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Episode 82: Morebinogion

Synopsis

Join Em and Dr. Jesse as they talk about the last two branches of the Mabinogi.

Em’s books can all be found here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C5XX9BH3 (or at many other fine internet sites.)

Notes

1/ The previous episodes were: Episode 78 (introduction), and episode 79 (branches 1 and 2). Also, we’re still using The Mabinogion translated by Sioned Davies (2008, Oxford University press) Link.

2/ People still alive: Pryderi, Cigfa, Manawyden, Rhiannon, Arawn

3/ Bank of England inflation calculator: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/inflation/inflation-calculator

4/ Branch four: Trigger warnings for sexual assault.

5/ The film in which Bernie walks around by himself (in the US Virgin Islands) is Weekend at Bernie’s II. In the first film, his body is just repeatedly stolen. For some reason it was on TV constantly in 1994 or so. I don’t remember it well but I don’t think I have to in order to assert it has loads of super sketchy voodoo representation. Among other things, I’m sure.

6/ Guards, Guards! is by Terry Pratchett. Did we say that?

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Episode 79: Branching Out

Synopsis

The Mabinogi: what’s it actually about, when you get down to it? Join Em and Jesse as they discuss the first two branches, in which Pwyll meets Arawn, lord of the underworld, and has adventures; in which Pwyll meets Rhiannon and has a lot more adventures than maybe he bargained for; and in which Bendigeidran, Branwen, and Manawyden fight Ireland.

Notes

0/ Find links to Old Time Religion here, or buy it directly from Ingram Spark here. If you are seeing this during the month of July 2024, it (and Dionysus in Wisconsin) are currently 75% off at Smashwords.

1/ The Mabinogion translated by Sioned Davies (2008, Oxford University press)

The Horse in Celtic Culture: Medieval Welsh Perspectives ed. Sioned Davies and Nerys Jones (University of Wales Press, 1997)

2/ Randomly, there’s a fairly well-known professor of graphic design who shares my original surname. I don’t think we’re related.

3/ Branch one major characters:

  • Arawn: Lord of Annwn, the underworld
  • Pwyll: A guy (okay, he’s the Prince of Dyfed)
  • Hafgan: Pwyll fights and defeats him (on behalf of Arawn)
  • Rhiannon: the wife of Pwyll (but also very smart and a hero in her own right)
  • Pryderi: the son of Pwyll and Rhiannon

4/ For our thoughts on The Green Knight (both story and film), hunt down Episode 60.

5/ Geoffrey of Monmouth (c1095–c1155). Extremely responsible for King Arthur mythos. See episode 60 on The Green Knight!

6/ The early modern Irish “Children of Lir“:

Different from “The Children of LLYR” (from the Mabinogion) and not related to Shakespeare’s King Lear

7/ The actual children of Llyr (from the Mabinogion):

8/ The Gundestrup caldron: this cauldron is clearly ceremonial (not for everyday use), but cauldrons generally are very communal and demonstrate the importance of being a good host

9/ A torc is a stiff metal neck ring (aka really iconic jewelry from the Bronze age through the Middle Ages, found throughout Europe from the Balkans through Celtic regions)

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Episode 78: Ma-Ma-Ma-Mabinogi

Synopsis

Paul: Look, it’s a school of whales.
Ringo: They look a little bit old for school.
Paul: University then.
Ringo: University of Wales.
(From Yellow Submarine, 1968)

Ever wonder what Wales is, on a mythological level? That strange country of Michael Sheen with a dragon on the flag! And jokes about leeks in Henry V. The most well-known Welsh myths are collected in a book called The Mabinogi, which has solidly medieval origins. Join Em and Jesse as they discuss where the book came from and what we know about it.

Notes

0/ You can get Old Time Religion here.

1/ Spoiler: It was not January when the episode went out.

2/ Edition we recommend:

Sioned Davies, tr. The Mabinogion. Oxford: OUP, 2008. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-mabinogion-9780199218783

3/ If you speak Welsh, I’m just really sorry.

4/ Lady Charlotte Guest: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Charlotte_Guest

5/ House of Legends: See episodes 59, 61, and 63.

6/ Geoffrey of Monmouth: see episode 60 on The Green Knight. We’ve recorded some other episodes on King Arthur, but apparently they’re not out yet.

7/ Possible authors:

  • Unknown! No names are attached to these stories.
  • However, Andrew Breeze has argued (controversially!) that Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd (c.1100-1136) may be the author of the four stories that compose the Four Branches. She is a famous noblewoman who led a revolt and was executed after being captured in battle. She’s often compared to Boudica (dies 60/61 CE). See Andrew Breeze, Medieval Welsh Literature (Four Courts Press, 1997).

8/ Mari Lwyd–essentially a hobby horse but using a (horse’s) skull. Really interesting, look it up for pictures!

9/ The prototypical Welsh word with a “w” as a vowel is “cwm,” which is a hollow at the head of a valley. Go forth and win at Scrabble.

10/ Brave weatherperson saying “Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch”

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