The Mabinogi and Other Medieval Welsh Tales First Edition

by Patrick K. Ford (Editor, Translator)

78 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0520034143

ISBN-10: 0520034147

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The title Mabinogi refers to the first four stories in this collection of tales from Welsh tradition. They are best known as the "Four Branches of the Mabinogi," and comprise the tales of Pwyll, Branwen, Manawydan, and Math. The remaining stories also spring from the same tree, and together they form a collection that comprises the core of the ancient Welsh mythological cycle. They are also among the best the medieval Celtic literature has to offer.

In the first thoroughly revised edition and translation of this world classic since Lady Charlotte Guest's famous Mabinogion went out of print, Mr. Ford has endeavored to present a scholarly document in readable, modern English. Basing his criteria on the latest scholarship in myth, he includes only those stories that have remained unadulterated by the influence of the French Arthurian romances. These are, in addition to the "Four Branches," the tale of "Kulhwch and Olwen," which is rooted in the mythological origins of Arthur, seen here in his role of divine hunter in pursuit of the swine-god; "Lludd and Lleuelis," which reaches beyond its immediate Celtic sources into ancient Indo-European ideologies; and the long unavailable "Tale of Taliesin," which offers insights into Celtic concepts of the archetypal poet-seer and the acquisition of Divine Wisdom.

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Editorial Reviews

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Ford is one of the most eminent Celtic scholars of our day, and any contribution he makes to the field of Welsh criticism and letters is welcome and is bound to be significant. The present translation is no exception. -- World Literature Today

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Product details

Publisher : University of California Press; First Edition (March 15, 1977)
Language : English
Paperback : 205 pages
ISBN-10 : 0520034147
ISBN-13 : 978-0520034143
Item Weight : 1.76 ounces
Dimensions : 5.5 x 1 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,722,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,253 in European Literature (Books)
- #2,431 in English Literature
- #3,274 in Medieval Literary Criticism (Books)

Customer Reviews:
78 ratings

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Wooly Babooshka

Quintessential

Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2017

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While reading a book by Michael Howard called "Liber Nox", I came across mention of The Mabinogion with sincere and visceral intrigue. My reaction was one of shock and amazement. It gave my inner spirit the permission it needed to really connect with the ancient past as opposed to just reading about it. Just the word itself, 'Mabinogion', breathed life into my dying, searching spirit. I rely less on New Age sources today, and more on the classical mythological ones. Yet, no "past" is without its' twists it would seem. What makes this book refreshing in part is that the author is responsible and thoughtful enough to include his findings regarding many of the inaccuracies of translations from previous well-meaning authors. "The suffix (i)on is a very common plural ending in Welsh, and Lady Charlotte Guest assumed that mabinogion was the correct form and referred to all the tales in the White Book and the Red Book." -(from the book by Ford)

6 people found this helpful

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Bernadette Wulf

Easy to read!

Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2019

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After reading other versions of the Mabinogi, I really appreciate the formatting of this one. It is much easier to read and the explanatory introductions to the stories are very helpful. I wish I had read this one first!

4 people found this helpful

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Rod Ellis

A fine translation... and retelling...

Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2007

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I received this book the evening before departing on a trip. After settling in on the plane the woman who was seated next to me asked, "What are you reading?" I showed her and was greeted with an immediate "Oooooh.... ugghh." I must admit that I understood her reaction. Although I have steadfastly slogged my way through them, many translations of ancient works have left me wishing for the touch of a modern bard. This one, however, did not (or perhaps it had, indeed, benefitted from such a touch!). Ford was my companion on both the flight out and the return trip. He was informative, entertaining, insightful, and (I am told by others who would know), quite accurate. I recommend this book highly.

9 people found this helpful

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H. Kostecki

A scholarly yet entertaining translation

Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2010

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The Mabinogi is a collection of translated Welsh tales from the White Book of Rhydderch (1300-1325 CE), the Red Book of Hergest (1375-1425 CE) and the manuscript National Library of Wales MS. 6209E (1600-1700 CE). It consists of four "branches", or collections of stories; the author also included "The Tale of Gwion Bach", "The Tale of Taliesin", and Cad Goddeu. The tales are of unknown authorship and age. Reading these stories provides insight into medieval Welsh storytelling, cultural traditions, and mythology.

The author of this translation makes the reader well aware that much about these stories remains unclear. He provides a lengthy (and sometimes daunting) introduction, which explains the occasionally controversial background of the tales. The author recognized that there is a paucity of accurate translations of Welsh mythology. He sought to highlight the academic and historical research conducted of the tales, and left out the "romanticized" stories. The reader is warned about the (usually irrational) assimilation of Judeo-Christian traditions into Irish and Welsh mythological texts. Celtic mythology is widely believed to have been an oral tradition until it was written down centuries later, presumably by Christian scribes. This sometimes colors the story, but it is obvious when it happens. In the Introduction, the author seeks to correlate the tales with Celtic deities, and stories from other Celtic regions such as Ireland. This introduction supports the hypothesis of an Indo-European society and religious structure.

Through studies of various manuscripts concerning Taliesin, the author hypothesizes that there are perhaps two Taliesins- a genuine "historical" poet, and a legendary shape-shifter. He explains that the creation of Celtic poetry had magical and spiritual overtones, and shape-shifting or "shamanism" was practiced by poets. Taliesin claims divine properties, such as his birth from the elements at the beginning of time, the knowledge of the supernatural and otherworld, and intensive wisdom ["the literal meaning of drui, derwydd `druid', imbas, cyfarwydd, and other words associated with the scope of poetic activities among the Celts" (pg 19)]. The Book of Taliesin contains a poem, Cad Goddeu, translated in this book, which illustrates the magical nature of trees.

The challenges of reading this book were worth the effort and I recommend reading it. The author provided a much-needed pronunciation guide of Welsh, and I found myself referring to this and writing down the English equivalences in the text. The stories are entertaining and humorous. Though some of the conversational language is archaic, the themes of the stories are timeless- the "battle of the sexes", the jealous step-mother, the importance of sexual faithfulness, unlikely circumstances needed for the death of a hero, and debilitating lust. The tales describe beliefs important to the Celts- the equine goddess who possesses a symbol of unending fertility and prosperity, the divine hunter, the sacredness of nighttime and a year-and-a-day, the chaste friend, the thin veil between this world and the Otherworld, magical shape-shifting, rebirth, the magic of the sea, and sacred animals and trees.

26 people found this helpful

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C. J. Struthers

Great read

Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2014

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If you are at all interested in classic Medieval tales you'll enjoy this book! I had a hard time keeping track of some of the characters because for me at least it was hard to pronounce some of their names. But I enjoyed the book.

3 people found this helpful

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amanda bryant-mcintyre

Perfect Welsh Folklore Go-To

Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2016

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This is the Welsh Folklore go-to. It is translated much better than most I have read from the original Welsh Mabinogi. The condition of the book was perfect, which I was happy to see since you never really know what happens from warehouse/store to your front door.

5 people found this helpful

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Marie Clewley

The best I have read on this topic so far!

Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2018

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The best I have read on this topic so far!

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R. Cranston

Excellent Translation

Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2007

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Patrick Ford's translation is the best that I've read. It appears to be the most accurate translation and the easiest to read and understand. Anyone who is interested in Welsh mythology or mythology in general should read this book. The tales themselves are interesting and entertaining. They give us a great glimpse into the world of the ancient Welsh people.

6 people found this helpful

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S. D. Nunn

An astounding achievement

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 13, 2011

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Ford's translation stands head and shoulders above any other. Additionally he provides the reader with handy notes and, where necessary, engaging encouragement to plough through the more tedious sections.

All in all an essential read. A must for fans of The Chronicles of Prydain and The Owl Service - basically this book is the homeland for a huge amount of contemporary fiction.

4 people found this helpful

Heddwas /|\

The definitive translation

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2006

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This is a far better translation than Jeffrey Gantz' Penguin edition, with good notes and first rate introductions, both to the work as a whole and then to each of the tales. For non-Welsh speakers, the Ford edition will bring you far closer to the rich feel of the original Welsh. I grew up with "Lady Charlotte Guest's" version, but now prefer this one. Mae'n dysgedig iawn!

11 people found this helpful

wolfgranny

Four Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2018

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Good translation.

Anais

Five Stars

Reviewed in Canada on July 16, 2017

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Excellent translation of these fascinating, magical tales!