The Mabinogi Stories 3

The Mabinogi is made up of four Branches which tell the stories of three Kindreds. This page is a retelling of the Third Branch.

First Branch: Pwyll
Second Branch: Branwen
Third Branch: Manawydan
Fourth Branch: Math

These names for the Branches are not in the mediaeval manuscripts, but they have been in use for over 150 years since 19thC Guest. Branwen is less justified than the others, as her name does not begin the Branch, but is as well established now as the others.

In London after burying the Head, Manawydan mourned his great losses for all the others could return to their homes but not him.
Pryderi had become his close friend and counselled him, pointing out that his ambitions for territory were known to be modest. Manawydan could have a new family by marrying Rhiannon, Pryderi's mother, who Pryderi described as still beautiful and skilled at converse. Pryderi proposed to grant Manawydan the use of his own realm of Dyfed to rule jointly with Rhiannon (for he himself had his new lands to rule).More, Pryderi vowed his own deep friendship.
Much comforted, Manawydan agreed and they came to Dyfed where Rhiannon and Cigfa, Pryderi's wife, welcomed them with a feast.

UNFINISHED

First Branch: Pwyll
Second Branch: Branwen
Third Branch: Manawydan
Fourth Branch: Math