Week 11 Reading Diary: Pwyll and Taliesin

This week, I am reading sections from The Mabinogion by Lady Charlotte Guest. These stories are all Welsh in origin. Since I read Native American stories last week, I'm excited to read stories from another part of my heritage this week!

Pwyll Goes Hunting:

I think that this story sets the scene for the rest of the action! Two leaders meet on a hunt and essentially agreed to switch places for a year. How is the king capable of disguising them so well and for so long? I can't help but wonder if he also has ulterior motives. Further, who is this enemy who will fall after one hit but be just fine after another? This is a really interesting introduction.

In the Stead of Arawn:

Not too much attention is given to how the residents of the kingdom perceive the disguised Pwyll. I wonder if no one really noticed or if they were in on the plan! Also, I wish that I knew more about the enemy, other than the fact that he tried to smooth-talk his way out of defeat. Tricky! Now, the two nobles have switched to their true forms and the king promises to reward Pwyll.

Pwyll and the Wondrous Lady:

In the time that we missed in Pwyll's kingdom, the people were treated better than before. Pwyll promises to continue that standard. Meanwhile, a new mysterious character is introduced! The wondrous lady literally shines as she rides past the men on the mound. No matter how fast they go, they're unable to match her constant speed. Is she magic like the other king?

Pwyll and Rhiannon:

The riding lady's name is Rhiannon. Now I can't help but wonder if the Fleetwood Mac song is based on this character! She has some kind of magic or psychic ability because she comes specifically to seek out Pwyll whom she intends to marry. A year after they promise to wed, he goes to their arranged meeting place to find a huge celebration.

Gwawl's Request:

It's getting even more dramatic! Rhiannon confirms her magical powers with her plot to get rid of the suitor that steals her away. It seems like she could just say no, instead! Now, another year has to pass to make it work. Is that a significant time in Welsh stories or just this particular one?

The Game of Badger in the Bag:

Pwyll wins! Also, the (apparently significant) game of badger in the bag begins.

The next few stories I read in quick succession because they were so interesting! Pwyll and Rhiannon's baby gets taken. He grows tremendously quickly. Must be the magic! This reminds me of Disney's Hercules. Wasn't there also an Indian Epic boy that grew extremely quickly? His adoptive parents give the boy the horse born on the night he was born. Eventually, he is returned to Pwyll and Rhiannon. Everyone is so kind in returning favors in this story! The boy later rules all the lands. 

Rhiannon on her magic horse
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