The Mabinogion

[clairethewitch70]

Has anyone read this? There are lots of versions available, can anyone recommend which version. I want a paperback not a kindle version please. Thanks

The Charlotte Guest translation is one of the best and most reliable. Also even though it's referred to as the Mabinogion that's thought to have been a mistranslation at some point as the correct term for the collection is actually the Mabinogi. Happy reading OP

@Historydweeb - have you read it? Is it very readable, or deep? I have to research one of the characters for a project I am working on

We did it in school, I have no memory of what it was all about, just remember the inner groan I felt when the teacher said thats what we doing this afternoon.

I have a copy which I dipped in and out of for the stories. I found it quite readable but Welsh a level did cause an aversion fo it forany years! Good luck

There's a nursery in Caernarfon called Babinogian. Apologies for the spelling if I have that wrong.

I haven't read it yet but have my eye on the Oxford World's Classics edition, which from the sample seems very readable (if you like that sort of thing!) and has a detailed introduction / lots of footnotes which might be helpful for your research project.

I've got the World's Classics edition and can vouch for its readability. The explanatory notes are excellent - I've noticed in general that World's Classics editions tend to be better annotated than, say, Penguin.

It's quite an easy read I would say, especially if you have already read some Greek myths, creation myths etc.

It's very readable, the stories are pretty coherent.

It was dramatised on the radio yesterday
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0003rpn

I’ve read a couple of translations ages ago but tbh from my recollection I wouldn’t get your hopes up. It’s not exactly Malory or The Odyssey, much more “this thing happened and then this other thing happened and then something totally baffling and batshit happened”. That’s the original of course - you can get freer adaptations which conform more closely to modern narrative expectations.

There’s an adaptation on BBC radio iPlayer at the mo. I haven’t listened to it yet but it’s free so might be worth a go.

Thanks. Rather than just googling the character (Cigfa), I would rather read the about her in context. I think she is one of the minor characters anyway. Will seek out the radio version.

Yes I've read and studied it, in addition to the Guest one you may find the Sioned Davis trans. More cutrent.
Firstly you might find the text clunky in English but when spoken in Welsh it focuses on the rhythm, speed and tone of recitation between the spoken and the 'sung'
Cigfa herself is a bit of a crone and in the majority she plays the part of a kind of vessel with which several male characters show facets of 'respectability' or restraint. I.e a tool for the menfolk. Cigfa is an older lady who's name is kind of like the word for 'meat' in Welsh. Certain scholars will equate her name with abundance, feasting. I personally lean towards the literal term which is a negative expression for the way in which early medieval women/girls were seen by societies elite. There are ABUNDANT scholarly articles on the Mabinogi in various journals which should give you a better overview of Cigfa's role, but you are right there isn't a huge amount on her as a stand alone character. It's more about her connections to the main characters and her ancestry.

I've read it - this is my copy - translation Sioned Davies

I'm not Welsh, a friend recommended it who is, years ago.

Oh yes, that’s my copy too.