The Mabinogi and Other Medieval Welsh Tales

by Unknown, Patrick K. Ford (translator)

The four stories which make up the Mabinogi along with three additional tales from the same tradition form this collection and comprise the core of the ancient Welsh mythological cycle.
Included are only those stories that have remained unadulterated by the influence of the French Arthurian romances, providing a rare, authentic selection of the finest works in medieval Celtic literature.
In this first thoroughly revised edition and translation since Lady Charlotte Guest's famous Mabinogion in 1849, Patrick Ford has presented a scholarly document in readable, modern English, a literary achievement of the highest order.

Content:
Preface IX
Introduction 1
Select Bibliography 30
Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed 35
Branwen, daughter of Llyr 57
Manawydan, son of Llyr 73
Math, son of Mathonwy 89
Lludd and Lleuelys 111
Culhwch and Olwen 119
The Tale of Gwion Bach and 159
The Take of Taliesin 164
Appendix: Cad Goddeu 183
Glossary 189
A Guide to Pronunciation 195
Index of Proper Names 197

Genres: Mythology, Classics, History, Folklore, Medieval, Arthurian, Spirituality

205 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Unknown" when the author or editor (as applicable) is not known and cannot be discovered. If at all possible, list at least one actual author or editor for a book instead of using "Unknown".

Books whose authorship is purposefully withheld should be attributed instead to Anonymous.

Reviews

[Stephanie Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mabinogi are four linked medieval Welsh tales; Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed, Branwen daughter of Llyr, Manawydan son of Llyr, and Math son of Mathonwy. Other tales are included in this volume, which represents the core of Welsh mythology. Each story is prefaced with a plain-English summary, then the story is presented as originaly written (the editor, Patrick K. Ford, did the translating). There is a handy glossary of names, a pronunciation guide, and an index of names at the back of the book.
These tales are full of magic, humor, and pathos. It is a great introduction to Welsh mythology. I liked this translation better than the Jeffrey Gantz one.
Some of the repetitiveness in Culhwch and Olwen irked me, because it started out funny but then dragged on. I’m not one to read poetry, so much of the Gwion Bach and Taliesin story wasn’t interesting to me, but those are the book’s only drawbacks in my opinion.
Overall, the book is worth reading just for the Mabinogi. All four of those stories were great. I especially enjoyed Manawydan son of Llyr. I won’t spoil the story, but I found it extremely funny when different people came by and tried to talk Manawydan out of hanging a mouse (for thievery) by stringing it up between two forks stuck in the ground!

[Ian Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent translation of the Four Branches of the Mabinogi, of the Arthurian "Culhwch and Olwen," and "The Dream of Rhonabwy," and two shorter tales, plus the rarely-translated "Taliesin."

It omits the three "romances," Welsh retellings of the Old French works of Chretien de Troyes, which probably had Celtic, even Welsh, origins, at some considerable remove, so it may not be suitable to someone interested only in the Arthurian material.

Taliesin was brought into close connection to Arthur in the poems of Charles Williams, greatly admired by C.S. Lewis, but this isn't an essential part of his story. In fact he was probably a later historical figure, although you wouldn't guess it from the story here (which Patrick Ford, the translator, divides into two, following manuscript precedents.

For more detail, see my review at https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some messed up shit in here. Pretty rad. For example: a virgin is raped by two brothers. For punishment, the king turns one of them into a sow, the other into a boar, and takes the fruit of their union. Then he turns them into a she-wolf and a wolf, and takes the fruit of that union, too. He says, Well now you've both born a child of the other, so that's enough punishment.

The king does right by the girl and marries her.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book we are currently reading in the Celtic Studies Discussion Group that I have been running for over a year now. I have already read it in other translations, and I really enjoy it. This translation seems to be one of the most true, although I have a newer one that is full of phenomenal interpretation and commentary. Still, the Ford version is one better for our group.

[Daniel Polansky]

This is of anthropological interest but, apart from a comically long and peculiarly engrossing description of the knights of Arthur’s court, I can’t imagine anyone enjoying it for its literary merit.

[Sean Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read if you want to learn more of the Britons

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second reading was significantly easier than the first, if only because I knew what to expect and to brace myself for the tedious list of How Culhwch Won Olwen. The bits of Taliesin included in this copy that weren't included in the Sioned Davies translation were also a distinct treat, though Davies included in hers some other material that Patrick K. Ford omitted. To each their own with this strange tradition.

For a first time reader I would recommend Davies, as she provides a more thorough grounding within the Welsh tradition. Her footnotes fill in the blanks that allow subsequent translations to better describe why what was being said was said and a more thorough analysis of the stories. Honestly, I'm excited to read more translations of it, now that I've two under my belt and can actually form preferences in regards to them. I'm a bit curious as to the bowdlerized one as well, though I'm uncertain when I'll try and if it will ultimately be disappointing... Though I understand it is a better reflection of the Victorian Romantic sensibility than it is of the prehistoric Welsh and Arthurian Tradition.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really interesting set of iron age myths, partially because they clearly demonstrate the influence of other traditions, especially Christianity. Much of the narrative style seems to borrow from Biblical narrative styles, and the heroes have been demoted from gods to heroes. However, these stories do retain a lot of the magical elements from the earlier deity myths.

I think it might be difficult for many modern readers to appreciate these stories because there is comparatively little psychological development of the characters. Rather, these stories are plot driven. Modern reader expect a degree of psychological development because we have been conditioned by the novel to look for it, but in these myths the characters are actually constructed through a set of references, allusions, and contexts.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read any Welsh mythology or folklore before, and thus I found the Mabinogi an interesting and insightful read. Ford's notes were extremely useful, especially where he compares each story to counterparts in other Celtic mythologies, particularly those from Ireland. Some stories appealed to me more than others, but all were delightful reads. This book certainly left me keen to research more into Welsh myth and folklore. Now I just need to work on my pronunciation of all those Welsh names!

[Cheryl]

Too academic for me, as I'm completely naive to any Welsh folklore (and almost so to the Irish and Arthurian stories related, accd. to Ford, to these. Much supplemental material is included.

I would like to see adaptations. From what I could get out of skimming this book there is wit, cleverness, and true poetry--not just adventure--in the tradition.

[Laura]

I cannot really bring myself to give a star rating to Y Mabinogi or the other tales in this collection themselves, but I will say that I thoroughly appreciated Ford's translation as well as the extensive notes of explanation he provides for each tale, his translation guide, and his bibliography and glossary. The translation is smooth to read and someone entirely new to these stories would benefit from Ford's discussions of the cultural context they arose from: the oral storytelling practices, cosmologies, and publication histories.

Content warnings: violence, murder, sexual assault, rape, drugging for the purpose of committing sexual assault, death, animal cruelty, animal death, war, incest, kidnapping, brief mention of mental illness, brief mention of infertility

[Andie Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Mabinogi and Other Medieval Welsh Tales” Edited and Translated by Patrick K. Ford has several of the Welsh stories from “Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed” to “Taliesin”, and these stories have influenced much of literature and film in modern history. These stories are relatable even in our modern world. Although some of the stories are patriarchal, they don’t completely paint women in negative light, then again, many of the men in these stories are not shining examples of the best of humanity either. Many of the characters have some three dimensional depth to them. I strongly recommend this book for anyone wanting to know and understand Welsh culture, and for anyone needing some writing inspiration.

[Ruth Dahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welsh fairy/folk tales are WILD

[Mary Overton]

From "Culhwch and Olwen"

How Culhwch got his name, which means swine or pig:
"Cilydd son of Celyddon Wledig desired a woman as well-born as himself. The woman he wanted was Goleuddydd daughter of Anlawdd Wledig. After his wedding feast with her, the country went to prayer to see whether they would have an heir. And through the country's prayers, they got a son. From the time she became pregnant she went mad and avoided civilized places. When her time came her senses returned to her. Where they did so was in a place where a swineherd was watching a herd of pigs, and the queen gave birth from fright of the swine. The swineherd took the boy and brought him to court. They baptized him and named him Culhwch, because he was found in a pig run. The boy was noble, however, and a cousin to [King] Arthur." pg. 121

Olwen, the giant's daughter:
"She came in wearing a flaming-red silk robe with a reddish-gold torque studded with precious stones and red gems about her neck. Her hair was yellower than the flowers of the broom; her skin whiter than the foam of a wave, her palms and fingers whiter than the blooms of the marsh trefoil amidst the sands of a gushing spring. Neither the eye of a mewed hawk nor the eye of a thrice-mewed falcon was brighter than her own. Her breasts were whiter than a swan's; her cheeks redder than fox-glove: whoever saw her was filled with love of her. Four white clovers would spring up in her track wherever she went. Because of that she was called Olwen (White-track)." pg. 135

[Tommy /|\ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second translation of the Mabinogi that I have read. I do have to tip my hat to Mr. Ford - his knowledge of the material is quite extensive, and he does an excellent job of relaying it in an understandable manner. However, I have one complaint on the material. Mr. Ford puts his explanations of each tale just before your read the tale. And his synopsis is so detailed, that it actually spoils the tale for the reader. It would have been far better, in my opinion, for Mr. Ford's explanations to follow each tale - providing further insight to the reader after an initial reading.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Welsh tale of Pwyll, Prince of David is one of the few primary sources for the goddess Rhiannon with the horse one can never catch. It is a medieval story of rags to riches and riches to rags, baby swapping, betrayal, royal politics, and love. You know, all the stuff that makes for a good celtic tale....

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

It gets five stars, of course it does, but I am discovering, the older I get, that I really dislike the knights in the Norman influenced stories. Running around playing games with each other when there are very real problems that need solving. They aren't men at all, but big children playing at tourney.

[Peter Aronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

These stories (among others) lie at the root of the stories if Arthur and Merlin. A very readable translation with useful notes at the beginning of each tale, and made as clear as the source material allows.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best work over the Welsh tales I've yet encountered. The scholarship is there and each tale is prefaced by critical commentary.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patrick Ford's translation of the Mabinogion goes back to the 1970s and has long since been superseded, most recently by Sioned Davies's work, now probably the standard. But there are still reasons to read it.

Firstly, it's very enjoyable and easy to read. Ford's style balances the old-fashioned (with a special shout-out for the subjunctive) with the contemporary (for its time), avoiding thees and thous and other deliberate archaisms.

Secondly, there is a good introduction and a short introductory piece for each story (with spoilers, by the way, if you want to avoid them). The introduction also reflects its era, with robust speculation on mythological origins. You can see why modern scholars eschew this sort of stuff but I do still enjoy it and I was especially enchanted by his argument that Culhwch was the son of the Gaulish pig-god Moccus.

Thirdly, it's the only version since Lady Charlotte Guest to include a translation of the Tale of Gwion Bach and Taliesin, which is surely worth seeking out. And on top of that, there is a translation of the Battle of the Trees.

On the other hand, Ford excludes the three Arthurian romances (presumably not Welsh enough) and the Dreams of Macsen and Rhonabwy (too literary).

The new translation from Elis Gruffydd, Tales of Merlin, Arthur, and the Magic Arts: From the Welsh Chronicle of the Six Ages of the World promises to give us Gwion Bach/Taliesin, so this is maybe now one for Mabinogion geeks.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to medieval Welsh legends and mythology. Overall set in the 6th century AD or thereabouts, although no doubt many elements are much older and pre-Christian. The Mabinogi consists of the first four tales included in this collection: Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed; Branwen daughter of Llyr; Manawydan son of Llyr; and Math son of Mathonwy. Pwyll's wife is a woman named Rhiannon (Remember the Fleetwood Mac song from the 1970's?). She is the daughter of Hyfaidd Hen and the mother of Pryderi, aka Gwri Golden-hair.

The tales are full of conflicts, battles, magic, shape-shifting, and the like. The tales are probably a fraction of what existed in medieval times. The copies we have are from renaissance times or later. Professor Ford provides an excellent introduction at the beginning, and, at the back, a glossary and a guide to Welsh pronunciation.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Entertaining!

The stories were fresh and whimsical. I absolutely loved the beautiufl poetry sprinkled throughout the stories, as both narrative devices as well as for their own sake.

I always find myself having to sludge through the introductions for texts like this, but it's always rewarding to read. Ford had excellent insights in both the formal introduction and the introductions for the individual stories. Ford's observation and explanations were frank and good-spirited.

At times it's a bit dense, but definitely worth the trouble at least once!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the stories are amazing while others are not. Recommended.
Side note: Our teacher/professor got a little upset because no one read the last story because it was a slog. It was kinda funny because she said she is never going to assign them again. Great teacher but this moment was a little sad in some ways.

[William Riverdale · Rating 2 out of 5]

What the stories represent (culture, people, tidbits of history) is greater than the stories. It almost feels like the narrative gives precedence to the information contained in them. They are meandering, plot points are introduced and dropped suddenly as the author said they would. They are not for the average reader who is looking for entertaining mythological tales.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tough to review books like this. I don't doubt it accomplished what it set out to do. It certainly seems very faithful. For my taste, a little more emphasis on retelling the story in a more compelling way would have been best. But then again, there's value in the approach it took as well.

Worth a read if you want to get close to the original story, but not something to turn to for entertainment.

[Gwen Hurd · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was required reading and not to my taste. Why does academic writing have to be boring? The only bit the author seemed engaged in was Culhwch and Olwen. The rest of the analysis lacked insight and passion. Publish or perish I guess. What a snooze.

[April Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a collection of welsh folk tales i've loved since i was a teenager!

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this translation. Before each story the author has a summary of the story and a bit of an editorial. Also this collection was not just the four branches.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A better translation than I had read the first time, but wow do I forget how much I dislike some of the characters in Welsh myth.

[cam · Rating 4 out of 5]

welsh mythology u will always be famous!!!! this made me giggle so much!!!!! medieval welsh writers had such a silly sense of humor