The Mabinogion Tetralogy (Magill’s Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature)
At a glance:
- Author: Evangeline Ensley
- First Published: 1936
- Type of Work: Novels
- Type of Plot: Fantasy—mythological
- Time of Work: Early in the medieval period
- Setting: Wales, Ireland, and England
- Genres: Long fiction, Science fiction, Fantasy
- Subjects: Mythology or myths, England or English people, Infertility, Inheritance or succession, Kings, queens, or royalty, Ireland or Irish people, Middle Ages, Twins or multiple-birth siblings, Resurrection, Wales or Welsh people, Talisman or magical object, Druids and Druidism
- Locales: England, Ireland, Wales
The Plot
Prince of Annwn has two parts: “Descent into the Abyss” and “Rhiannon of the Birds.” Having broken a hunting code, Pwyll, Prince of Dyved (South Wales), accepts an exchange with Arawn, King of Annwn (Kingdom of the Dead). Pwyll changes shape with Arawn to battle Havgan, a rival king in Annwn. Entering Annwn, Pwyll faces a series of tests: a huge, spiderlike monster; a huge bird that guards the entrance gate; and finally the bedroom invitation of Arawn’s wife. After a day-long battle, Pwyll follows Arawn’s instructions and resists the wounded...
[The entire page is 1576 words long]
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