Welsh Tales from the Mabinogion:
The Tale of Brân the Blessed
Once upon a time, in the mystical lands of Wales, there lived a mighty giant and noble king named Brân the Blessed, son of Llŷr. Brân was known far and wide for his immense size and strength, as well as his wisdom and fairness. His court was grand and bustling, filled with loyal warriors and wise advisors. His siblings, Manawydan and Branwen, were his closest companions, and together they ruled their kingdom with justice and compassion.
One day, a ship arrived from Ireland, carrying the Irish king Matholwch. Matholwch came to ask for Branwen's hand in marriage, hoping to unite the two great kingdoms through their union. Brân saw this as an opportunity for peace and alliance and agreed to the marriage. Soon, Branwen sailed to Ireland to become Matholwch's queen.
However, trouble soon followed. Brân's half-brother, Efnysien, felt slighted by the marriage and, in his anger, mutilated Matholwch's prized horses. This act of violence deeply offended Matholwch, threatening the peace between the two kingdoms. To mend the rift, Brân offered Matholwch many fine gifts, including a magical cauldron that could bring the dead back to life. Matholwch accepted the gifts, and peace was restored, at least for a while.
Despite Brân's efforts, Branwen's life in Ireland became unbearable. The courtiers, still angry about the horse incident, treated her cruelly, and she was reduced to working in the kitchens. Heartbroken and desperate, Branwen sent a message to Brân with a trained starling, detailing her plight and begging for help.
When Brân received Branwen's message, his heart filled with rage and sorrow. He immediately gathered his army and set sail for Ireland to rescue her. His fleet was vast, and the sight of his towering figure struck fear into the hearts of the Irish.
Matholwch, realizing the gravity of the situation, tried to make amends. He built a house large enough to accommodate Brân and prepared a feast. However, treachery was afoot. The Irish hid armed men in flour sacks within the house, planning to ambush Brân and his warriors. Efnysien, always suspicious, discovered the plot and killed the hidden warriors, thwarting the ambush.
A fierce battle ensued, and many lives were lost on both sides. Efnysien, seeking redemption for his earlier actions, sacrificed himself to destroy the magical cauldron, preventing its use by the Irish. Though Brân's army fought bravely, Brân himself was mortally wounded in the battle.
With his dying breath, Brân instructed his men to cut off his head and take it back to Britain. He believed that his severed head would continue to provide wisdom and guidance until it was buried on the White Hill in London. His loyal warriors followed his instructions, and Brân's head continued to speak and offer counsel during the long journey home.
The journey back to Britain was arduous, but Brân's men were steadfast. They carried his head through many lands, facing numerous challenges. Finally, they reached the White Hill, where they buried Brân's head as he had instructed. From that place, his presence continued to protect and guide Britain, ensuring peace and prosperity for many years.
Branwen returned to Wales, but her heart was broken from the loss and suffering she had endured. Manawydan, their wise and noble brother, remained a leader in their land, carrying on the family's legacy.
And so, the tale of Brân the Blessed became a legend, a story of sacrifice, bravery, and the enduring power of love and loyalty. The people of Britain remembered their giant king, who gave everything to protect his family and his land.
The End