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Post by Daae on Nov 24, 2005 11:21:34 GMT -5
For my English class I'm doing a project on the Mabinogion and I was wondering if anyone here knew of any books or websites that would have good information.
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Post by Gwalchmai on Nov 26, 2005 9:59:17 GMT -5
I've read it and so forth... what kind of additional information are you thinking of? Because I'm fairly sure I could point you in the right direction.
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Post by Daae on Nov 27, 2005 11:56:51 GMT -5
Background information mostly.
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Post by Gwalchmai on Nov 27, 2005 12:37:48 GMT -5
Unfortunatly, I used to have several websites on hand on this subject but they seem to have been lost in my computer. However heres some general information that should help you in your search. The Mabinogion was orgininally transcribed with 4 branches: Pwyll Prince of Dyved, Branwen the Daughghter of Llyr, Manawyddan the son of Llyr, and Math the son of Mathonwy. The oldest version available is the "Red Book of Hergest" however the actual authors and composition of these stories cannot be determined due to the oral tradtion of the time. The rest of the stories are from "The Triad" I think, another compilation of Welsh tales which was most likly created somewhere around the 1100's. The first complete English translation was compiled by Lady Charlotte Guest and published in 1906. These tales are most likly, a glimpse of the people/beings whom dominated their religious doctines. So I would suggest that to expand the research, look into Irish mythology as well as British since I "think" there are several connections between them, or similar plot devices. Also, there was a Lord Rhys who traveled the length and bredth of the British Isles compiling a book of as many of the legands both local and broad that survived. I have yet to find a copy of his book though. Also there is a very large Arthurian connection with the Mabinogion so I would suggest the following books to read: The High Kings by Joy Chant, Myths and Legends of the British Isles by Richard Barber, The Chronicles of the Celts by Peter Berresford Ellis, and The Song of Taliesin by John Matthews. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help and all this is just what stuck in my head. Theres much more too it all like Annerins Black Book and theres a White Book somewhere but I hope this sets you on the right track. Oh yea, another point... most of the events in the Mabinogion are placed in and around Whales and since thats where it was documented, I would think that some place details could be brought to question. But anyways, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask... and I'm sure there is someone else here that knows more on this than I so perhaps they will feel free to chirp in.
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Post by dinadan on Nov 28, 2005 22:16:19 GMT -5
The Guest translation is available online: www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/mab/and no examination of Celtic folklore would be complete without at least a glance over John Rhys...also available online www.sacred-texts.com/neu/cfwm/You also might find helpful the Oxford Dictionary of Celtic Mythology And yes, Peter Berresford Ellis is the acknowledged master of modern celtic scholarship (I think he edited the ODCM). Good Luck! |
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