Pennod 17 – Breuddwyd Rhyfeddol Rhonabwy

Rhonabwy’s Amazing Dream

In this episode, we discuss a completely amazing tale which constructs a unique version of Arthur’s heroic world in order to highlight the political faults of the real world. Medieval Wales is that real world, and a struggle between a prince and his brother is threatening the peace of the realm. The messenger Rhonabwy tries his best to help but he falls asleep – in a house which is disgustingly filthy! – and by means of his dream he travels from the present back to the Arthurian past. The heroic leader himself must learn lessons about war and peace as well, and he does that while playing gwyddbwyll – not ‘chess’, as modern Welsh speakers would have it, but a different kind of war game played by medieval Welsh people. And this story is not like any other story either! You’ll also get answers to some unexpected questions, such as who does that little man from the present, Rhonabwy, make Arthur cry?