Story Summary
Explore the tragic Celtic legend of Branwen Daughter of Llŷr, a tale of love, betrayal, and war between Britain and Ireland that leads to devastating heartbreak.
Bendigeidfran, the giant King of Britain, sat upon the cliffs of Harlech when he saw the ships of Matholwch, King of Ireland, approaching to seek the hand of his sister, Branwen. The marriage was celebrated to forge an alliance, but Efnysien, Branwen's volatile half-brother, felt insulted that his consent was not sought. In a rage, he mutilated Matholwch’s horses. To keep the peace, Bendigeidfran gifted Matholwch a magical cauldron that could resurrect the dead. In Ireland, despite the initial peace, the Irish people grew resentful of the past insult. They forced Branwen into the palace kitchens as a common servant. She tamed a starling and sent a message to her brother across the sea. Bendigeidfran led a massive invasion, wading across the Irish Sea to rescue her. A terrible battle ensued where Efnysien destroyed the magic cauldron from within but died in the process. Only seven Britons survived, and the Irish were nearly wiped out. Branwen, returning to Wales and seeing the ruin her marriage had caused to both nations, died of a broken heart.
The Moral
The cycle of vengeance and pride leads only to the destruction of all parties, regardless of who struck the first blow.
“I am the bridge; he who would be a leader must first be a bridge.”
Fun Fact
According to legend, the severed head of Brân the Blessed was buried under the White Hill in London to protect Britain from foreign invasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Branwen Daughter of Llŷr?
The story teaches that unchecked pride and the cycle of vengeance result in total destruction. Even the innocent suffer when leaders choose war over reconciliation or let petty insults spark massive conflict.
Who was Brân the Blessed?
Brân the Blessed, or Bendigeidfran, was a giant and the King of Britain. He was known for his immense size and protective nature, eventually leading an invasion of Ireland to rescue his sister, Branwen.
What was the significance of the magic cauldron?
Known as the Pair Dadeni, the cauldron could bring dead warriors back to life but left them unable to speak. Its destruction was the turning point in the final battle between Britain and Ireland.
Why did Efnysien mutilate the horses?
Efnysien was a master of discord who felt slighted because he was not asked for his permission regarding Branwen's marriage. He mutilated the horses to intentionally provoke a conflict between the two kings.
How did Branwen send a message to her brother?
While being punished as a kitchen servant in Ireland, Branwen tamed a starling and taught it to recognize her brother. She tied a letter to its wing, which the bird carried across the sea to Britain.
Why did Branwen die of a broken heart?
After surviving the war and returning to Wales, Branwen looked back at the carnage of the two islands. Overwhelmed by grief that such a great slaughter happened because of her, her heart literally broke.
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