THEOSOPHY

CARDIFF

Theosophical Society, Cardiff Lodge

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Cardiff, Wales, UK, CF24 -1DL.

Glossary of

Welsh Mythology

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History of Theosophy in Wales

Aber Alaw - in Talebolyon. Where the Seven Who Returned from Ireland landed, on the holy Isle of Anglesey (North Wales). Here, Branwen died.

Aberffraw - Branwen and Matholuch passed their wedding night here.

Abergenoli - by the sea. Alternative burial site of

Pryderi, mentioned in the ancient Englynion Beddau. The favored site, however, is Maen Tyriawc.

Aberdaeron - Fishing village on the Llyn peninsula (North Wales). The old house, Y Gregyn Fawr, served as a hostel for pilgrims visiting Saint Mary's Abbey on Bardsey Island. Quiet in

winter, the area bustles with tourists in the summer. The church has a 12th century nave, a south aisle was added in the 16th century. Gruffydd ap Rhys, who married Gwenllian the daughter of the prince of Gwynedd, sought sanctuary here when the Normans invaded south Wales. Stories are a little confused, some

suggest he needed to seek sanctuary after Gruffydd ap Cynan, Prince of Gwynedd, had indicated that he would hand him over to King Henry 1st. He is then said to have escaped back to South Wales, followed by Gwenllian.Richard Jones (Dic Aberdaeron) who lived from 1780-1843 claimed to be able to speak 35 languages and produced a dictionary for Welsh, Greek and Hebrew. The

book is kept at Saint Asaph cathedral, where Richard Jones is buried.Fishing for crab and lobster make this an ideal place to stop for seafood.

Nearby are worked out quarries that once yielded jasper and a 'pink' marble. Aberglaslyn Pont Aberglaslyn is the opening to the pass of Aberglaslyn. The name illustrates how things have changed, Aber means mouth or estuary and until the embankment was built at Portmadoc the river could be navigated by small boats to this point. The pass is the result of glacial action.Abersoch is a village that is fast becoming a seaside resort, caravan sites and a golf course show the pattern of development that will surely come. It has a

harbour and two large sandy beaches. There are excursions from here to Saint Tudwal's islands, one of which has the remains of a medieval priory. Todays inhabitants are guillemots and puffins. Tudwal was a 6th century Breton who may

have stopped here on his way fleeing after the fall of Rome. The other island formerly had a lighthouse. In 1934 the islands were bought by Clough Williams-Ellis. there is a legend associated with the site of Castellmarch (near Abersoch) that would have you believe it was named after King Mark, the figure in the story of Tristan and Isolde. He was supposed to have had super-large ears

and hairdressers were sworn to secrecy when they cut his hair (with a threat of death should they reveal the secret, as someone must have !). The unfortunate barbers were buried in a marsh and when a musician made a set of pipes from the

reeds and started to play the pipes sang out the story.

Abergwyngregyn - The name means a river estuary with white shells. Caernarfonshire (North Wales) village with a sandy beach. Traeth Lafan (the Lavan Sands) were once crossed at low tide to get to Beaumaris on Ynys Môn (Anglesey). Morden's map of 1668 shows this as a ferry crossing. The church here contains a bell which used to be rung in mists to warn of the incoming tide. There is said to be a sunken village (Llys Helig) under the sands. It is possible a medieval causeway ran out along the sands when it was still an important crossing place to Ynys Môn. Nearby (3 km) are the Aber falls. Rhaedr Fawr drops about 40 metres through a series of cascades. It is believed that Llywelyn the Great had a palace here, probably made of wood, which stood on a mound known now as Y Myd. The mound was most likely constructed as part of a defence by the Normans. Saunders Lewis wrote his drama Siwan, about the wife of Llywelyn, set in this area. Joan was supposed to have fallen in love with William de Braose whilst he was being held a prisoner by her husband. Once his ransom had been paid Llywelyn invited William back to a feast, when he then killed William by hanging him and invited Joan to view the body.

Aber Menai (North Wales coast) - the port from which Matholuch sailed for Ireland with Branwen.

Aber Menei - between here and Caer Seon, Gwydion and his son set out by boat toward Caer Arianrhod, as shoemakers.

Abyss - Annwn. Especially that part of Annwn where Havgan rules the Eastern Dead.

Alaw - On its banks, Branwen was buried.

Alban - land by the northern sea. Yr Alban is the modern Welsh word for Britian.

Altai - far Eastern valleys whence came the New Tribes,

Amaethon - third son of Don, and a prince of Gwynedd (North Wales). A farmer and husbandman, he is God of Agriculture. He

became so by stealing the three secrets of growth (a

bitch, a hind, and a lapwing) from Arawn, King of Annwn. The battle of Cad Goddeu followed, in which Gwydion assisted Amaethon by turning trees into warriors.

Amergin - Ireland's High Druid, oldest and wisest of Ireland's Old Tribes. Had he still lived, the great war between Ireland and the Island of the Mighty might have been prevented.

Ancient Harmonies - mystic rules governing Birth, Life, and Death, observed by most of the Old tribes

(especially Math) and by the wisest of the New Tribes.

Anghar the Loveless - Havgan's seat in Annwn. Capitol of Meslam.

Anglesey (North Wales) - once joined to Carnarvon by the tall forests of the Sinking Lands. It is separated from the Island of the Mighty by the Straits of Menai.

Angus of the Birds - an ancient, legendary figure in

Ireland. His mother was the Ancient Irish Goddess for whom the river Boyne was named.

Annwn - Arawn's realm. The Abyss. The Underworld in which all things first took shape. World of Middle Light. It is the first world above our own. Annwn was challenged by Havgan, but Arawn, with the help of Pwyll, defeated him. Later, Amaethon raided Annwn for the secrets of agriculture and husbandry, stealing a bitch,

a hind, and a lapwing.

Arawn - King of Annwn. He changes places with Pwyll of Dyved for a year and a day in order that Pwyll may help him defeat Havgan Summer-White, ruler of the Dead of the Eastern World. Arawn is the Grey Man of Earth, a Death Lord who kills in order to bring forth new life. He is first-born and husband to Modron, the Goddess behind all

the Gods.

Arberth - Pwyll's chief seat. Dyved's capitol city.

After Pwyll's death, it remained Queen Rhiannon's

principle seat.

Arianrhod - "Silver Wheel." Daughter of Don, and

Princess of Gwynedd (North Wales). Sister and lover to Gwydion. Mother of Dylan and Llew. Dwelt in Caer Arianrhod in the sea, where she and her three sisters, Elen, Gwennan, and Maelan, guard a sacred well. As her name suggests,

Arianrhod is probably representative of the Moon

Goddess.

Arllechwedd - the mightiest fortress in Gwynedd (North Wales) stood here. This is where the sty was built for the stoeln swine while the war was fought between Gwynedd and Dyved (Mid & South West Wales).

Arvon - principle realm of the High King of the Island of the Mighty.

Arwystli - between here and Keri is the second Mochdrev.

Beddgelert (North Wales) Situated at the foot of Moel Hebog. The legend of Gellert, the faithful hound, is associated with the village thanks to an enterprising Victorian who was looking for reasons to attract tourists.Some attribute the 'adoption' of the story to David Prichard, the landlord of the Royal Goat Inn, who was known for his interest in folklore. It is believed that Prichard and the parish clerk set up the cairn which it is claimed is the site of Gellert's Grave.

For those interested in tracing legends the story of the faithful hound, Gellert, is also found in a 15th century document that mentions its association with Beddgellert.

A similar legend is associated with a number of other places in Europe. The more likely origin of the name of the village is after Saint Kelert. An Augustinian priory once stood on the site of the present church and was a stopping point for

those en route to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey island) as a pilgrimage.

Beli of the Deep - ancient High King to the Island of the Mighty, commemorated on Beltane by the Celts. Brother of black-haired Penardim who was wife to Llyr. Their son, Bran, succeeded Beli as High King.

Beltane - a Celtic feast or holiday in honor of Beli.

Bleiddwn the Wolfling - wolf whom Math changed to a boy. Bleiddwn was parented by Gwydion and Gilvaethwy while they were sentenced by Math to roam the forests of Gwynedd (North Wales) in the shape of beasts, for their offence against Goewyn.

Blodeuwedd - "Flower-like." She was fashioned from flowers by Gwydion and Math to be Llew's bride, since he could not have a mortal woman because of the destiny laid on him by Arianrhod. However, Blodeuwedd learns the secret of Llew's mortality and betrays him to her lover, Goronwy Pevr. For this, Gwydion turns her into an owl -

"flower face." She may be a Dawn Goddess transformed into a Dusk Goddess.

Boyne (Ireland) - Bran's host beached near the mouth of this river on reaching Ireland, and in its waters, Bran bathed. It was named for an Ancient Goddess, Mother of Angus of the Birds. The river Boyne flows past Tara and past the Brug na Boinne.

Bran of the Glittering Branches - a Champion of Faery in the battle of the Cad Goddeu. In guessing his name, Gwydion won the battle. He may have been the ghost of Bran the Blessed.

Bran the Blessed - first born of Llyr and Penardim; nephew and successor to Beli of the Deep as High King of the Island of the Mighty. He led the hosts of the Island of the Mighty against King Matholuch of Ireland to avenge the wrongs committed to Branwen, Bran's sister and Matholuch's wife. Being of unusually large

proportions, Bran was forced to wade through the Sinking lands to reach Ireland. On returning, he was ambushed at Morddwydtyllyon, and received a fatal wound from Matoluch. Bran was called "ancestor to many saints."

Branwen - "the White Breast." Daugher of Llyr and Penardim, princess of the Island of the Mighty. Bran consents to her marriage to Matholuch, High King of Ireland, and to her leaving the Island of the Mighty. In Ireland, she is mistreated and dishonored but she manages to send word to Bran, by means of a starling.

This begins the great war between Ireland and the Island of the Mighty. Her son, Gwern, is killed by Evnissyen, and she herself dies before returning to the Island of the Mighty.

Brenhines-y-nef - another title of Modron.

Bright World - the realm of Faery. Rhiannon was a

princess here, where Gwawl the Bright asked her father, King Heveydd the Ancient, for her hand in marriage. However, Pwyll succeeds in bringing her to Dyved (Mid & South West Wales) to become his own bride. And though Gwawl had sworn to take

no vengeance for this, the Grey Man of the Bright World, Llwyd ap Kilcoed, blasts Dyved for seven years. Gorsedd Arberth was a door to the Bright World in Dyved.

Brug na Boinne - stone tomb in Ireland on the Banks of the Boyne, older than the oldest of Egypt's pyramids.

Bryn Aryen - along the sea shore between Caer Seon and Caer Arianrhod. Point of departure for Llew's trip to win arms from his mother, aided by Gwydion.

Bryn Kyvergyr - hill from which Goronwy cast the spear that killed Llew. Later, Llew was restored by Gwydion, and from this same hill he cast the spear that killed Goronwy. It is by the banks of the Cynvael.

Cad Goddeu - a magical battle in which Gwydion turned trees to men to aid his brother Amaethon, who had stolen the secrets of agriculture and husbandry (a bitch, a hind, and a lapwing) from Arawn, King of Annwn. The great champion from out of Faery, Bran of the Glittering Branches, fought in that battle, and Gwydion won the

battle by guessing his name.

Caer Arianrhod - in the sea (off North Wales coast ). Also called the Castle of the Silver Wheel. It rose from a tiny islet in the sea, bound on all sides by water. Here, Arianrhod and her three sisters were priestesses to a sacred well. Caer Arianrhod was destroyed when Arianrhod opened the Casket of Ancient Spells and invoked the powers of the well. Her three sisters managed to escape the final cataclysm.

Off the coast near the North Wales Village of Dinas Dinlle just south of Carnarvon there are two islands, Maes and Arianrhod which are submerged at high tide.

Caer Dathyl - Math's deep-moated court in Gwynedd (North Wales). (Pen y Gair in Carnarvonshire in modern Wales.)

Caer Govannon - at the Vale of the Conwy (North Wales coast), where Govannon's forge stood, at the mouth of the river Conwy.

Caer Loyu - home of Kigva. By the Severn (Border between England and South East Wales). After Kigva, ruled by her Nine Witch-aunts.

Caer Seon - in Arvon. Here, Branwen's starling found Bran. At that time, it was Math's court, though it would later fall to Gwydion. Here too, Llew was raised. As the Fortress of Llew and Gwydion, it was called Dinas Dinllev (Now Dinas Dinlle on North Wales coast).

Caer Sidi - the capitol of the Country Undersea, the Lost Lands of the West.

Calch Llassar - a blue enamel created by Llassar, and used by Manawyddan.

Caradoc - son of Bran. One of the Seven Chiefs left

behind to guard the Island of the Mighty, during the war with Ireland. All seven chiefs were slain by Caswallon who used magic to make himself invisible. Caradoc is named by the Triads as one of the Three Chief Guardians.

Carnarvon - once joined to Anglesey (North Wales) by the tall forests of the Sinking Lands.

Casket of Ancient Spells - saved from the Sinking Lands and brought to the Island of the Mighty. Although Math would have returned them to the Lost Lands of the West, Don preserved them, telling only Arianrhod of their hiding place. Its power contributed to the destruction

of Caer Arianrhod (North Wales coast).

Castle of the Silver Wheel - Caer Arianrhod (q.v.).

Caswallawn - variant of Caswallon.

Caswallon - the Cunning. Second son of Beli. During the war with Ireland, he stayed behind in the Island of the Mighty and, aided by magic of invisibility, slew six of the Seven Chiefs. Caradoc, their chief, died of his own love for the men who were slain. Caswallon then seized the throne of High King while Bran, the true High King,

was in Ireland. Bran never returned and Manawyddan, the rightful heir, chose not to dispute Caswallon's claim to the throne. Caswallon is named one of the Three Gold Shoemakers for his disguise when he went to Gaul to save Flur from being abducted by the Imperial Caesar and King

Mwrchan the Thief.

Cauldron of Rebirth - belongs to Arawn, in Annwn, though Llassar and Kymideu Kymeinvoll managed to steal a shadow of it, which they brought first to Ireland and then to the Island of the Mighty where they gave it to Bran. He

gave it to Matholuch as face-price for Evnissyen's

offence to the Irish. On earth, the Cauldron had the power to re-animate corpses and send them forth to kill. Matholuch unleashed this weapoin against Bran's forces in the great war between Ireland and the Island of the Mighty. In the end, it is destroyed by Evnissyen. In actuality, the Cauldron of Rebirth remained with Arawn

in the Underworld. Only a shadow of it could be brought to earth.

Ceridwen - Dark Queen of the Lake, Goddess of Druids and Bards.

Cevn Clydno - the height where Gwydion turned boulders to horses and disguised himself and Llew as bards.

Cludd - father of Gwawl the Bright.

Clynnog Fawr (North Wales) - The site of a monastery founded by Saint Bueno in the seventh century (615 ?).

The land was given to Bueno by Gwyddiant, the prince of Gwynedd. The church was rebuilt in the reign of Henry 7th and has a carved roof and rood screen. The remains of Saint Bueno are supposed to be in the chapel that adjoins the main church. The church was an important stopping point on the pilgrimage to Bardsey island. The present church is mainly 16th century, the rood screen dates to

1531. The north porch has an outside stairway and there is a sundial on one of the walls. Inside are a pair of dog tongs, dated to 1815 and a chest of unknown origin (called the Chest of Bueno) or purpose. There is a passage that links the

tower to the chapel that is reputed to have been used as the village jail at one point. The present chapel was restored in 1913. Bueno's Well is about 400 metres from the church near the site of a cromlech.

Coed Helen - between the Maenors of Penardd and Coed Alun. Math's host crossed it while advancing on Dyved's army.

Conwy (North Wales coast) - river where Llew bathed before his marriage, at a spot near Caer Dathyl. Caer Govannon lies near the mouth of this river.

Cornwall - its shores were seen on the 80th day of the feast in Gwales.

Corwrion - a varient of Creuwyrion.

Country Undersea - Lost Lands of the West.

Cradoc - father of Huw.

Cruerdilad the Fair-Tressed - dwelt in Arvon. Pebin's lover went to live with her.

Creuwyrion - in Arllechwedd; the town in which the sty was built to hold the swine stolen from Dyved in the ensuing war.

Curig - a saint and the bishop of Llanbadarn. Capel Curig (North Wales) on the road between Bangor and Bettws y Coed is named after him.

Cuthah - Havgan's chief temple in Sumer.

Cynvael - Goronwy Pevr and his men killed a stag near this river when Blodeuwedd first noticed them and asked them to Mur y Castell. On the banks of this river, near Mur y Castell, Goronwy killed Llew. And after Llew is restored by Gwydion, he kills Goronwy at the same spot. Earlier, at a ford of this river, the Velenryd, Gwydion defeated Pryderi in battle. Above that ford, Pryderi was

buried.

Deheubath - neighboring kingdom to Gwynedd (North Wales).

Dinas Dinllev (North Wales coast south of Carnarvon) - Caer Seon at a later time. Fortress of

Gwydion and Llew. Llew's Town.

Dinodig - best cantrev of Gwynedd (North Wales). It was divided into Eivionydd and Ardudwy, the latter given to Llew and Blodeuwedd.

Dispair - the Bird which met Pwyll in Annwn.

Dol Pebin - in Arvon. Dwelling place of Pebin.

Dol Pen Maen - Pryderi's army retreated to make final camp here, in the war against Gwynedd (North Wales).

Don - sister to Math the Ancient. Of the Old Tribes. Mother to Gwydion, Govannon, Amaethon, Arianrhod, Eveyd, Gilvaethwy, Elen, Gwennan, and Maelan.

Dylan - son of Arianrhod, delivered to her when Math tested her claim of virginity. His father was a Lord of Caer Sidi. After birth, he returned to the land of his father, but upon returning to earth he is slain by Govannon through a trick of Arianrhod's. Dylan may represent darkness, as his brother Llew represents light.

Dyved (Mid & South West Wales) - Pwyll's Kingdom; and later, Pryderi's. It consists of one- and-twenty cantrevs in the South, though for a time the Seven Cantrevs of Seissyllwch were independant. Pryderi won them back in his first war. Because of the friendship that existed between the Lords of Dyved and the Lord of Annwn, it was generally a prosperous land, though for seven years it was blighted ty Llwyd, over whom Arawn had no power. In the end, Manawydden defeated Llwyd, and Dyved continued to prosper. Though, years later, Gwydion raided the land to

steal the sacred swine.

Edeyrnion - green wood near the Town of the Seven Chiefs.

Eigr - serving girl at Caer Seon who told the young Llew of the circumstances of his birth.

Eldest Folk - the stone circle of the Preseli Mountains (South West Wales)in Dyved.

Elen the Demure - Arianrhod's sister and a Princess of Gwynedd (North Wales). One of the Priestesses of the Eye of the Deep on the Islet of Arianrhod. She is less discreet than her other two sisters. She escaped to Tyddyn Elen when Caer

Arianrhod was destroyed.

Englynion Beddau - the ancient source which mentions Abergenoli as the burial site of Pryderi.

Entertaining by the Noble Head - the feast at Harlech (North Wales coast) with the talking head of Bran, which lasted for seven days.

Ereshkigal - Queen of the Eastern Dead. A mother of rebirth, dethroned by Havgan, Lord of Eternal Death, the Destroyer.

Erin - Ireland.

Ervyll - father of Fodor.

Eurosswydd mab Maelgwyn - a Chief among the New Tribes who holds Llyr captive, and demands Penardim as ransom. She comes to him to save Llyr, and Eurosswydd becomes the father of Nissyen and Evnissyen.

Eveyd(1) - fifth son of Don, and Prince of Gwynedd (North Wales). A great magician who could never perceive wisdom.

Eveyd(2) - fourth son of Beli.

Evnissyan - twin to Nissyen. Son of Penardim and

Eurosswydd. Motivated by his own self-hate and love of discord, he is primarily responsible for the offence against Matholuch which led to the war with Ireland. Later, he is responsible for the death of Gwern. However, his last act is to destroy the Cauldron of Rebirth which Matholuch had been using against Bran's forces.

Eye of the Deep - sacred well on the Isle of Arianrhod (North Wales coast), guarded by its priestesses Arianrhod and her three sisters. The powers it contained were released when Arianrhod opened the Casket of Ancient Spells and used

it. The forces released destroyed Caer Arianrhod.

Faery - the Bright World.

Fear - the beast which met Pwyll in Annwn.

Fflam - one of Pryderi's hounds.

Flur - daughter of Mynach Gorr. She was abducted by the Imperial Caesar and King Mwrchan the Thief and taken to Gaul. But she is rescued by Caswallon.

Fodor - son of Ervyll, and one of the Seven Chiefs.

Gessa - a bond of secrecy. Any personal or tribal taboo.

Gilvaethwy - youngest son of Don, nephew to Math, and a Prince of Gwynedd (North Wales). His desire for Goewyn, Math's virgin footholder, led Gwydion to set in motion the war with Dyved (Mid & South West Wales).

Glain Neidr - the holy mystic stone made by serpants. A crystal of this was set in Llwyd's ring, and it held great power.

Glamorgan (South Wales) - reputed point of orgin for Gwydion and Llew when they came as bards to Caer Arianrhod.

Glelwyd - a rich man of Arvon.

Glen Cuch - deep woods in Dyved, near Llyn Diarwya, where Pwyll was hunting when he met Arawn.

Gloyu Broad Realm - grandfather to Kigva. His people were warriors and witch-priestesses who dwelt by the Severn (Border between England and South East Wales).

Gluneu - one of the Seven Who Returned from Ireland.

Goewyn - virgin footholder to Math. Daughter of Pebin of Dol Pebin in Arvon. Most beautiful girl in Gwynedd (North Wales) (with the possible exception of Arianrhod). Gwydion began the

war with Dyved so that Gilvaethy could have his will with Goewyn. She later becomes Math's wife and Queen of Gwynedd possibly the first, for it was the first time that a King of Gwynedd had married.

Goronwy Pevr - Lord of Penllyn. While hunting with his men, he came near Mur y Castell and Blodeuwedd asked him to stay the night. There, in Llew's absence, he became her lover and together they plotted to kill Llew. Blodeuwedd tricked Llew into telling her of the one way in which he might be killed. Goronwy used