Celtic Source

Dr Gwilym Morus-Baird and Tom Hirons talk through a poem by Hirons, 'Sometimes a Wild God', and some of it's connections to the Green Knight. The following discussion explores Sir Gawain's relationship with Lady Bertilak and what this can tell us about medieval and modern ideas of sexuality.

Courses on Celtic myth and folklore: https://celticsource.online/courses-page

In this second part of the conversation between the poet Tom Hirons and myself we explore the different tensions in Sir Gawain, initially between desire and death, and then between the different types of morality that can be read in the poem.

Courses on Celtic myth and folklore: https://celticsource.online/courses-page

Dr Gwilym Morus-Baird and Tom Hirons discuss the Middle English classic Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The first part in an extensive conversation exploring what the enigmatic story-in-verse means and it's relationship to the first branch of the Mabinogi.  

Courses on Celtic myth and folklore: https://celticsource.online/courses-page

The Mabinogi contain many influences and draw on many sources. In this last talk on Rhiannon's Mabinogi, we look at W.J. Gruffydd's conclusions about how the Mabinogi evolved, and take a brief look at later scholars who disagree with his basic premise.

There are several stories in the Welsh tradition and beyond about stolen children and their mothers, but what do they mean? Part 6 of Rhiannon's Mabinogi.

Courses on Celtic myth and folklore: https://celticsource.online/courses-page

Manawydan in Welsh myth and Manannán in Irish myth are often considered variations on the same mythological figure. But is this true? And if so what connects them? Part 6 of Rhiannon's Mabinogi. 

Courses on Celtic myth and folklore: https://celticsource.online/courses-page

An interlude from Rhiannon's Mabinogi series: To really understand a myth we need to understand the tradition in which it arises. So what is the broader tradition that Ceridwen's myth comes from?  

Courses on Celtic myth and folklore: https://celticsource.online/courses-page/

Both Rhiannon's and Branwen's stories in the Mabinogi express some of the most tragic themes in Celtic myth. They are also very similar to later folktales from other traditions. In comparing all of these stories we find some very interesting ideas and beliefs common to many of them.

Myths about immortal fathers and miraculous births are found in many cultures across the world, including the stories of the Welsh and the Irish. What does this widespread myth tell us about mythology itself?

In this second video on W.J.Gruffydd's classic of Celtic scholarship, Rhiannon we explore his comparison of the Irish story the Conception of Mongán with the Welsh story of Pwyll in Annwfn. What can this tell us about Celtic myth?