The Mabinogion is a magical and mythical Celtic classic from the thirteenth century or earlier. It’s thoroughly Welsh and is considered a masterpiece of medieval literature. Although written down during the middle ages, experts think these stories may date from the dawn of Celtic civilisation in Britain.
The Mabinogion has given rise to all of the stories by Tolkien, Le Guin, Martin and countless more. The stories are the very genesis of the Arthurian tales of King Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin and Sir Lancelot.
These fall into four tales of Pwyll, Branwen, Manawyddan, and Math.. Along with two short pieces The Dream of Maxen Wledig and Lludd and Llevelys; the incomparable Kilhwch and Olwen, one of the earliest Arthurian tales in Welsh; 
The Dream of Rhonabwy is a a romantic look back to the heroic age of Britain; and the three Arthurian romances proper: The Lady of the Fountain, Peredur the Son of Evrawc, and Geraint the Son of Erbin, with their abundant evidence of Norman-French influences.
I really want to read these tales of destiny, magic, chance, knightly feats of arms, love, and betrayal. They seem filled with beautiful and ancient beauty.
The Mabinogion has also given rise to many Welsh artworks such as this gorgeous map of Wales by Margaret Jones.
Margaret Jones: Illustrator
“It was my good fortune, in the twenty-five years from 1980, to illustrate for publication a number of the great traditional tales of the world, especially the stories of my adoptive country of Wales.”
In Margaret’s world, dragons, witches and giants jostle together uncomfortably, Kings are made and heroes are born and characters go on quests for love, honour and revenge. Medieval Wales seems very intriguing.
You can purchase a modern Welsh interpretation of the Mabinogion here.
Content Catnip 
As a Welsh lady, it made my day when this popped up in my stream! I remeber reading stories from the Mabinogion in school, the story of Branwen particualy stuck with me. Great post! You’ve made my day 😀 x
LikeLike
Thanks I loved visiting Wales its so beautiful such a rich history, glad you liked it 😁 There is another about Kidwelly castle and its history coming up too 😉
LikeLike
What a fabulous map – in the full meaning of the word. I’ve long been fascinated by the Mabinogion – ever since watching the 1970s TV version of Alan Garner’s The Owl Service. Here’s some more Welsh magic from my blogging chum, artist Janet Weight Reed. Thought you’d like the ancient yews: https://jcrhumming.wordpress.com/2018/07/18/the-rhiwiau-yew-trees-and-the-magical-town-of-crickadoon/
LikeLike
Hi Tish I am going to try and hunt doen owl service it sounds great. I already follow Janet I love her blog too her art is pure magic. Loved these ancient yews you are so generous with your comments and recommendations really appreciate it. Hope you have an amazing weekend. Its still winter here so Im braving the slate grey sky and mangroves near by my house for a walk. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy weekend under winter skies!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tish xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marvellous read, this. I was fascinated with that image you chose. Whoever created that was a marvel, such beauty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yeah, old maps are so incredible, I love how she has integrated these fascinating characters out of Welsh history into the map itself. It recalls to mind this kind of thing… https://contentcatnip.com/2018/09/12/the-viking-imagination-medieval-cartography-of-scandinavia/
LikeLiked by 1 person