The Mabinogion is a fascinating collection of Welsh mythology and folklore, filled with tales of heroes, magic, and adventure. The stories are beautifully written and bring to life a rich and vibrant world full of mystery and wonder.

The characters are complex and intriguing, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. From the brave and noble heroes to the cunning and devious villains, the characters leap off the page and draw the reader into their world.

The settings are vividly described, from the lush forests and sweeping mountains to the bustling cities and dark dungeons. The world of The Mabinogion feels both familiar and fantastical, with its mix of historical and mythological elements.

Overall, The Mabinogion is a captivating read that will transport readers to a magical realm filled with adventure and intrigue. It is a must-read for fans of mythology and folklore, and anyone looking for a gripping and enchanting tale.

Book Description:

Sample a moment of magic realism from the Red Book of Hergest:

On one side of the river he saw a flock of white sheep, and on the other a flock of black sheep. And whenever one of the white sheep bleated, one of the black sheep would cross over, and become white; and when one of the black sheep bleated, one of the white sheep would cross over, and become black.

Before passing on to the Mabinogion proper, Lady Charlotte Guest devotes Volume I of her compilation of medieval Welsh tales to three brief romances of Arthur’s Court. The centrepiece is the story of Peredur, the Dumb Youth – known elsewhere as Perceval, Parzifal, the Holy Fool, et al.

This is the violent world of satin-clad knights and their clashing encounters, peremptory slayings of giants and cave-dwelling monsters – a world where love is as sudden and final as death.

(Introduction by Martin Geeson)