The Mabinogion

The Mabinogion is the title given to a collection of eleven prose stories collated from medieval Welsh manuscripts. The tales draw on pre-Christian Celtic mythology, international folktale motifs, and early medieval historical traditions. While some details may hark back to older Iron Age traditions, each of these tales is the product of a highly developed medieval Welsh narrative tradition, both oral and written.

The ten ceramic stoneware sculptural reliefs are inspired by some of the scenes from the “Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi” that have deep roots in Meirionydd.

The production of these ceramic works and other supporting work was funded by The Arts Council of Wales.

 

  1. The death of Gronw Pebr and Llech Gronw.
  2. Math and Gwydion creating a woman for Llew out of flowers and she was named “Blodeuwedd”.
  3. The punishment of  Blodeuwedd.
  4. Llew Llaw Gyffes takes the form of an eagle after a near fatal blow from Gronw Pebr.
  5. The punishment of Blodeuwedd.
  6. Math changing Gilfaethwy and Gwydion from Boars to Wolfs as part of a three year punishment for the assault of Goewin, Math’s mistress.
  7. Math changing Gilfaethwy and Gwydion from Wolf to Man, punishment ended.
  8. Llew as an Eagle in an Oak Tree.
  9. Gwydion and Gilfaethwy stealing pigs from Pryderi.
  10. Llew demonstrating to his wife, Blodeuwedd, the only way he could be killed!

1 … The death of Gronw Pebr and Llech Gronw … 38cmH x 30cmW

2 … Math and Gwydion creating Blodeuedd out of Flowers of Broom Oak and Meadowsweet … 36cmH x 24cmW

3 … Punishment of Blodeuedd … 39cmH x 25cmW

4 … Lleu Llaw Gyffes takes the form of an Eagle after a near fatal blow … 42cmH x 29cmW

5 … Punishment of Blodeuedd … 45cmH x 25cmW

6 … Math changing Gilfaethwy and Gwydion from Boars to Wolves … 26cmH x 37cmW

7 … Math changing Gilfaethwy and Gwydion from Wolf to Man 26cmH x 42cmW

8 … Lleu as Eagle in tree … 38cmH x 32cmW

9 … Gwydion and Gilfaethwy stealing pigs from Pryderi … 27cmH x 38cmW

10 … Lleu demonstrating to Blodeuedd how he could be killed … 33cmH x 32cmW

Scene from the 4th Tale of the Mabinogion

Ceramic Stoneware Sculptural Relief

94cmH x 61cmW

The attempted killing of Lleu Llaw Gyffes.

Lleu demonstrates to his wife Blodeuedd the only way that he can be killed.

Gronw Pebr throws a spear at Lleu from a hilltop, it strikes him in the side and Lleu turns into an Eagle and flies off with a scream.

Recompense is later to be had for this act of treachery.

 

Mabinogion. Scenes from the last part of tale 4.

Math son of Mathonwy

Oil on canvas 60cmX60cm