Facts about The Mabinogion

1. 07

   Kilhwch and Olwen, the Mabinogion's longest tale, spans approximately 6,000 words and features King Arthur as a supporting character aiding the hero's impossible quest.

   The MabinogionJun 6shareliteraturemedievalwales
2. 06

   Two medieval Welsh manuscripts, the White Book of Rhydderch dating to circa 1325 and the Red Book of Hergest from around 1400, preserve the earliest surviving texts of the Mabinogion stories.

   The MabinogionMay 22sharemedievalmanuscriptwelsh
3. 05

   Culhwch's quest to win Olwen in the Mabinogion's longest tale involves completing thirty-nine impossible tasks set by her father Ysbaddaden, chief giant.

   The MabinogionMay 21sharewelshmythologynarrative
4. 04

   Math ap Mathonwy, a magician in the fourth branch, uses his powers to create Blodeuwedd, a woman fashioned entirely from flowers as a wife for Lleu Gyffes.

   The MabinogionMay 21sharemythologywelshmagic
5. 03

   Branwen, daughter of Llŷr, is forced into marriage with an Irish king in the second branch, sparking a catastrophic war between Wales and Ireland.

   The MabinogionMay 21sharemythologywelshconflict
6. 02

   Pwyll, prince of Dyfed, exchanges places with Arawn, king of Annwn, for one year in the opening branch of the Mabinogion's mythological narrative.

   The MabinogionMay 21sharemythologywelshmedieval
7. 01

   Four branches comprise the medieval Welsh collection known as the Mabinogion, first fully translated into English by Lady Charlotte Guest between 1838 and 1849.

   The MabinogionMay 21shareliteraturemedievalwelsh