Post by Dmitri on Nov 9, 2007 13:31:16 GMT -5
For anyone interested in the mythology surrounding Arthur, I would recommend the Mabinogion.
Two books, Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch (the White Book) or Llyfr Coch Hergest (the Red Book) make good sources, though I recommend staying away from the Lady Charlotte Guest translations - they tend to be pretty poor.
Other good early stories are "Culhwch and Olwen" and "The Dream of Rhonabwy". Both are older tales, probably oral traditions written down much later (1060-1200AD). They predate the Lancelot motif added by the Norman French after the conquest in 1066.
Another interesting take is to look at the Gwydion legends in the older Celtic tradition. Many of the stories of Gwydion ap Nudd share themes and even details with later Arthurian legends.
Bede is also good reading, though not everything in his book is about Arthur.
Finally, if you can track down a good translation of Gildas, by all means, do so. Makes for fascinating reading, though he must be taken with a grain of salt - he is writing his piece for a specific purpose, to bring the unfaithful Britons back to the fold of Christianity. He was a priest, after all...
Two books, Llyfr Gwyn Rhydderch (the White Book) or Llyfr Coch Hergest (the Red Book) make good sources, though I recommend staying away from the Lady Charlotte Guest translations - they tend to be pretty poor.
Other good early stories are "Culhwch and Olwen" and "The Dream of Rhonabwy". Both are older tales, probably oral traditions written down much later (1060-1200AD). They predate the Lancelot motif added by the Norman French after the conquest in 1066.
Another interesting take is to look at the Gwydion legends in the older Celtic tradition. Many of the stories of Gwydion ap Nudd share themes and even details with later Arthurian legends.
Bede is also good reading, though not everything in his book is about Arthur.
Finally, if you can track down a good translation of Gildas, by all means, do so. Makes for fascinating reading, though he must be taken with a grain of salt - he is writing his piece for a specific purpose, to bring the unfaithful Britons back to the fold of Christianity. He was a priest, after all...