Storyteller: Liz Warren, Musician: John Good, 50 mins playing time, price $9.99

The Story of Pwyll and Rhiannon

The stories that comprise the Mabinogion were written down sometime between 1160 and 1220 A.D. in Wales. They seem to have been written for a sophisticated, courtly audience. It is unknown whether their author created them in this form or if they were already current in the repertoires of medieval Welsh storytellers. Scholars agree, however, that the elements, characters, and ideas from which the stories are built reflect much older and more widely spread Celtic beliefs. The story of Pwyll and Rhiannon in particular introduces us to ancient concepts of the otherworld and sovereignty while showing us how a proper medieval Welsh prince should behave.

All the stories in the Mabinogion explore the themes of friendship, marriage, and feuds. The First Branch, the story of Pwyll and Rhiannon, begins with a feud which Pwyll resolves and in so doing makes an important friendship and alliance with the otherworld. This connection enables him to meet and ultimately marry Rhiannon, who represents sovereignty. Throughout their relationship Rhiannon must first endure Pwyll’s impulsiveness and lack of experience and later must bear an unjust punishment during which she is distanced from her husband and her royal role. This separation and her ultimate redemption is an element of most Celtic sovereignty myths.

Through the story, Pwyll grows in maturity and wisdom, reflected in his efforts to balance the demands of the nobles of his court with his love for Rhiannon. By the end of the story when he and Rhiannon are reunited with their child, Pwyll has proven himself a just and wise leader and she has shown her eternal nature by surviving and rising above injustice. Together they have proven their fertility, thereby assuring the fertility and productivity of the land, while providing an heir to continue their good works. Listen to a sample from the album in the pop up player below.

Characters and Pronunciation Guide

Pwyll (Pweeth): Prince of Dyfed, Head of Annwfn. His name means caution or wisdom.

Arawn (Ah-roon): King of the Otherworld

Hafgan (Hav-gan): Defeated King of Annwfn. His name means ‘summer song’.

Rhiannon (Hree-an-on): Pwyll’s otherworldly bride, horse goddess, and bestower of sovereignty. Her name comes from a Celtic term meaning high queen.

Hefaidd Hen (Hev-ay -ith Hen): Rhiannon’s father.

Gwawl (Goo-awl): Rhiannon’s rejected suitor.

Teyrnon (Tir-non): The best man in all the world.

Pryderi (Prud-er-ee): Pwyll and Rhiannon’s son. His name means anxiety.

Cigfa (Keeg-vah): Pryderi’s bride.

Other Terms

Mabinogion (mab-i-no-gee-on): Collective name for eleven medieval Welsh mythic stories.

Dyfed (Duv-ed): Pwyll’s realm in south-west Wales.

Gorsedd Arberth (Gor-seth Ar-burth): The magical mound of Arberth.

Cantref (kan-trev): Medieval Welsh administrative district of 100 villages.