.

Then he betook
work
a

himself to his

arts,

and began

to

he caused twelve chargers to appear, and twelve black greyhounds, each of them white breasted, and having upon them twelve collars and twelve leashes, such as no one that saw them could know to be other than gold. And upon the

charm.

And

84

THE MABINOGION

horses twelve saddles, and every part which should have been of iron was entirely of gold, and the bridles were of the same workmanship. And with the horses and the dogs he came to Pryderi.
*'

Good day unto

thee, lord," said he.

''

Heaven

prosper thee," said the other, "and greetings be unto " Lord," said he, " behold here is a release thee." for thee from the word which thou spakest last even-

s.

>v

ing concerning the swine that thou wouldest neither Thou mayest exchange them for give nor sell them. is which better. And I will give these twelve that horses, all caparisoned as they are, with their saddles and their bridles, and these twelve greyhounds, with tkeir collars and their leashes as thou seest, and the
;

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

85

twelve gilded shields that thou beholdest yonder.'' Now these he had formed of fungus. "Well," said And they consulted he, "we will take counsel." together, and determined to give the swine to Gwydion, and to take his horses and his dogs and his
shields.

Then Gwydion and

his

men

took their leave, and

began to journey forth with the pigs. " Ah, my comrades," said Gwydion, "it is needful that we
journey with speed.

The

illusion will not last but

from the one hour to the same to-morrow." And that night they journeyed as far as the upper part of Ceredigiawn, to the place which, from that cause, is called Mochdrev still. And the next day they took their course through Melenydd, and came that night to the town which is likewise for that reason called Mochdrev, between Keri and Arwystli. And thence they journeyed forw^ard and that night they came as far as that Commot in Powys, which also upon account thereof is called Mochnant, and there tarried they that night. And they journeyed thence to the Cantrev of Rhos, and the place where they were that night is still called Mochdrev. " My men," said Gwydion, " we must push forward
;

with these animals, for there is a gathering of hosts in pursuit of us." So they journeyed on to the highest town of Arllechwedd, and there they made a sty for the swine^ and therefore was the name of Creuwyryon given to that town. And after they had made the sty for the swine, they proceeded to Math the son of Mathonwy, at Caerdathyl. And when they came there, the country was rising. "What news is there here?" asked Gwydion. "Pryderi is assembling one and
to the fastnesses of

Gwynedd

86

THE MABINOGION

twenty Cantrevs to pursue after you," answered they. *' It is marvellous that you should have journeyed so " Where are the animals whereof you went slowly." in quest?" said Math. "They have had a sty made for them in the other Cantrev below," said Gwydion. Thereupon, lo they heard the trumpets and the host in the land, and they arrayed themselves and set forward and came to Penardd in Arvon. And at night Gwydion the son of Don, and Gilvaethwy his brother, returned to Caerdathyl and Gilvaethwy took Math the son of Mathonwy's couch. And while he turned out the other damsels from the room discourteously, he made Goewin unwillingly remain. And when they saw the day on the morrow, they went back unto the place where Math the son of Mathonwy was with his host and when they came there, the warriors were taking counsel in what district they should await the coming of Pryderi, and
!

South. So they went in to the council. And it was resolved to wait in the strongholds of Gwynedd, in Arvon. So within the two Maenors they took their stand, Maenor Penardd and Maenor Coed Alun. And there Pryderi attacked them, and there the combat took place. And great was the slaughter on both sides but the men of the South were forced to flee. And they fled unto the And thither did place which is still called Nantcall. they follow them, and they made a vast slaughter of them there, so that they fled again as far as the place called Dol Pen Maen, and there they halted and sought to make peace. And that he might have peace, Pryderi gave hostages, Gwrgi Gwastra gave he and three and
the
of the
;

men

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

;

87

twenty others, sons of nobles. And after this they journeyed in peace even unto Traeth Mawr but as they went on together towards Melenryd, the men on Pryderi foot could not be restrained from shooting. despatched unto Math an embassy to pray him to
forbid his people, and to leave it between him and Gwydion the son of Don, for that he had caused all
this.

And

the messengers

Math, '' I call to witness, if it be pleasing unto Gwydion the son of Don, I will so leave it gladly. Never will I compel any to go to fight, but that we ourselves should do our utmost." "Verily," said the messengers, "Pryderi saith that it were more fair that the man who did him this wrong should oppose his own body to his, and let his people remain unscathed." " I declare to Heaven, I will not ask the men of Gwynedd to fight because of me. If I am allowed to fight Pryderi myself, And this gladly will I oppose my body to his." answer they took back to Pryderi. "Truly," said Pryderi, " I shall require no one to demand my rights
truth, ^' said

came Heaven

to

Math.

*^

Of a

but myself."

and armed themselves, and And by force of strength, and fierceness, and by the magic and charms of Gwydion, Pryderi was slain. And at Maen Tyriawc,^ above Melenryd, was he buried, and there is his grave. And the men of the South set forth in sorrow
these two they fought.
forth

Then

came

towards their own land nor is it a marvel that they should grieve, seeing that they had lost their lord,
;

and many of

their best warriors,

and

for the

most
in

part, their horses

and

their arms.

The men

of

Gwynedd went back

^

joyful

and

Tyviawc,

88

THE MABINOGION

triumph. "Lord," said Gwydion unto Math, ^* would it not be right for us to release the hostages of the men of the South, which they pledged unto us for peace ? for we ought not to put them in prison." "Let them then be set free," said Math. So that youth, and the other hostages that were with him, were set free to follow the men of the South. Math himself went forward to Caerdathyl. Gilvaethwy the son of Don, and they of the household that were with him went to make the circuit of Gwynedd as they were wont, without coming to the Math went into his chamber, and caused a court. place to be prepared for him whereon to recline, so that he might put his feet in the maiden's lap. " Lord," said Goewin, "seek now another^ to hold thy feet, for I am now a wife." "What meaneth "An attack, lord, w^as made unthis?" said he. awares upon me but I held not my peace, and there was no one in the court who knew not of it. Now the attack was made by thy nephews, lord, the sons of thy sister, Gwydion the son of Don, and Gilvaethwy the son of Don ; unto me they did wrong, and unto " Verily," he exclaimed, " I w^ill do thee dishonour." to the utmost of my power concerning this matter. But first I will cause thee to have compensation, and then will I have amends made unto myself. As for thee, I wall take thee to be my wife, and the possession of my dominions will I give unto thy hands." And Gwydion and Gilvaethwy came not near the court, but stayed in the confines of the land until it was forbidden to give them meat and drink. At first they came not near unto Math, but at last they came. "Lord," said they, "Good day to thee." "Well,"
;

A maiden.

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

said he, "
is it
**

89

come?" " By my will I would not have lost my warriors, and so many arms as I have done. You cannot compensate

make me compensation that ye are Lord," they said, "we are at thy will."
to

shame, setting aside the death of Pryderi. But since ye come hither to be at my will, I shall begin your punishment forthwith." Then he took his magic wand, and struck Gilvaethwy, so that he became a deer, and he seized upon the other hastily lest he should escape from him. And he struck him with the same magic wand, and he became a deer also. " Since now ye are in bonds, I will that ye go forth together and be companions, and possess the nature of the animals whose form, ye bear. And this day twelvemonth come hither unto me." At the end of a year from that day, lo there was a loud noise under the chamber wall, and the barking of the dogs of the palace together with the noise. " Look," said he, "what is without." ^' Lord," said one, " I have looked there are there two deer, and a fawn with them." Then he arose and went out. And when he came he beheld the three animals. And he lifted up his wand. " As ye were deer last year, be ye wild hogs each and either of you, for the year that is to come." And thereupon he struck them with the magic wand. " The young one will I take and cause to be baptized." Now the name that " Go ye and be wild swine, he gave him was Hydwn. each and either of you, and be ye of the nature of wild swine. And this day twelvemonth be ye here under the wall." At the end of the year the barking of dogs was heard under the wall of the chamber. And the court
;

me my

90
assembled,

THE MABINOGION

and thereupon he arose and went forth, and when he came forth he beheld three beasts.
these were the beasts that he saw ; two wild hogs of the woods, and a well-grown young one with them. And he was very large for his age. ^' Truly," said Math, *'this one will I take and cause to be baptized." And he struck him with his magic wand, and he became a fine fair auburn haired youth, and '* the name that he gave him was Hychdwn. Now as for you, as ye were wild hogs la^t year, be ye wolves each and either of you for the year that is to come. Thereupon he struck them with his magic wand, and they became wolves. "And be ye of like nature with the animals whose semblance ye bear, and return here

Now

day twelvemonth beneath this wall." And the same day at the end of the year, he heard a clamour and a barking of dogs under the wall of the chamber. And he rose and went forth. And when he came, behold he saw two wolves, and a strong cub with them. ''This one will I take," said " Math, and I will cause him to be baptized there is a name prepared for him, and that is Bleiddwn. Now these three, such are they
this
;

*'

The The

three sons of Gih'aethwy the false, three faithful combatants, Bleiddwn, Hydwn, and Hychdwn the Tall."

struck the two with his magic wand, and " Oh men," said he, they resumed their own nature. " for the wrong that ye did unto me, sufficient has been your punishment and your dishonour. Prepare

Then he

precious ointment for these men, and wash their heads, and equip them." And this was done. And after they were equipped, they came unto him.

now

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

**0h men," said he, *^you have obtained peace, and you shall likewise have friendship. Give your shall seek." counsel unto me, what maiden I *' ^^ it is easy to Lord," said Gwydion the son of Don, give thee counsel seek Arianrod,'^ the daughter of Don, thy niece, thy sister's daughter." And they brought her unto him, and the maiden came in. '' Ha damsel," said he, ^'art thou the
;

maiden?" "I know not, Lord, other than that I am." Then he took up his ma,2:ic wand, and bent it. ^'Step over this,'' said he, and I shall know if thou
*'

art the

maiden."

Then stepped she over

the magic

wand, and there appeared forthwith a

fine

chubby

yellow haired boy. And at the crying out of the boy, she went towards the door. And thereupon some small form was seen but before any one could get a second glimpse of it, Gwydion had taken it, and had flung a scarf of velvet around it and hidden it. Now the place where he hid it was the bottom of a chest at the foot of his bed. *' Verily," said Math the son of Mathonwy, concerning the fine yellow haired boy, ^^I will cause this one to be baptized, and Dylan is the name I will give him." So they had the boy baptized, and as they baptized him he plunged into the sea. And immediately when he was in the sea, he took its nature, and swam as well as the best fish that was therein. And for that reason was he called Dylan, the son of the Wave. Beneath him no wave ever broke. And the blow whereby he came to his death, was struck by his uncle
;

Govannion.
^

The
lay

third fatal

As Gwydion

blow was it called. one morning on his bed awake, he

'-^

Aranrod throughout,

Tiifanious,

92
heard a was not Then he when he

THE MABINOGION
cry in the chest at his feet ; and though it loud, it was such that he could hear it. arose in haste, and opened the chest ; and

opened it, he beheld an infant boy stretching out his arms from the folds of the scarf, and casting it aside. And he took up the boy in his arms, and carried him to a place where he knew there was a woman that could nurse him. And he agreed with
the

woman

that she should take charge of the boy.

And that year he was nursed. And at the end of the year,
as

he seemed by

his size

though he were two years old. And the second year he was a big child, and able to go to the court by himself. And when he came to the court, Gwydion noticed him, and the boy became familiar with him, and loved him better than any one else. Then was the boy reared at the court until he was four years old, when he was as big as though he had been eight. And one day Gwydion walked forth, and the boy followed him, and he went to the Castle of Arianrod, having the boy with him and when he came into the court, Arianrod arose to meet him, and greeted " Heaven prosper him and bade him welcome. ''Who is the boy that followeth thee," said he. thee?" she asked. ''This youth, he is thy son," he "Alas," said she, "what has come unto answered. thee that thou shouldest shame me thus, wherefore dost thou seek my dishonour, and retain it so long as " Unless thou suffer dishonour greater than this ? " that of my bringing up such a boy as this, small will " be thy disgrace." "What is the name of the boy ? "Verily," he replied, "he has not yet a said she. name." "Well," she said, "I lay this destiny upon
;

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

him, that he shall never have a

93

name
bears

until

he receives
witness,"

one from me." answered he, " that the boy shall have may be unto thee.
thee
is

"
a

Heaven
art a

me

thou

wicked woman.
that

But
it

name how
As
for

displeasing soever

thee,

which

afflicts

thou art no longer called a damsel." And thereupon he went forth in wrath, and returned to Caer Dathyl, and there he tarried that night. And the next day he arose and took the boy with him, and went to walk on the sea shore between that And there he saw some place and Aber Menei. sedges and sea weed, and he turned them into a And out of dry sticks ^ and sedges he made boat.
that

some Cordovan
he coloured
leather
to the boat,
it

leather,

in

such a

and a great deal thereof, and manner that no one ever saw
it.

more

beautiful than

Then he made

sail

and he and the boy went in it to the Port of the Castle of Arianrod. And he began forming shoes and stitching them, until he was observed from the castle. And when he knew that they of the castle were observing him, he disguised his aspect, and put another semblance upon himself, and upon the boy, so that they might not be known. " What men are those in yonder boat ? " said Arianrod. '^They are cordwainers," answered they. ''Go and see what kind of leather they have^ and what kind of work they can do." So they came unto them. And when they came he was colouring some Cordovan leather, and gilding it. And the messengers came and told her this. "Well," said she, "take the measure of my foot, and desire the cordwainer to make shoes for me." So he made the shoes for her, yet not accord^

Sea-weed.

94

THE MABINOGION
The

shoes then were brought unto her, and behold they were too large. " These are too large," said she, " but he shall receive their value. Let him also make some that Then he made her others are smaller than they." that were much smaller than her foot, and sent them " Tell him that these will not go on my unto her. feet," said she. And they told him this. "Verily," " said he, I will not make her any shoes, unless I see " Truly,'' her foot." And this was told unto her. she answered, " I will go unto him." So she went down to the boat, and when she came there, he was shaping shoes and the boy stitching "Ah, lady," said he, "good day to thee." them. "Heaven prosper thee," said she. "I marvel that thou canst not manage to make shoes according to "I could not," he replied, " but now I a measure."
ing to the measure, but larger.
shall

be able."

Thereupon behold a wren stood upon the deck of the boat, and the boy shot at it, and hit it in the leg between the sinew and the bone. Then she smiled. "Verily," said she, *'with a steady hand did the lion
aim at it." "Heaven reward thee not, but now has he got a name. And a good enough name it is. Llew Llaw Gyffes be he called henceforth." Then the work disappeared in sea weed and sedges, and he went on with it no further. And for that reason was he called the third Gold -shoemaker.

"Of
no
his

a truth," said she,

he.

"thou

wilt

better for doing e\il unto me."

evil yet," said

not thrive the "I have done thee

Then he

"Well," said destiny upon this boy, that he shall never have arms and armour until I invest him with them." " By
form.

own

restored the boy to she, "I will lay a

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWV

95

Heaven," said he, **let thy maHce be what it may, he shall have arms." Then they went towards Dinas Dinllev, and there he brought up Llew Llaw Gyffes, until he could manage any horse, and he was perfect in features, and strength, and stature. And then Gwydion saw that he languished through the want of horses, and And he called him unto him. '* Ah, youth," arms. said he, ^* we will go to-morrow on an errand together.

"That I therefore more cheerful than thou art." will," said the youth. Next morning, at the dawn of day, they arose.
Be
they took their way along the sea coast, up And at the top of Cevn towards Bryn Aryen. Clydno they equipped themselves with horses, and went towards the Castle of Arianrod. And they changed their form, and pricked towards the gate in the semblance of two youths, but the aspect of Gwydion was more staid than that of the other. said he, ^'go thou in and say that there *' Porter," are here bards from Glamorgan." And the porter "The welcome of Heaven be unto them, w^ent in. let them in," said Arianrod. With great joy were they greeted. And the hall was arranged, and they went to meat. When meat was ended, Arianrod discoursed with Gwydion of
tales
teller

And

and
of

feasting,

was an excellent was time to leave off a chamber was prepared for them, and they
stories.
tales.

Now Gwydion
it

And when

went

to rest.

In the early twilight Gwydion arose, and he called unto him his magic and his power. And by the time that the day dawned, there resounded through the land uproar, and trumpets, and shouts. When it was

96

THE MABiNOGlON

now

day, they heard a knocking at the door of the chamber, and therewith Arianrod asking that it might be opened. Up rose the youth and opened unto her,

and she entered and a maiden with her. *' Ah, good men," she said, ''in evil pHght are we.'' "Yes truly," said Gwydion, " we have heard trumpets, and shouts what thinkest thou that they may mean ? " "Verily," said she, " we cannot see the colour of the ocean by reason of all the ships, side by side. And they are making for the land with all the speed they can. And what can we do?" said she. "Lady," said Gwydion, " there is none other counsel than to close the castle upon us, and to defend it as best we may."
" Truly," said she, "

do you defend
of arms."

it.

may Heaven reward you. And here you may have

And
plenty

thereupon went she forth for the arms, and behold she returned, and two maidens, and suits of armour for two men, with her. "Lady," said he, " do thou accoutre this stripling, and I will arm Lo, I hear the myself with the help of thy maidens. tumult of the men approaching." " I will do so,

And

So she armed him fully, and that right " Hast thou finished arming the youth," cheerfully. "I "I have finished," she answered. said he. " Let us likewise have finished," said Gwydion. now take off our arms we have no need of them." "Wherefore?" said she. " Here is the army around the house." "Oh, lady, there is here no army." "Oh," cried she, "Whence then was this tumult?" " The tumult was but to break thy prophecy ^ and to And now has he got arms obtain arms for thy son. " By Heaven," said without any thanks unto thee."
gladly."
^

Destiny.

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

97

Many a youth Arianrod, "thou art a wicked man. might have lost his life, through the uproar thou hast caused in this Cantrev to-day. Now will I lay a destiny upon this youth," she said, "that he shall never have a wife of the race that now inhabits this earth." "Verily," said he, "thou wast ever a malicious woman, and no one ought to support thee. A wife shall he have notwithstanding,"

^s

,..

They went thereupon unto

Math

the

son

o^

Mathonwy, and complained unto him most bitterly of Arianrod. Gwydion showed him also how he had " Well," said Math, procured arms for the youth. "we will seek, I and thou, by charms and illusion, He has now to form a wife for him out of flowers.

gS

THE MABINOGION
to man's stature,

and he is the comeliest youth that was ever beheld." So they took the blossoms of the oak, and the blossoms of the broom, and the blossoms of the meadow-sweet, and produced from them a maiden, the fairest and most graceful that man ever saw. And they baptized her,^ and gave her the name of Blodeuwedd. After she had become his bride, and they had feasted, said Gwydion, ** It is not easy for a man to
maintain himself without possessions."
said
**
'*

come

Of a

truth,"

Math, I will give the young man the best Cantrev to hold."^ "Lord," said he, "what Cantrev " The Cantrev of Dinodig," he answered. is that ? " Now it is called at this day Eivionydd and Ardudwy. And the place in the Cantrev where he dwelt, was a palace of his in a spot called Mur y Castell, on the confines of Ardudwy. There dwelt he and reigned, and both he and his sway were beloved by all. One day he went forth to Caer Dathyl, to visit Math the son of Mathonwy. And on the day that he set out for Caer Dathyl, Blodeuwedd w^alked in thd* court. And she heard the sound of a horn. And after the sound of the horn, behold, a tired stag went by, with dogs and huntsmen following it. And after the dogs and the huntsmen there came a crowd " Send a youth," said she, " to ask of men on foot. who yonder host may be." So a youth went, and " Gronw Pebyr is this, the enquired who they were.
lord of Penllynn," said they.
told her.

And

thus the youth

Gronw Pebyr pursued

^

the stag, and by the river

Add
"

man

^'according to the rite of baptism they then performed." give him that one Cantrev that is best for a young to have."
I will

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

Cynvael he overtook the stag and killed
it.

99

And

what, with flaying the stag and baiting his dogs, he was there until the night began to close in upon him. And as the day departed and the night drew near, he '^ Verily," said came to the gate of the court. Blodeuwedd, "the chieftain will speak ill of us, if we let him at this hour depart to another land with'' Yes, truly, lady," said they, out inviting him in.''
"it will be

most

fitting to invite

him."

meet him and bid him in. And he accepted her bidding gladly, and came to the court, and Blodeuwedd went to meet him and " Lady," said greeted him, and bade him w^elcome.

Then went messengers

to

he, "

Heaven repay thee thy kindness."

they had disaccoutred themselves, they went And Blodeuwedd looked upon him, to sit down. and from the moment that she looked on him she became filled with his love. And he gazed on her, and the same thought came unto him as unto her, so that he could not conceal from her that he loved her, but he declared unto her that he did so. Thereupon she was very joyful. And all their discourse that night was concerning the affection and love which they felt one for the other, and which in no longer space than one evening had arisen. And that evening passed they in each other's company. The next day he sought to depart. But she said, " I pray thee go not from me to-day." And that night he tarried also. And that night they consulted by what means they might always be together. "There is none other counsel," said he, "but that thou strive to learn from Llew Llaw Gyffes in what manner he will meet his death. And this must thou do under the semblance of soHcitude concerning him,"

When

100

THE MABINOGION
next day
I

The
to-day."

Gronw sought

to depart.

*'

Verily,"

said she, "

would counsel thee not

to

go from

me

*'At thy instance, will I not go," said he, "albeit, I must say, there is danger, that the chief who owns the palace may return home." "Tomorrow," answered she, " will I indeed permit thee
to

go

forth."

next day he sought to go, and she hindered him not. "Be mindful," said Gronw, "of what I have said unto thee, and converse with him fully, and that under the guise of the dalliance of love, and find out by what means he may come to his death." That night Llew Llaw Gyffes returned to his home. And the day they spent in discourse, and minstrelsy, and feasting. And at night they went to rest, and he spoke to Blodeuwedd once, and he spoke to her a second time. But, for all this, he could not get from "What aileth thee," said he, "art her one word.

The

thou well?" "I was thinking," said she, "of that which thou didst never think of concerning me ; for I was sorrowful as to thy death, lest thou shouldest go sooner than I." " Heaven reward thy care for me," said he, "but until Heaven take me I shall not " For the sake of Heaven, and for easily be slain." mine, show me how thou mightest be slain. My memory in guarding is better than thine." "I will "Not easily can I be tell thee gladly," said he. And the spear wherewith slain, except by a wound. ^ And I am struck must be a year in the forming. nothing must be done towards it except during the "Is this certain?" asked she. sacrifice on Sundays." "And I cannot be "It is in truth," he answered. I cannot be slain glain within a house, nor without.
1

Blow,

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

lOl

on horseback nor on foot." " Verily," said she, ** in what manner then canst thou be slain ? " ^' I will tell ''By making a bath for me by the thee," said he. side of a river, and by putting a roof over the cauldron, and thatching it well and tightly, and bringing a buck, and putting it beside the cauldron. Then if I place one foot on the buck's back, and the other on the edge of the cauldron, whosoever strikes
" Well," said she, " I death." thank Heaven that it will be easy to avoid this." No sooner had she held this discourse than she sent to Gronw Pebyr. Gronw toiled at making the spear, and that day twelvemonth it was ready.

me

thus will cause

my

And

that very

day he caused her to be informed

thereof.

"Lord," said Blodeuwedd unto Llew, "I have been thinking how it is possible that what thou didst tell me formerly can be true wilt thou show me in what manner thou couldst stand at once upon the edge of a cauldron and upon a buck, if I prepare the bath for thee?" "I will show^ thee," said he. Then she sent unto Gronw, and bade him be in ambush on the hill which is now called Bryn Kyvergyr, on the bank of the river Cynvael. She caused also to be collected all the goats that were in the Cantrev, and had them brought to the other side of the river, opposite Bryn Kyvergyr. And the next day she spoke thus. " Lord," said she, " I have caused the roof and the bath to be pre" Well," said Llew, pared, and lo they are ready." "we will go gladly to look at them." The day after they came and looked at the bath. "Wilt thou go into the bath, lord?" said she. " Willingly will I go in," he answered. So into the
;
!

102

THE MABINOGION

bath he went, and he anointed himself. "Lord," said she, " behold the animals which thou didst speak of as being called bucks." "Well," said he, "cause one of them to be caught and brought here." And the buck was brought. Then Llew rose out of the bath, and put on his trowsers, and he placed one foot on the edge of the bath and the other on the buck's
back.

Thereupon Gronw rose up from the hill which is called Bryn Cyvergyr, and he rested on one knee, and flung the poisoned dart and struck him on the
side, so

that the shaft started out, but the

the dart remained in. Then he flew up in of an eagle, and gave a fearful scream. And thenceforth

head of the form

was he no more seen. As soon as he departed Gronw and Blodeuwedd went together unto the palace that night. And the next day Gronw arose and took possession of Ardudwy. And after he had overcome the land, he ruled over it, so that Ardudwy and Penllyn were both under his sway. Then these tidings reached Math the son of

Mathonwy. And heaviness and grief came upon Math, and much more upon Gwydion than upon him. " Lord," said Gwydion, " I shall never rest until I
have tidings of
"
set

my

nephew."
thy

"Verily," said Math,

may Heaven be
forth

strength."

Then Gwydion

and began to go forward. And he went through Gwynedd and Powys to the confines. And when he had done so, he went into Arvon, and came
to the

house of a

vassal, in

Maenawr Penardd.

And

and stayed there that night. The man of the house and his household came in, and last of all came there the swineherd. Said the
he alighted
at the house,

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

man

I03

of the house to the swineherd, ** Well, youth, hath thy sow come in to-night?" "She hath," said he, "and is this instant returned to the pigs." "Where doth this sow go to?" said Gwydion. " Every day, when the sty is opened, she goeth forth and none can catch sight of her, neither is it known whither she goeth more than if she sank into the earth." "Wilt thou grant unto me," said Gwydion, " not to open the sty until I am beside the sty with thee." "This will I do, right gladly," he

answered.

That night they went to rest and as soon as the swineherd saw the light of day, he awoke Gwydion. And Gwydion arose and dressed himself, and went with the swineherd, and stood beside the sty. Then the swineherd opened the sty. And as soon as he opened it, behold, she leaped forth, and set off with great speed. And Gwydion followed her, and she went against the course of a river, and made for a brook, which is now called Nant y Llew. And there she halted and began feeding. And Gwydion came under the tree, and looked what it might be that the sow was feeding on. And he saw that she was eating putrid flesh and vermin. Then looked he up to the top of the tree, and as he looked he beheld on the top of the tree an eagle, and when the eagle shook itself, there fell vermin and putrid flesh from off it, and these the sow devoured. And it seemed to him that the eagle was Llew. And he sang an
;

Englyn.
" Oak that grows between the two banks Darkened is the sky and hill Shall I not tell him by his wounds, That this is Llew ? "
!

"

104

THE MABINOGION
came down until he reached And Gwydion sang another

Upon this the eagle the centre of the tree.

Englyn.
**

that grows in upland ground, not wetted by the rain ? Has it not been drenched By nine score tempests ? It bears in its branches Llew Llaw Gyffes
Is
it
!

Oak

the eagle came down until he was on the lowest branch of the tree, and thereupon this Englyn did Gwydion sing.
*^

Then

that grows beneath the steep ; Stately and majestic is its aspect Shall I not speak it ? That Llew will come to my lap ? "
!

Oak

And the eagle came down upon Gwydion's knee. And Gwydion struck him with his magic wand, so that he returned to his own form. No one ever saw
a more piteous sight, for he was nothing but skin and bone. Then he went unto Caer Dathyl, and there were brought unto him good physicians that were in Gwynedd, and before the end of the year he was
quite healed. *' Lord," said he unto Math the son of Mathonwy, " it is full time now that I have retribution of him by whom I have suffered all this woe." "Truly," said Math, *' he will never be able to maintain himself in *'Well," the possession of that which is thy right." said Llew, " the sooner I have my right, the better
shall I

be pleased."
they called together the whole of Gwynedd,

Then
and

set forth to

Ardudwy.

And Gwydion went on

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

before and proceeded to

IO5

Mur

y Castell.

And when

was coming, she took her maidens with her, and fled to the mountain. And they passed through the river Cynvael, and went towards a court that there was upon the mountain, and through fear they could not proceed except with their faces looking backwards, so that unawares they fell into the lake. And they were all drowned except
that he

Blodeuwedd heard

Blodeuwedd

herself,

and
^^

her

Gwydion

overtook.

he said unto her, I will not slay thee, but I will do unto thee worse than that. For I will turn thee into a bird ; and because of the shame thou hast done unto Llew Llaw Gyffes, thou shalt never show thy face in the light of day henceforth and that through fear of all the other birds. For it shall be their nature to attack thee, and to chase thee from wheresoever they may find thee. And thou shalt not lose thy name, but shalt be always called Blodeuwedd.^' Now Blodeuwedd is an owl in the language of this present time, and for this reason is the owl hateful unto all birds. And even now the owl is called Blodeuwedd. Then Gronw Pebyr withdrew unto Penllyn, and he despatched thence an embassy. And the messengers he sent, asked Llew Llaw Gyffes, if he would take land, or domain, or gold, or silver, for the injury he
;

And

confession to he. Behold this is the least that I will accept from him ; that he come to the spot where I was when he wounded me with the dart, and that I stand where he did, and that with a dart I take my aim at him. And this is the very least that I will accept." And this was told unto Gronw Pebyr. "Verily,"
**

had received. Heaven," said

will

not,

by

my

*'

io6
said
he,
*'is
it

THE MABINOGION
needful
for

do thus? My faithful warriors, and my household, and my fosterbrothers, is there not one among you who will stand the blow in my stead?" is '* There not, verily," answered they. And because of their refusal to suffer one stroke for their lord, they are called the

me

to

third disloyal tribe even unto this day. he, " I will meet it."

" Well," said

they two went forth to the banks of the river Cynvael, and Gronw stood in the place where Llew Llaw Gyffes was when he struck him, and Llew in the

Then

Then said Gronw Pebyr place where Gronw was. " Since it was through the wiles of a unto Llew, woman that I did unto thee as I have done, I adjure thee by Heaven to let me place between me and the blow, the slab thou seest yonder on the river's bank." ^'Verily," said Llew, "I will not refuse thee this."
*^Ah,"
said
he,

*'may Heaven reward thee."

So

MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY

Gronw took
the blow.
the slab

I07

and placed

it

between him and

pierced the slab and went through Gronw likewise, so that it pierced through his back. And thus was Gronw Pebyr slain. And there is still the slab on the bank of the river Cynvael, in Ardudwy, having the hole
it

Then Llew

flung the dart at him,

and

through it. And therefore it is even now called Llech Gronw. A second time did Llew Llaw Gyffes take possession of the land, and prosperously did he govern it. And as the story relates, he was lord after this over Gwynedd. And thus ends this portion of the Mabinogi.

HERE IS THE STORY OF LLUDD AND LLEVELYS.

Beli the Great, the son of Manogan, had three sons, Lludd, and Caswallawn, and Nynyaw; and according to the story he had a fourth son called Llevelys.
the death of Beli, the kingdom of the Island of Britain fell into the hands of Lludd his eldest son ; and Lludd ruled prosperously, and rebuilt the walls of London, and encompassed it about
after
108

And

LLUDD AND LLEVELYS

IO9

And after that he bade the with numberless towers. citizens build houses therein, such as no houses in And moreover he was a the kingdom could equal. mighty warrior, and generous and liberal in giving meat and drink to all that sought them. And though he had many castles and cities, this one loved he more than any. And he dwelt therein most part of the year, and therefore was it called Caer Ludd, and And after the stranger-race at last Caer London.
came there, it was called London, or Lwndrys. Lludd loved Llevelys best of all his brothers, because he was a wise and a discreet man. Having heard that the king of France had died, leaving no
except a daughter, and that he had left all his possessions in her hands, he came to Lludd his brother, to beseech his counsel and aid. And that not so much for his own welfare, as to seek to add to the glory and honour and dignity of his kindred, if he might go to France to woo the maiden for his And forthwith his brother conferred with him, wife. and this counsel was pleasing unto him. So he prepared ships and filled them with armed knights, and set forth towards France. And as soon as they had landed, they sent messengers to show the nobles of France the cause of the embassy. And by the joint counsel of the nobles of France and of the princes, the maiden was given to Llevelys, and the crown of the kingdom with her. And thenceforth he ruled the land discreetly, and wisely, and happily, as long as his life lasted. After a space of time had passed, three plagues fell on the Island of Britain, such as none in the Islands had ever seen the like. The first was a certain race that camCj and was called the Coranians; and so
heir,

^
no
THE MABINOGION
great was their knowledge, that there was no discourse upon the face of the Island, however low it might be spoken, but what, if the wind met it, it was known to

them.

through this they could not be injured. The second plague was a shriek which came on every May eve, over every hearth in the Island of Britain. And this went through people's hearts, and so scared them, that the men lost their hue and their

And

strength,

and the women their children, and the young men, and the maidens lost their senses, and all the animals and trees and the earth and the waters,
were
left

of provisions and food might be prepared in the king's courts, w^ere there even so much as a year's provision of meat and drink, none of it could ever be found, except what was consumed in the first night. And two of these plagues, no one ever knew their cause, therefore was there better hope of being freed from the first than from the second and third. And thereupon King Lludd felt great sorrow and care, because that he knew not how he might be freed from these plagues. And he called to him all the nobles of his kingdom, and asked counsel of them what they should do against these afflictions. And by the common counsel of the nobles, Lludd the son of Beli, went to Llevelys his brother, king of France, for he was a man great of counsel and wisdom, to

The

barren. third plague was, that however

much

seek his advice. And they made ready a

in silence, lest that

fleet,

and

that in secret

and

errand, counsellors.
their

or

And

race should know the cause of any besides the king and his when they were made ready, they

went into

their

ships,

Lludd and those

whom

he

LLUDD AND LLEVELYS

chose with him. towards France.

III

And

they began to cleave the seas

these tidings came to Llevelys, seeing that he knew not the cause of his brother's ships, he came on the other side to meet him, and with him was a fleet vast of size. And when Lludd saw this, he left all the ships out upon the sea except one only and in that one he came to meet his brother, and he And likewise with a single ship came to meet him. when they were come together, each put his arms about the other's neck, and they welcomed each other with brotherly love. After that Lludd had shewn his brother the cause of his errand, Llevelys said that he himself knew the cause of the coming to those lands. And they took counsel together to discourse ^ on the matter otherwise than thus, in order that the wind might not catch their w^ords, nor the Coranians know what they might say. Then Llevelys caused a long horn to be made of brass, and through this horn they discoursed. But through this horn, whatsoever words they spoke one to the other, neither of them could hear any other And when Llevelys but harsh and hostile words. saw this, and that there was a demon thwarting them and disturbing through this horn, he caused wine to be put therein to wash it. And through the virtue of the wine the demon was driven out of the horn. And when their discourse was unobstructed, Llevelys told his brother that he would give him some insects, whereof he should keep some to breed, lest by chance the like affliction might come a second time. And other of these insects he should take and bruise And he assured him that it w^ould have in water.
1

And when

Add

"henceforth,"

112

THE MABINOGION
to destroy the race of the Coranians.

power
should

to say, that
call

when he came home

to his

That is kingdom he

together all the people both of his own race and of the race of the Coranians for a conference, as though with the intent of making peace between them ; and that when they were all together, he should take this charmed water, and cast it over all alike. And he assured him that the water would

poison the race of the Coranians, but that it would not slay or harm those of his own race. *'And the second plague," said he, "that is in thy dominion, behold it is a dragon. And another dragon of a foreign race is fighting with it, and striving to overcome it. And therefore does your dragon make a fearful outcry. And on this wise mayest thou come to know this. After thou hast returned home, cause the Island to be measured in

LLUDD AND LLEVELYS

its

II3

length and breadth, and in the place where thou dost find the exact central point, there cause a pit to be dug, and cause a cauldron, full of the best mead that can be made, to be put in the pit, with a coverAnd then, ing of satin over the face of the cauldron. remain there watching, in thine own person do thou and thou wilt see the dragons fighting in the form of terrific animals. And at length they will take the form of dragons in the air. And last of all, after wearying themselves with fierce and furious fighting, they will fall in the form of two pigs upon the covering, and they will sink in, and the covering with them, and they will draw it down to the very bottom of the cauldron. And they will drink up the w^hole of the mead and after that they will sleep. Thereupon do thou immediately fold the covering around themi, and bury them in a kistvaen, in the strongest place thou hast in thy dominions, and hide them in the earth. And as long as they shall bide in that strong place, no plague shall come to the Island of Britain from elsewhere. "The cause of the third plague,'' said he, "is a mighty man of magic, who takes thy meat and thy drink and thy store. And he through illusions and charms causes every one to sleep. Therefore it is needful for thee in thy own person to watch thy food and thy provisions. And lest he should overcome thee with sleep, be there a cauldron of cold water by thy side, and when thou art oppressed with sleep,
;

plunge into the cauldron." Then Lludd returned back unto his land. And immediately he summoned to him the whole of his own race and of the Coranians. And as Llevelys had taught him, he bruised the insects in water, the

114

THE MABINOGION

which he cast over them all together, and forthwith it destroyed the whole tribe of the Coranians, without hurt to any of the Britons. And some time after this Lludd caused the Island to be measured in its length and in its breadth. And in Oxford he found the central point, and in that place he caused the earth to be dug, and in that pit a cauldron to be set, full of the best mead that could be made, and a covering of satin over the face of it. And he himself watched that night. And while he w^as there, he beheld the dragons fighting. And when they were weary they fell, and came down upon the top of the satin, and drew it with them to the bottom of the cauldron. And when they had drunk the mead they slept. And in their sleep, Lludd folded the covering around them, and in the securest place he had in Snowdon, he hid them in a kistvaen. Now after that this spot was called Dinas Emreis, And thus the fierce but before that, Dinas Ffaraon.
outcry ceased in his dominions. And w^hen this was ended. King Lludd caused an exceeding great banquet to be prepared. And w^hen it was ready, he placed a vessel of cold water by his side, and he in his own proper person w^atched it. And as he abode thus clad with arms, about the he heard many surpassthird watch of the night, lo And drowsiness ing fascinations and various songs. lest this, he should be him Upon urged to sleep. hindered from his purpose and be overcome by sleep, he went often into the water. And at last, behold, a man of vast size, clad in strong, heavy armour, came And, as he was wont, he put in, bearing a hamper. all the food and provisions of meat and drink into the hamper, and proceeded to go with it forth. And
!

LLUDD AND LLEVELYS

115

nothing was ever more wonderful to Lludd, than that the hamper should hold so much. And thereupon King Lludd went after him and "Stop, stop," said he, spoke unto him thus. "though thou hast done many insults and much spoil erewhile, thou shalt not do so any more, unless

thy

skill

in

arms and thy prowess be greater than

instantly put

mine."

Then he
floor,

down

the

hamper on the

a fierce encounter was between them, so that the glittering fire flew out from their arms. And at the last Lludd grappled with him, and fate bestowed the victory on Lludd. And he threw the plague to the earth. And after he had

and awaited him.

And

ii6

THE MABINOGION
"

overcome him by strength and might, he besought

can I grant thee mercy," said the "after all the many injuries and wrongs that thou hast done me ? " " All the losses that ever I have caused thee," said he, " I will make thee atoneking,
his mercy.

How

equal to what I have taken. And I will never do the like from this time forth. But thy faithful vassal will I be." And the king accepted this from him. And thus Lludd freed the Island of Britain from the three plagues. And from thenceforth until the end of his life, in prosperous peace did Lludd the And this Tale son of Beli rule the Island of Britain. is called the Story of Lludd and Llevelys. And thus it ends.

ment

for,

TALIESIN.
In times past there lived in Penllyn a man of gentle lineage, named Tegid Voel, and his dwelling was in the midst of the Lake Tegid, and his wife was called Caridwen. And there was born to him of his wife a
117

Il8
son

THE MABINOGION

named Morvran ab Tegid, and also a daughter named Creirwy, the fairest maiden in the world was
she; and they had a brother the most ill-favoured man in the world, Avagddu. Now Caridwen his mother thought that he was not likely to be admitted among men of noble birth, by reason of his ugliness, unless he had some exalted merits or knowledge. For it was in the beginning of Arthur's time and of the Round Table. So she resolved, according to the arts of the books of the Fferyllt,^ to boil a cauldron of Inspiration and Science for her son, that his reception might be honourable because of his knowledge of the mysteries of the future state of the world. Then she began to boil the cauldron, which from the beginning of its boihng might not cease to boil for a year and a day, until three blessed drops were obtained of the grace of inspiration. And she put Gwion Bach the son of Gwreang of Llanfair in Caereinion, in Powys, to stir the cauldron, and a blind man named Morda to kindle the fire beneath it, and she charged them that they should not suffer it to cease boiling for the space of a year and a day. And she herself, according to the books of the astronomers, and in planetary hours, gathered And one day, every day of all charm-bearing herbs. towards the end of the year, as Caridwen was culling
plants

and making incantations, it chanced that three drops of the charmed liquor flew out of the cauldron and fell upon the finger of Gwion Bach. And by reason of their great heat he put his finger to his mouth,^ and the instant he put those marvel-working
the books of the magician. or chemist.]
^

Of

[Vergil

= Fferyllt = magician
'-^

Head,

TALIESIN

119

drops into his mouth, he foresaw everything that was to come, and perceived that his chief care must be to guard against the wiles of Caridwen, for vast was her skill. And in very great fear he fled towards his own land. And the cauldron burst in two, because all the liquor within it except the three charm-bearing drops was poisonous, so that the horses of Gwyddno

Garanhir were poisoned ^by the water of the stream into which the liquor of the cauldron ran, and the confluence of that stream was called the Poison of the Horses of Gwyddno from that time forth.

Thereupon came of the whole year

in

Caridwen and saw

all

the

toil

lost.

And

she seized a

billet of

I20

THE MABINOGION

struck the blind Morda on the head until one of his eyes fell out upon his cheek. And he said, " Wrongfully hast thou disfigured me, for I am Thy loss was not because of me.'' " Thou innocent. speakest truth," said Caridwen, "it was Gwion Bach

wood and

who robbed me."

she went forth after him, running. And he saw her, and changed himself into a hare and fled. But she changed herself into a greyhound and turned him. And he ran towards a river, and became a fish. And she in the form of an otter-bitch chased him under the water, until he was fain to turn himself Then she, as a hawk, followed into a bird of the air. him and gave him no rest in the sky. And just as she was about to stoop upon him, and he was in fear of death, he espied a heap of winnowed wheat on the floor of a barn, and he dropped amongst the wheat, and turned himself into one of the grains. Then she transformed herself into a high-crested black hen, and went to the wheat and scratched it with !her feet, and found him out and swallowed him. And, as the story says, she bore him nine months, and when she was delivered of him, she could not find it in her So she heart to kill him, by reason of his beauty. wrapped him in a leathern bag, and cast him into the sea to the mercy of God, on the twenty-ninth day of
April.

And

time the weir of Gwyddno was on the strand between Dyvi and Aberystwyth, near to his own castle, and the value of an hundred pounds was And in those days taken in that weir every May eve. Gwyddno had an only son named Elphin, the most And it hapless of youths, and the most needy. grieved his father sore, for he thought that he was
at that

And

TALIESIN
born in an
evil

121

the advice of his council, his father had granted him the drawing of the weir that year, to see if good luck would ever befall him, and to give him something wherewith to begin the world. And the next day, when Elphin went to look, there was nothing in the weir. But as he turned back he perceived the leathern bag upon a pole of the weir. Then said one of the weir-ward unto Elphin, "Thou wast never unlucky until to-night, and now thou hast destroyed the virtues of the weir, which always yielded the value of an hundred pounds every May eve, and
hour.

And by

nothing but this leathern skin within "How now," said Elphin, "there may be thereit." in the value of an hundred pounds." Well they took up the leathern bag, and he who opened it saw the forehead of the boy, and said to Elphin, " Behold a radiant brow " ^ "Taliesin be he called," said Elphin. And he lifted the boy in his arms, and lamenting his mischance, he placed him sorrowfully
to-night there
is
!

Taliesin

122
behind him.

THE MABINOGION
And

he made his horse amble gently, that before had been trotting, and he carried him as softly as if he had been sitting in the easiest chair in And presently the boy made a Consc^^ the world. tion and praise to Elphin, and foretold honour to Elphin and the Consolation was as you may see.
;

'

Fair Elphin cease to lament! Let no one be dissatisfied with his own, To despair will bring no advantage.

No man sees what supports him The prayer of Cynllo will not be God will not violate his promise.
Never
in

in vain

Gwyddno's weir
!

Was

there such good luck as this night.

Fair Elphin, dry thy cheeks Being too sad will not avail, Although thou thinkest thou hast no gain, Too much grief will bring thee no good Nor doubt the miracles of the Almighty Although I am but little, I am highly gifted.
;
:

From seas, and from mountains, And from the depths of rivers, God brings wealth to the fortunate man.
Elphin of
lively qualities,
;

Thy resolution is unmanly Thou must not be over sorrowful Better to trust in God than to forbode
:

ill.

Weak and small as I am, On the foaming beach of the

Of more

ocean,

In the day of trouble, I shall be service to thee than 300 salmon. Elphin of notable qualities. Be not displeased at thy misfortune Although reclined thus weak in my bag. There lies a virtue in my tongue. While I continue thy protector Thou hast not much to fear Remembering the names of the Trinity, None shall be able to harm thee,"
;
;

TALIESIN

123

was the first poem that Taliesin ever sang, being to console Elphin in his grief for that the produce of the weir was lost, and, what was worse, that all the world would consider that it was through his And then Gwyddno Garanhir^ fault and ill-luck. asked him what he was, whether man or spirit. Whereupon he sang this tale, and said,
this
'*

And

First, I have been formed a comely person, In the court of Ceridwen I have done penance

Though

seen, placidly received, floor I was great on the of the place to where I was led I have been a prized defence, the sweet muse the cause, And by law without speech I have been liberated By a smiling black old hag, when irritated
little I
:

was

Dreadful her claim when pursued I have fled with vigour, I have fled as a frog, I have fled in the semblance of a crow, scarcely finding rest I have fled vehemently, I have fled as a chain, I have fled as a roe into an entangled thicket I have fled as a wolf cub, I have fled as a wolf in a wilderness, I have fled as a thrush of portending language I have fled as a fox, used to concurrent bounds of quirks I have fled as a martin, which did not avail I have fled as a squirrel, that vainly hides, I have fled as a stag's antler, of ruddy course, I have fled as iron in a glowing fire, I have fled as a spear-head, of woe to such as has a wish for it I have fled as a fierce bull bitterly fighting, I have fled as a bristly boar seen in a ravine, I have fled as a white grain of pure wheat,
;

On

the skirt of a

hempen

sheet entangled.

That seemed of the size of a mare's foal, That is filling like a ship on the waters ; Into a dark leathern bag I was thrown. And on a boundless sea I was sent adrift Which was to me an omen of being tenderly nursed. And the Lord God then set me at liberty."
This should be Elphin son of Gwyddno,

124

THE MABINOGION

Then came Elphin to the house or court of Gwyddno his father, and Taliesin with him. And Gwyddno asked him if he had had a good haul at the
weir,

and he

told

him

that he

had got that which was

" What was that ? " said better than fish. " Then said Bard," answered Elphin.

Gwyddno. Gwyddno,

he profit thee ? " And Taliesin himself replied and said, " He will profit him more
^'

Alas,

what

will

than the w^eir ever profited thee." Asked Gwyddno, "Art thou able to speak, and thou so little?" And Taliesin answered him, " I am better able to speak *'Let me hear what thou than thou to question me." Gwyddno. Then Taliesin sang, quoth canst say,"
" In water there is a quality endowed with a blessing On God it is most just to meditate aright

To God

it is proper to supplicate with seriousness, Since no obstacle can there be to obtain a reward from him. Three times have I been born, I know by meditation It were miserable for a person not to come and obtain All the sciences of the world, collected together in my breast, For I know what has been, what in future will occur. I will supplicate my Lord that I get refuge in him, regard I may obtain in his grace
; ;

The Son
For
in

of

Mary
is

is

my

trust, great in

Him

is

my

delight,

God has been to instruct me and The true Creator of heaven, who

the world continually upholden. to raise my expectation. affords me protection ; It is rightly intended that the saints should daily pray. For God, the renovator, will bring them to him.'

Him

-^

-5^

-Jt

-H-

forthwith Elphin gave his haul to his wife, and Thenceshe nursed him tenderly and lovingly. forward Elphin increased in riches more and more day after day, and in love and favour with the king, and there abode Taliesin until he w^as thirteen years old, when Elphin son of Gwyddno went by a

And

TALIESIN

125

Christmas invitation to his uncle, Maelgwn Gwynedd, who sometime after this held open court at Christmasthe castle of Dyganwy, for all the number of his lords of both degrees, both spiritual and temporal, with a vast and thronged host of knights and squires. And amongst them there arose a discourse and discussion. And thus was it said. " Is there in the whole world a king so great as
tide
in

Maelgwn, or one on

whom Heaven
And

many

upon him ? beauty, and meekness, and strength, besides

spiritual gifts as

has bestowed so First, form, and

all

powers of the

soul ? "

the together with these they

said that Heaven had given one gift that exceeded all the others, which was the beauty, and comeliness, and grace, and wisdom, and modesty of his queen whose virtues surpassed those of all the ladies and noble maidens throughout the whole kingdom. And with this they put questions one to another amongst Who had fairer themselves. Who had braver men ? Who had more or swifter horses or greyhounds? than Maelgwn ? skilful or wiser bards Now at that time the bards were in great favour with the exalted of the kingdom ; and then none performed the office of those who are now called heralds, unless they were learned men, not only expert in the service of kings and princes, but studious and well versed in the lineage, and arms, and exploits of princes and kings, and in discussions concerning foreign kingdoms, and the ancient things of this kingdom, and chiefly in the annals of the first nobles ; and also were prepared always with their answers in various languages, Latin, French, Welsh, and English. And together with this they were great chroniclers, and recorders, and skilful in framing
;

126
verses,

THE MABINOGION
and ready
in

making englyns

in every

one of

these languages. Now of these there were at that feast within the palace of Maelgwn as many as four and twenty, and chief of them all, was one named

Heinin Vardd.

When

they had

all

made an end

of thus praising

the king and his gifts, it befell that Elphin spoke on '' this wise. Of a truth none but a king may vie with king a but were he not a king, I would say that my ; wife was as virtuous as any lady in the kingdom, and also that I have a bard who is more skilful than all the king's bards." In a short space some of his fellows showed the king all the boastings of Elphin ; and the king ordered him to be thrown into a strong prison, until he might know the truth as to the virtues of his wife, and the wisdom of his bard. Now when Elphin had been put in a tower of the castle, with a thick chain about his feet, (it is said that it was a silver chain, because he was of royal blood ; the king, as the story relates, sent his son Rhun to Now enquire into the demeanour of Elphin's wife. Rhun was the most graceless man in the world, and there was neither wife nor maiden with whom he had While Rhun held converse, but was evil spoken of. went in haste towards Elphin's dwelling, being fully minded to bring disgrace upon his wife, Taliesin told his mistress how that the king had placed his master
in

durance in prison, and how that

Rhun was coming

her.

in haste to strive to bring disgrace

upon

Where-

fore he caused his mistress to array one of the maids of her kitchen in her apparel ; which the noble lady gladly did ; and she loaded her hands with the best rings that she and her husband possessed. In this guise Taliesin caused his mistress to put the

TALIESIN
maiden
to sit at the

127
at supper,

board in her room

and

he made her to seem as her mistress, and the mistress And when they were in due to seem as the maid. time seated at their supper in the manner that has been said, Rhun suddenly arrived at Elphin's dwelling, and was received with joy, for all the servants knew him plainly ; and they brought him in haste to the room of their mistress, in the semblance of whom the maid rose up from supper and welcomed him gladly. And afterwards she sat dow^n to supper again Then Rhun the second time, and Rhun with her. began jesting with the maid, who still kept the semblance of her mistress. And verily this story shows that the maiden became so intoxicated, that she fell asleep and the story relates that it was a powder that Rhun put into the drink, that made her sleep so soundly that she never felt it when he cut from off her hand her little finger, whereon w^as the signet ring of Elphin, which he had sent to his wife as a token, a short time before. And Rhun returned
;

to the king with the finger

and the

ring as a proof, to

had cut it from off her hand, without her awaking from her sleep of intemperance. The king rejoiced greatly at these tidings, and he sent for his councillors, to whom he told the whole story from the beginning. And he caused Elphin to be brought out of his prison, and he chided him because of his boast. And he spake unto Elphin on '' this wise. Elphin, be it known to thee beyond a doubt that it is but folly for a man to trust in the virtues of his w^ife further than he can see her and that thou mayest be certain of thy wife's vileness, behold her finger, with thy signet ring upon it, w^hich was cut from her hand last night, while she slept the
that he
;

show

128
sleep

THE MABINOGION

of intoxication." Then thus spake Elphin. **With thy leave, mighty king, I cannot deny my ring, for it is known of many ; but verily I assert strongly that the finger around which it is, was never attached to the hand of my wife, for in truth and certainty there are three notable things pertaining to it, none of which ever belonged to any of my wife's fingers. The first of the three is, that it is certain, by your grace's leave, that wheresoever my wife is at this present hour, whether sitting, or standing, or lying down, this ring would never remain upon her thumb, whereas you can plainly see that it was hard to draw^ it over the joint of the little finger of the hand whence this was cut ; the second thing is, that my wife has never let pass one Saturday since I have known her without paring her nails before going to bed, and you can see fully that the nail of this httle The third finger has not been pared for a month. is, truly, that the hand whence this finger came was kneading rye dough within three days before the finger was cut therefrom, and I can assure your goodness that my wife has never kneaded rye dough since my wife she has been." Then the king was mightily wrath with Elphin for so stoutly withstanding him, respecting the good-

ness of his wife, wherefore he ordered him to his prison a second time, saying that he should not be loosed thence until he had proved the truth of his boast, as well concerning the wisdom of his bard as the virtues of his wife. In the meantime his wife and Taliesin remained And Taliesin shewed his joyful at Elphin's dwelling. mistress how that Elphin was in prison because of them, but he bade her be glad for that he would go

TALIESIN
to

129

Maelgwn's court to free his master. Then she asked him in what manner he would set him free. And he answered her,
**

A journey
And
The

will I perform,

to the gate I will

come

hall I will enter,

And my

My
To
1

song I will sing speech I will pronounce

chief,

silence royal bards.

In presence of their

will greet to deride,

Upon them I will break And Elphin I will free.

Should contention
arise.

In presence of the prince. With summons to the bards For the sweet flowing song. And wizards' posing lore

And wisdom

of Druids.

In the court of the sons of the distributor Some are who did appear Intent on wily schemes. By craft and tricking means, In pangs of affliction

To wrong

the innocent.

Let the fools be silent. As erst in Badon's fight, With Arthur of liberal ones The head, with long red blades

Through

feats of testy

men,

And

a chief with his

foes.

Woe be to them, the fools. When revenge comes on them.

1 Taliesin, chief of bards.

With a

sapient druid's words, Will set kind Elphin free From haughty tyrant's bonds.

To their fell and chilling cry. By the act of a surprising steed, From the far distant North,
There soon
shall

be an end.

"

130
Be

THE MABINOGION
Let neither grace nor health
to

Maelgwn Gwynedd,
and
this

For

this force

wrong

And be extremes of ills And an avenged end To Rhun and all his race

Short be his course of life, Be all his lands laid waste And long exile be assigned

To Maelgwn Gwynedd

After this he took leave of his mistress, and came at last to the court of Maelgwn, who was going to sit in his hall and dine in his royal state, as it was the custom in those days for kings and princes to do at every chief feast. And as soon as Taliesin entered the hall, he placed himself in a quiet corner, near the place where the bards and the minstrels were wont to come to in doing their service and duty to the king, as is the custom at the high festivals when the bounty And so, when the bards and the is proclaimed. heralds came to cry largess and to proclaim the power of the king and his strength, at the moment that they passed by the corner wherein he was crouching, Taliesin pouted out his lips after them, and played " Blerwm, blerwm," w^ith his finger upon his lips.

Neither took they much notice of him as they went by, but proceeded forward till they came before the king, unto whom they made their obeisance with their bodies, as they w^re w^ont, without speaking a single word, but pouting out their lips, and making mouths at the king, playing '' Blerwm, blerwm," upon their lips with their fingers, as they had seen the boy do This sight caused the king to wonder and elsewhere. to deem within himself that they were drunk with many liquors. Wherefore he commanded one of his

TALIESIN
lords,

131

served at the board, to go to them and desire them to collect their wits, and to consider where they stood, and what it was fitting for them And this lord did so gladly. But they to do. ceased not from their folly any more than before. Whereupon he sent to them a second time, and a At third, desiring them to go forth from the hall. the last the king ordered one of his squires to give a blow to the chief of them named Heinin Vardd and the squire took a broom, and struck him on the Then he arose head, so that he fell back in his seat. his knees, and besought leave of the and went on king's grace to show that this their fault was not through want of knowledge, neither through drunkenness, but by the influence of some spirit that was in And after this Heinin spoke on this wise. the hall. " Oh honourable king, be it known to your grace,,
that not from the strength of drink, or of too
liquor, are

who

much

of speech like the influence drunken men, but through of a spirit that sits in the corner yonder in the form of a child." Forthwith the king commanded the squire to fetch him ; and he went to the nook where Taliesin sat,, and brought him before the king, who asked him what he was, and whence he came. And he answered the king in verse.
" Primary chief bard

we dumb, without power

am
is

I to

Elphin,
;

And my

original country

the region of the smiimer stars

Idno and Heinin called

At length every king

I

me Merddin, will call me Taliesin.

On
I

Lord in the highest sphere, of Lucifer into the depth of hell have borne a banner before Alexander know the names of the stars from north to south

was with
the

my

fall

132
1 I I I I

THE MABINOGION
;

1
; ;

I I I
I

I I

have been on the galaxy at the throne of the Distributor was in Canaan when Absalom was slain conveyed the divine Spirit to the level of the vale of Hebron was in the court of Don before the birth of Gwydion. was instructor to Eli and Enoc have been winged by the genius of the splendid crosier have been loquacious prior to being gifted with speech was at the place of the crucifixion of the merciful Son of God have been three periods in the prison of Arianrod have been the chief director of the work of the tower of
; ; ;
;

Nimrod

am

a wonder whose origin

is

not known.

1 have been in Asia with Noah in the ark, I have seen the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra

I have been in India when Roma was built, I am now come here to the remnant of Troia.
Lord in the manger of the ass ; I have been with I strengthened Moses through the water of Jordan ; 1 have been in the firmament with Mary Magdalene ; I have obtained the muse from the cauldron of Ceridwen I have been bard of the harp to Lleon of Lochlin. 1 have been on the White Hill, in the court of Cynvelyn,
a day and a year in stocks and fetters, have suffered hunger for the Son of the Virgin. I have been fostered in the land of the Deity, I have been teacher to all intelligences, I am able to instruct the whole universe. I shall be until the day of doom on the face of the earth And it is not known whether my body is flesh or fish.
I

my

Eor

Then
In the
I

was

for nine

months
;

womb

of the hag Ceridwen

was

originally little

Gwion,

And

at length I

am

Taliesin."

the king and his nobles had heard the song, they wondered much, for they had never heard And when the the Uke from a boy so young as he. king knew that he was the bard of Elphin, he bade

And when

TALIESIN
Heinin, his
first

133

and

wisest bard, to answer Taliesin

and to strive with him. But when he came, he could do no other, but play " blerwm " on his lips ; and when he sent for the others of the four and twenty bards, they all did likewise, and could do no other. And Maelgwn asked the boy Taliesin what was his errand, and he answered him in song.
**

Puny

bards, I am trying To secure the prize, if I can By a gentle prophetic strain I am endeavouring to retrieve The loss I may have suffered
; ;

Complete the attempt, I hope, Since Elphin endures trouble In the fortress of Teganwy, On him may there not be laid Too many chains and fetters
;

The Chair

of the fortress of

Teganwy

Will I again seek ; Strengthened by my muse I am powerful Mighty on my part is what I seek. For three hundred songs and more

Are combined in the spell I sing. There ought not to stand where I

am

Neither stone, neither ring ; there ought not to be about me bard who may not know That Elphin the son of Gwyddno Is in the land of Artro, Secured by thirteen locks,

And Any

For praising

his instructor

then I Taliesin, Chief of the bards of the west, Shall loosen Elphin Out of a golden fetter."
^fr

And

**

If

you be primary bards

To

the master of sciences. Declare ye mysteries

34

THE MABINOGION
That relate to the inhabitants of the world There is a noxious creature,
;

From the rampart of Which has overcome

Satanas,
all
;

Between the deep and the shallow

Equally wide are his jaws As the mountains of the Alps Him death will not subdue,
;

Nor hand or blades There is the load of nine hundred waggons In the hair of his two paws There is in his head an eye Green as the limpid sheet of icicle Three springs arise In the nape of his neck
;

Sea-roughs thereon Swim through it

There was the dissolution of the oxen Of Deivrdonwy the water-gifted. The names of the three springs

One
To

the midst of the ocean generated brine Which is from the Corina,

From

replenish the flood

;

Over seas disappearing The second, without injury

It will fall

on

us,

When

there is rain abroad. Through the whelming sky ; The third will appear Through the mountain veins,

Like a

flinty

banquet.

The work of the King of kings. You are blundering bards. In too much solicitude You cannot celebrate The kingdom of the Britons And I am Taliesin,
;

Chief of the bards of the west, will loosen Elphin Out of the golden fetter."

Who

TALIESIN
*^Be
silent, then, ye unlucky rhyming bards, For you cannot judge between truth and falsehood. If you be primary bards formed by Heaven, Tell your king what his fate will be. It is I who am a diviner and a leading bard.

135

And know

every passage in the country of your king Elphin from the belly of the stony tower And will tell your king what will befall him. most strange creature will come from the sea marsh of
I shall liberate
;

As

Rhianedd a punishment of iniquity on Maelgwn Gwynedd His hair, his teeth, and his eyes being as gold, And this will bring destruction upon Maelgwn Gwynedd."
;

*
*'

-X-

-K-

-K-

Discover thou what

is

strong creature from before the Without flesh, without bone. Without vein, without blood, Without head, without feet It will neither be older nor younger
;

The

flood,

Than
With
Great

at the

beginning

For fear of a denial. There are no rude wants

creatures.

God

how

the sea whitens

!

When
When When

first it

come
gusts

Great are
it

its

comes from the south

its

Great are
it

evaporations

strikes

on

coasts.
in the

It is in the field,

it is

wood,

Without hand and without Without signs of old age,

foot,

Though it be With the five

co-eval ages or periods

older still, Though they be numberless years. It is also so wide As the surface of the earth And it was not V^orn,
;

And

Nor was
It will

it

seen.

cause consternation

136

THE MABINOGION
Wherever God willeth. On sea, and on land,
It neither sees,

nor

is

seen.
desired.

Its course is devious,

And will not come when On land and on sea,

It is indispensible.

It is

without an equal,
;

It is four-sided

It is
It is
It

not confined,

incomparable

comes from four quarters

not be advised, not be without advice. commences its journey

It will

It will

It

the marble rock.^ sonorous, it is dumb. It is mild, It is strong, it is bold. When it glances over the land.
It is

Above

It is silent,
It is
It is

it is

vocal.

clamorous, the most noisy

On

It is

the face of the earth. good, it is bad,

It is

extremely injurious.
concealed,
it.

It is

Because sight cannot perceive

It is It is

noxious, it is beneficial yonder, it is here ;

It will

discompose.
;

But

will not repair the injury

It will

not suffer for

it is it is

its

doings.

Seeing
It

blameless.
dry,

It is wet,

frequently comes, Proceeding from the heat of the sun. And the coldness of the moon.

The moon
Inasmuch
^

is less beneficial. as her heat is less.

Possibly an allusion to the Cave of ^olus.

TALIESIN
One Being
Out of all
has prepared
it,

137

creatures,

By a tremendous blast. To wreak vengeance

On Maelgwn Gwynedd."
while he was thus singing his verse near the door there arose a mighty storm of wind, so that the king and all his nobles thought that the castle would fall upon their heads. And the king caused them to fetch Elphin in haste from his dungeon, and placed him before Taliesin. And it is said that immediately he sang a verse, so that the chains opened from about
his feet.

And

**

adore the Supreme, Lord of

all

animation,

Him that supports the heaven, Ruler of every extreme, Him that made the water good for all, Him who has bestowed each gift, and blesses it May abundance of mead be given Maelgwn of Anglesey, who
;

supplies us.
his foaming meadhorns, with the choicest pure liquor. Since bees collect, and do not enjoy, We have sparkling distilled mead, which is universally praised. The multitude of creatures which the earth nourishes, God made for man, with a view to enrich him ; Some are violent, some are mute, he enjoys them.

From

are wild, some are tame ; the Lord makes them ; Part of their produce becomes clothing For food and beverage till doom will they continue. I entreat the Supreme, Sovereign of the region of peace.
;

Some

To

liberate

Elphin from banishment.

;

The man who gave me wine, and ale, and mead, With large princely steeds, of beautiful appearance

May he yet give me and at the end. May God of His good will grant me, in
;

honour,

succession of numberless ages, in the retreat of tranquillity. Elphin, knight of mead, late be thy dissolution !"

138

THE MABINOGION
is

afterwards he sang the ode which **The Excellence of the Bards."

And

called

"What was

the first man Made by the God of heaven What the fairest flattering speech
;

That was prepared by leuav What meat, what drink,

What roof his shelter What the first impression Of his primary thinking What became his clothing
;

Who

carried on a disguise, Owing to the wiles of the country, In the beginning? Wherefore should a stone be hard ;

Why should a thorn be sharp-pointed Who is hard like a flint Who is salt like brine Who sweet like honey Who rides on the gale
;
;

Why ridged should be the nose Why should a wheel be round Why should the tongue be gifted
;

with speech

Rather than another member ? If thy bards, Heinin, be competent. Let them reply to me, Taliesin."

And
''

after that

he sang the address which

is

called

The Reproof
"

of the Bards."

If thou art a bard completely imbued With genius not to be controlled, Be thou not untractable

Within the court of thy king Until thy rigmarole shall be known, Be thou silent Heinin
;

As

to the

And

the

name of thy verse. name of thy vaunting

TALIESIN
And
as to the name of thy grandsire Prior to his being baptized. And the name of the sphere, And the name of the element, And the name of thy language, And the name of thy region.

139

Avaunt, ye bards above, Avaunt, ye bards below My beloved is below. In the fetter of Arianrod. It is certain you know not How to understand the song
!

I utter,

Nor

clearly

how

to discriminate
;

Between the truth and what is false Puny bards, crows of the district. Why do you not take to flight ? A bard that will not silence me. Silence may he not obtain.
Till

he goes to be covered
gravel and pebbles
shall listen to
listen to
;

Under

Such as

May God

me, him."
'*

Then sang he
Bards.''
*'

the piece called

The

Spite of the

Minstrels persevere in their false custom,

Immoral ditties are their delight Vain and tasteless praise they recite Falsehood at all times do they utter

The innocent

persons they ridicule Married women they destroy, Innocent virgins of Mary they corrupt As they pass their lives away in vanity Poor innocent persons they ridicule At night they get drunk, they sleep the day In idleness without work they feed themselves ; The Church they hate, and the tavern they frequent With thieves and perjured fellows they associate At courts they inquire after feasts Every senseless word they bring forward Every deadly sin they praise
;

;;

I40

THE MABINOGION
Every vile course of life they lead Through every village, town, and country they
;

stroll

Concerning the gripe of death they think not Neither lodging nor charity do they give
;

Indulging in victuals to excess. Psalms or prayers they do not use, Tithes or offerings to God they do not pay, On holidays or Sundays they do not worship Vigils or festivals they do not heed. The birds do fly, the fish do swim, The bees collect honey, worms do crawl,

Every thing travails to obtain its food. Except minstrels and lazy useless thieves.
I

deride neither song nor minstrelsy,

For they are given by God to lighten thought But him who abuses them. For blaspheming Jesus and his service."
Taliesin having set his master free from prison, and having protected the innocence of his wife, and silenced the Bards so that not one of them dared to say a word, now brought Elphin's wife before them, and shewed that she had not one finger wanting. Right glad was Elphin, right glad was Taliesin. Then he bade Elphin wager the king, that he had a horse both better and swifter than the king's horses. And this Elphin did, and the day, and the time, and the place were fixed, and the place was that which at this day is called Morva Rhiannedd ; and thither the king went with all his people, and four and twenty of And after a long the swiftest horses he possessed. process the course was marked, and the horses were placed for running. Then came Taliesin with four and twenty twigs of holly, which he had burnt black, and he caused the youth who was to ride his
master's horse to place

them

in his belt,

and he gave

; ;

TALIESIN

141

him orders to let all the king's horses get before him, and as he should overtake one horse after the other, to take one of the twigs and strike the horse with it over the crupper, and then let that twig fall and after that to take another twig, and do in like manner to every one of the horses, as he should overtake them, enjoining the horseman strictly to watch when his own horse should stumble, and to throw down his cap on the spot. All these things did the youth fulfil, giving a blow to every one of the king's horses, and throwing down his cap on the spot where his
;

horse stumbled. And to this spot Taliesin brought his master after his horse had won the race. And he caused Elphin to put workmen to dig a hole there and when they had dug the ground deep enough, they found a large cauldron full of gold. And then said Taliesin, '* Elphin, behold a payment and reward unto thee, for having taken me out of the weir, and for having reared me from that time until now." And on this spot stands a pool of water, which is to this time called Pwllbair. After all this, the king caused Taliesin to be brought before him, and he asked him to recite concerning the creation of man from the beginning and thereupon he made the poem which is now called ** One of the Four Pillars of Song."
'*

Down

The Almighty made, the Hebron vale,

Adam's
fair

Witli his plastic hands,

form

He again did form, In calm paradise, From a left-side rib, Bliss-throbbing Eve.
Seven hours they were

five hundred years, Void of any help. There he remained and lay Without a soul.

And

The orchard
Till

keeping. Satan brought strife, With wiles from hell.

142

THE MABINOGION
For
this thievish act,
It is requisite.

Thence were they driven, Cold and shivering,

To

gain their living. Into this world.

That

all men should pay Tithe unto God.

To

bring forth with pain

Of the ruddy

Their sons and daughters, To have possession

wine. Planted on sunny days,

Of Asia's

land.

And on new moon nights And the white wine.

The wheat

Twice five, ten and eight. She was self-bearing. The mixed burden Of man-woman.

And

rich in grain red flowing wine Christ's pure body make, Son of Alpha.

And
And

once, not hidden,

She brought
Cain

forth Abel, the forlorn.

The wafer is flesh, The wine is spilt blood, The Trinity's words
Sanctify them.

The

homicide.

To him and his mate Was given a spade, To break up the soil,
Thus
to get bread.

The concealed books From Emmanuel's hand Were brought by Raphael As Adam's gift.

The wheat pure and white. Summer tilth to sow. Every man to feed.
Till great yule feast.

When
To

in his old age.

his chin

immersed
fast,

In Jordan's water.

Keeping a

An

angelic hand From the high Father, Brought seed for growing

Moses did

That Eve might sow

But she then did hide
a tenth. And all did not sow Of what was dug.
gift

obtain. In Jordan's water, The aid of the three Most special rods.

Of the

Solomon did obtain. In Babel's tower. All the sciences In Asia land.
So did
I

Black rye then was found,

obtain,

And not pure wheat grain. To show the mischief

Thus
of thieving.

In my bardic books. All the sciences

Of Europe and

Africa.

TALIESIN
Their course, their bearing Their permitted way,

143

And

their fate I

know,

Unto

the end.

Then will the Brython Be as prisoners. By strangers swayed, From Saxony.

Their Lord they will praise, Their speech they will keep, Their land they will lose. Except wild Walia.
Till

Oh

what misery, Through extreme of woe. Prophecy will show

!

On

Troia's race

coiling serpent,

some change

shall

come.

Proud and merciless,

On

her golden wings.

From Germany.
She will overrun England and Scotland, From Lychlyn sea-shore

After long penance. When equally rife The two crimes come.
Britons then shall have Their land and their crown.

And

To

the Severn.

the strangers Shall disappear.

swarm

All the angel's words, As to peace and war.

Will be

fulfilled

To

Britain's race.

He
things

further
that
5f

king various prophecies of should be in the world, in songs,' as

told

the

follows.
"fr

PRINTED AT THE EDINBURGH PRESS,

9

AND

11

YOUNG STREET

PB 2363

.M2 E5 1902 v. 3 IMS

The Mabinoqian

47106214

HORARY
JOSEPH mmiT fORONTO. ONT, CANADA fv6S
113 sr.
l^^