Scan barcode
laura_trap's review against another edition
5.0
These stories were a treat. Each weirder than the next, and then sometimes not at all. Each story had it's own distinct traits and personalities, the characters never the same, the timelines out the window and sometimes geography - what is that? I loved how true they were to themselves, that when the orator went deep into the myth it did so without batting an eye. I particularly enjoyed the story of Owein and Genient, two separate.
mythicalbrit's review against another edition
3.0
I read this book for my thesis research, although sadly it did not yield the kind of evidence I was looking for so I'll have to look for new sources elsewhere. On its own, though, it's a pretty magical read if you are looking for a taste of early Welsh mythology.
redheadreading's review against another edition
4.0
I particularly enjoyed the way Sioned Davies retained the repetition, simplicity of language, and rhythm that highlights the Maginogian's oral storytelling origins.
meowpompom's review against another edition
3.0
"Often dost thou utter that with thy tongue which thou wouldst not make good with thy deeds."
ailed's review against another edition
4.0
Sioned Davies's translation of the Mabinogion must be one of the best ones out there. It includes all 11 tales and a wealth of explanatory notes which are extremely useful, especially for first-time readers (like me) of these stories.
_haggis_'s review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Such a brilliant translation. Sioned really captures the power of performance and voice in her translation.
The stories are from Welsh medieval tradition and include tales of transformation, vengeful wives, faerie-children, girls made from flowers, speaking birds, curses, magic, friendship, quests, and love. If you love mythology this is a must read :)
P.S:
One of my favourite quotes from all time is in the First Branch:
"Pwyll was silent, for there was no answer he could give.
'Be as silent for as long as you like,' said Rhiannon. 'Never has a man been more stupid than you have been'. "
The stories are from Welsh medieval tradition and include tales of transformation, vengeful wives, faerie-children, girls made from flowers, speaking birds, curses, magic, friendship, quests, and love. If you love mythology this is a must read :)
P.S:
One of my favourite quotes from all time is in the First Branch:
"Pwyll was silent, for there was no answer he could give.
'Be as silent for as long as you like,' said Rhiannon. 'Never has a man been more stupid than you have been'. "
gobblebook's review against another edition
A very Victorian translation--she left out any bits that seemed even marginally naughty, and tended towards the romantic in her translation.
catherine_t's review against another edition
4.0
This volume is a collection of Welsh myths, on a par with the Irish Tain Bo Cuailgne. Much of it concerns King Arthur and his knights, although there is no round table ever mentioned, and Lancelot doesn't so much as stick his nose in (being, of course, a French invention). There are copious notes to help the reader, and a pronunciation guide--which, frankly, is essential when it comes to mediaeval Welsh literature. The editor/translator, Sioned Davies, is well qualified, being a lecturer in the subject, and she has other academic works to her name.
I've read parts of The Mabinogion before, so bits of this were familiar to me, but as far as I can recall, I'd never read "Rhonabwy's Dream", or the entirety of "Peredur". I like to read the mythology of cultures from around the world, and having recently spent a week on holiday in North Wales, this was a good way to dig into that country's tales. As well, I'm a nut for anything pertaining to King Arthur, and it was excellent to read the real basis for Chretien de Troyes's work, as well as Malory's.
I've read parts of The Mabinogion before, so bits of this were familiar to me, but as far as I can recall, I'd never read "Rhonabwy's Dream", or the entirety of "Peredur". I like to read the mythology of cultures from around the world, and having recently spent a week on holiday in North Wales, this was a good way to dig into that country's tales. As well, I'm a nut for anything pertaining to King Arthur, and it was excellent to read the real basis for Chretien de Troyes's work, as well as Malory's.