Mabinogion - Sioned Davies

Celtic mythology, Arthurian romance, and an intriguing interpretation of British history - these are just some of the themes embraced by the anonymous authors of the eleven tales that make up the Welsh medieval masterpiece known as the Mabinogion. They tell of Gwydion the shape-shifter, who can create a woman out of flowers; of Math the magician whose feet must lie in the lap of a virgin; of hanging a pregnant mouse and hunting a magical boar. Dragons, witches, and giants live alongside kings and heroes, and quests of honour, revenge, and love are set against the backdrop of a country struggling to retain its independence.

This new translation, the first for thirty years, recreates the storytelling world of medieval Wales and re-invests the tales with the power of performance.

'It is plain that Professor Davies's translation...is not only properly attentive to the Welsh texts but makes for more comfortable reading than the earlier versions...Sioned Davies has done [the Mabinogion] and her modern readers proud.' Kevin Crossley-Holland, The Times

'Enchantment glows on every page' Independent on Sunday

'This fresh, energetic translation is a revelation and, for the first time, shows off The Mabinogion tales as what they were originally: splendid entertainment.' Gwyneth Lewis, Guardian