Kidzone Mythology   Celtic Mythology

KidZone Mythology:
Welsh Tales from the Mabigonion

The Mabinogion is a captivating collection of ancient Welsh tales that weaves together mythology, folklore, and history into a rich tapestry of adventure and enchantment. These stories, originating from the medieval manuscripts known as the White Book of Rhydderch and the Red Book of Hergest, form the cornerstone of Welsh literature and culture.

The Mabinogion consists of eleven stories that delve into the magical world of Welsh mythology. These tales are filled with heroic deeds, tragic romances, and otherworldly creatures. From the enchanting quests of Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed, and the mystical journey of Branwen, daughter of Llyr, to the enchanting love story of Culhwch and Olwen, each narrative offers a unique glimpse into the lives of legendary figures and the gods and goddesses who shaped their destinies.

digital art of King Arthur and excalibur.

Among these tales are stories that feature the legendary King Arthur, a figure who bridges the world of myth and history. The tales within the Mabinogion present a version of Arthur that is deeply rooted in Welsh tradition. Here, Arthur is depicted as a mighty warrior and a central figure in the Celtic heroic tradition, surrounded by his loyal knights and involved in quests that intertwine with the magical and the mysterious.

Not only do these tales capture the imagination with their fantastical elements, but they also provide valuable insights into the beliefs, values, and social structures of medieval Wales. The Mabinogion is more than just a collection of stories; it is a window into a world where the lines between the mundane and the magical blur, where bravery and honor are paramount, and where the legacy of Celtic tradition lives on.

For anyone seeking to explore the depths of Celtic mythology or to understand the cultural heritage of Wales, the Mabinogion is an essential and mesmerizing journey into the heart of ancient storytelling.

Mabinogion coloring pages >

 

These stories, inspired by the original text of the Mabinogion, are written in a style suitable for grade school children.

 

The Arthurian Romances

  1. The Tale of Owain and the Magical Fountain - The adventures of Owain, a knight of Arthur's court, his love for the Lady of the Fountain, and his trials.
  2. The Tale of Peredur, the Son of Evrawc - the Welsh version of the Percival legend, focusing on Peredur's quest to become a knight and his discovery of his family's fate.
  1. The Tale of Geraint, Son of Erbin - The story of Geraint, another knight of Arthur's court, his marriage to Enid, and the trials they face together.

The Four Branches of the Mabinogi

  1. The Tale of Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed - The story of Pwyll and his adventures, including his meeting with Arawn, King of Annwn, and his courtship of Rhiannon.
  2. The Tale of Branwen, Daughter of Llŷr - The tale of Branwen's marriage to the King of Ireland, the ensuing conflict between Ireland and Britain, and the tragic outcomes.
  3. The Tale of Manawydan, Son of Llŷr - The continuation of Branwen's story, focusing on her brother Manawydan and his adventures after the war with Ireland.
  4. The Tale of Math, Son of Mathonwy - The story of Math, his nephew Gwydion, and the birth of Lleu Llaw Gyffes, a figure similar to the Irish hero Lugh.

The Three Native Tales

  1. The Dream of Macsen Wledig - A romanticized account of the Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus, who dreams of a beautiful maiden in Britain and sets out to find her.
  2. The Tale of Lludd and Llefelys - The story of two brothers, Lludd and Llefelys, who face three plagues afflicting Britain and how they overcome them.
  3. The Tale of Culhwch and Olwen - One of the earliest Arthurian tales, detailing the adventures of Culhwch as he seeks the hand of the giant's daughter Olwen, with the help of King Arthur and his knights.
     

The Other Tale

  1. The Dream of Rhonabwy - A dream vision experienced by Rhonabwy, which includes encounters with King Arthur and his warriors.