"the Mabinogion" By Evangeline Walton, Beautiful! Options

Hello all,

It's been years since I have read Evangeline Walton's beautiful rendition of "The Mabinogion"(a very famous collection of Welsh Myths). I'm re-reading it now, and am filled with wonder and joy of it. It's now becoming clear to me how much the author's visions of goddesses, gods, life, death, and rebirth have shaped my spiritual beliefs, even though I have not read these stories for years. If you like romance, adventure, and some thought provoking ideas about life in general, you might like Evangeline Walton's "The Mabinogion":)

I'm still in the first of four parts. It's where Pwyll, a courageous and mighty king, must do battle with Death, and how he meets the Goddess Rhiannon:) Well, I don't want to spoil the surprises...for what it's worth, I whole heartedly recommend this book.

Oliver

Like you I read and enjoyed Walton's version of the Mabinogion years ago. I can see my copies on the bookshelf beside me. But while it is based on the Mabinogion, it isn't a translation of the original stories. It takes liberties--rather like Hollywood takes liberties with history and such; well not quite so much. Its a good read, but there are actual translations in print if you want to understand what the Welsh legends truly are.

Like you I read and enjoyed Walton's version of the Mabinogion years ago. I can see my copies on the bookshelf beside me. But while it is based on the Mabinogion, it isn't a translation of the original stories. It takes liberties--rather like Hollywood takes liberties with history and such; well not quite so much. Its a good read, but there are actual translations in print if you want to understand what the Welsh legends truly are.

Greetings Goibniu, and Oliver,

The Copy of the Mabinogian That I have in my collection is by the author named; Lady Charlotte E. Guest., The translation was taken from "The Red Book of Hergest" which is part of a collection at Jesus College, Oxford, and is reputed to be of limited availability to any but scholars.

The Editors note states that: "
Prior to 1849, when, after eleven years work, Lady Charlotte E. Guest (1812-1895) completed her three-volume edition of the Mabinogian (published by Longman, London, between 1841 and 1850), no other complete English translation had been made, and even those who knew Welsh were most likely unfamiliar with the Red Book's Content.

I will agree with Oliver though, The Pre-christian bardic stories bring to us a glimpse of a time when Magick still reigned in the Land, without the condmnation of a persecuting Church to steal away the Glory of these Mythical Sagas.

Excellent Book Recommendation.

Respectfully,
Helel (Joseph)

It is a truly beautiful book. I loved the opening story about Rhiannon. Welsh myths are really wonderful, and definitely worth a read.

Hi! I descided to put in my two cents worth. I know this thread is a bit old, but I registered not long ago. Anyway... I'm studying celtic civilization as an ellective module at university and we are required to read Mabinogion. The translations of the original that we were advised to buy were:

Jeffrey Granz transl., 'The Mabinogion' (the more word to word one) and
Jones and Jones transl., 'The Mabinogion' (the more literary one)

I bought and read the latter as it's more accessible version. I recommend to read the "real"(as much as it can be) version, so you can compare it with the interpretation of the other authors. Often translators leave out some bits and pieces, i.e. Lady Charlotte Guest's early 19th century edition that omit all the sex and violence.

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Sorry for the mistake, but it should have been "former", not "latter" in my previous post, cause I meant the Grantz edition.