Pennod 6 – Manawydan a Seiliau Cymdeithas

We discuss the Third Branch of the Mabinogi in this episode, the tale of ‘Manawydan son of Llŷr’, a counterpoint to the other branches and a story with striking internal contrasts. Instead of big epic battles and heroic feats, this tale presents meditations on the foundations of society and the essence of civilization.

It is also essential for understanding that the Four Branches of the Mabinogi form a coherent whole. Following the apocalyptical war at the end of the Second Branch, we follow two of the survivors, Pryderi a Manawydan. When an enchantment falls on Dyfed, the two friends and their wives, Cigfa and Rhiannon, must learn to live anew, first by hunting, then by working as craftsmen, and, in the end by farming. Unlike Pryderi who always wants to draw his sword and solve problems in the old violent way, Manawydan wins in the end by reasoning, avoiding bloodshed and following the law. It is not external strength which makes Manawydan a hero, but rather his wisdom and his internal strength.