Before You Begin

Don't feel that you have to read it quickly unless you wish to move at a fast pace. There are no time limits or "due dates", although it helps to keep up with the group I have set the reading up into 3 sections per Branch, with the starting sentance of that section there to let you know where to begin.

Keep in mind that my translation may be different than yours. Purely from personal preference, I use Sioned Davies' translation throughout the website, but the wording shouldn't be too different in whatever version you have.

I will be creating another page with the corresponding questions on them too, but the main place you should look is on the discussion forums. I have also linked each of the Branch titles to its appropriate board, for your ease of reference.

The First Branch: Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed

1. Pwyll meets Arawn

"Pwyll, prince of Dyfed, was lord over the seven cantefs of Dyfed ..."

2. Pwyll wins Rhiannon

"Once upon a time Pwyll was at Arberth, one of his chief courts..."

3. Pwyll's Son, Pryderi

"Early the next day, 'Lord,' said Rhiannon, 'get up and begin satisfying the musicians, and do not refuse anyone who requests a gift today."

The Second Branch: Branwen, Daughter of Llŷr

1. Branwen given in marriage

"Bendigeidfran son of Llyr was crowned king over this island and inested with the crown of London ..."

2. Branwen shamed

"Then in the second year, there was a murmuring of dissatisfaction in Ireland because of the insult that Matholwch had received in Wales ..."

3. Branwen dies

"Bendigeidfran and the army we mentioned sailed towards Ireland and the sea was not wide then; Bendigeidfran waded across."

The Third Branch: Manawydan, Son of Llŷr

1. Manawydan marries Rhiannon

"After the seven men we spoke of above had buried Bendigeidfran's head on the Gwynfryn in London, with its face towards France ..."

2. Manawydan seeks a solution

"When Cigfa, daughter of Gwynn Gloyw, wife of Pryderi, saw that she and Manawydan were alone in the court ..."

3. Manawydan saves Dyfed

"Then he made for Gorsedd Arberth, taking the mouse with him, and he pushed two forks into the highest point of the mound."

Fourth Branch: Math, Son of Mathonwy

1. Math and Gwydion find a son

"Math son of Mathonwy was lord over Gwynedd..."

2. Math and Gwydion create Blodeuedd

"They came to Math son of Mathonwy, and made the most vehement complaint in the world against Aranrhod, and related how Gwydion had obtained all the weapons for Lleu."

3. Math and Gwydion save the heir

"As soon as Lleu disappeared they made for the court, and that night they slept together."