Author: Patrick K. Ford (Trans.)
Publisher: University of California Press
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 224
Format: Paperback
Genre: Myth & Folklore
Source: Gift
The four stories which make up the Mabinogi along with three additional tales from the same tradition form this collection and comprise 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. In this first thoroughly revised edition and translation since Lady Charlotte Guest's famous Mabinogion in 1849, Patrick Ford has presented a scholarly document in readable, modern English, a literary achievement of the highest order. (Goodreads Synopsis)
I have never read any Welsh mythology or folklore before, and thus I found the Mabinogi an interesting and insightful read. Ford's notes were extremely useful, especially where he compares each story to counterparts in other Celtic mythologies, particularly those from Ireland. Some stories appealed to me more than others, but all were delightful reads. This book certainly left me keen to research more into Welsh myth and folklore. Now I just need to work on my pronunciation of all those Welsh names!
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