George Sheringham, The Panel of the Mabinogi, by 1938

This image via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:George_Sheringham_-_The_Panel_of_the_Mabinogi_-_ref_10525.jpg

Have you heard the tale of Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed, whose mother Rhiannon was accused of eating him? Or the story of Bran the Blessed, who waded across the Irish Sea? How about Manawydan, who tried to hang a mouse as a thief? And as for Math, King of Gwynedd… let’s just say for now that he had some very specific requirements of virgins.

These marvellous stories  are known as the four branches of the Mabinogi, and come to us via the The Red Book of Hergest, which was written around the end of the fourteenth century. Today you will find them transcribed and printed as The Mabinogion , which comprises the four great stories plus a miscellany of other myths and legends.

This course will recount the stories and explore many of their themes. We will also look at the composition and origins of the tales, in particular their connection with Celtic myths and legends.

RJW F2507 Online (via Zoom)

A 5-hour short course, delivered via 2 x 2½-hour sessions on consecutive Saturdays (Saturday 1 & Saturday 8 March, 10.30-1.00).

£40 (individual registration); £72 (for two people sharing one screen).