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University of California Press

About the Book

The four stories that make up the Mabinogi, along with three additional tales from the same tradition, form this collection and compose the core of the ancient Welsh mythological cycle. Included are only those stories that have remained unadulterated by the influence of the French Arthurian romances, providing a rare, authentic selection of the finest works in medieval Celtic literature. This landmark edition translated by Patrick K. Ford is a literary achievement of the highest order.

About the Author

Patrick K. Ford is the Margaret Brooks Robinson Professor Emeritus of Celtic Languages and Literatures at Harvard University.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
Select Bibliography

Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed
Branwen daughter of Llyr
Manawydan son of Llyr
Math son of Mathonwy
Lludd and Lleuelys
Culhwch and Olwen
The Tale of Gwion Bach and The Tale of Taliesin

Appendix: Cad Goddeu
Glossary
A Guide to Pronunciation
Index of Proper Names

Reviews

“[Patrick K. Ford’s] style is fluent and follows a careful line that avoids archaisms on one hand and modern idioms on the other. . . . [A book for] the general reader and for university classes.”—Western Folklore

“Ford has made a useful contribution in this book, which will not only be readable for undergraduates but hopefully will help keep alive this fascinating body of narratives.”—The Journal of American Folklore