"The Ballad of Gwydion", Episode I: Spring
The Fourth Branch of the Ancient Welsh Mabinogion Retold as a Ballad in Four Episodes
THE BALLAD OF GWYDION
by Jane Murphy
I. Spring
A magician called Math over Gwynedd was lord. He sought a new maiden to serve at his feet, Replacing the lost one whom he had adored, A victim despoiled through a wicked deceit. Math’s nephew Gwydion sat near his kin In the place where his sister would shortly arrive. If granted approval, her stint would begin, And he could relax, glad to be still alive. For he’d instigated a grim escapade Involving a war and a theft of some swine, So that his lustful brother could ravish the maid While all were distracted, removed by design. The damage and death that their folly had wrought Was quite far beyond the intent of his scheme. Their uncle, when they’d been discovered and caught, Struck them with his wand and an oath: “Wicked and foul treachery! You need a lesson, and I need redress of you both! For this offense, you will be Beasts of the wood till you’ve satisfied me!" Through wolf, hog and deerhood and silent of tongue, The brothers had suffered the worst of their fears. In that harsh, austere wood they’d even borne young, And Math kept them there for a span of three years. Gwydion ended that term in regret That ever he’d helped a young fool to transgress, And if a new protégé ever he met, He’d use all his skills to help him find success. Gwydion’s sister came into the hall. Arianrhod was the lady’s right name. They and their uncle magicians were all, And Math would be certain she’d bring him no shame. He asked of her now, “Art thou truly a maid?” She credibly answered that she believed so. He brandished his wand, which before her he laid, And bade her step over it so he would know. She stepped o’er the wand to preclude any doubt. A chubby blond boy appeared there on the floor. A few seconds later the youngster cried out, And Arianrhod swiftly made for the door. As she departed, she dropped something wee, Which Gwydion seized in a wrapping to save. The blond boy dashed out and plunged into the sea, And Math called him Dylan, a son of the Wave. One morning as Gwydion lay on his bed, He heard a soft cry from the chest at his feet. The wrap on its content he opened and spread, Revealing an infant in need of a teat. He picked up the newborn and held him at first, Beguiled by the small face that gazed up and smiled, Then took he the babe to be properly nursed, And to grow twice as fast as a typical child. The youngster grew restless and eager to walk. He wandered the lanes and found his way to Court, Where Gwydion met and engaged him in talk, Which soon became lessons in letters and sport.
Continue to Episode II:
Source: Guest, Lady Charlotte E. (translation from the Red Book of Hergest), The Mabinogion, Dover edition (1997): 37-44
