Irish and Welsh mythology abounds with enigmatic figures that capture the imagination. However, countless narratives have vanished over the ages, largely due to their oral transmission across generations.
Yet, one remarkable tale partially withstands the test of time, focusing on Arawn, the monarch of the Otherworld in Celtic and Welsh traditions.
Arawh’s story is as intriguing as the figure himself, maintaining a degree of prominence within Welsh legends and enduring folklore.
What is Arawn the God Of?
Here’s the twist: while often classified as a pagan deity in various tales, Arawn doesn’t precisely embody the role of a god in Celtic lore. Instead, he served as a king tasked with overseeing Annwn, one of the shadowy realms in the Otherworld.
Arawn holds a significant presence in Welsh lore, primarily symbolizing justice and equity. He is frequently depicted as ruling Annwn firmly, ensuring those who dared oppose him faced punishment.
Despite the obscurity of Arawn’s tales over time, his essence resonates with devotees, captured poignantly in the phrase from Cardigan’s traditions:
“Hir yw’r dydd a hir yw’r nos, a hir yw aros Arawn.”
This is loosely translated as:
“Long is the day, long is the night,
And long is the waiting of Arawn.”
The saying encapsulates the dreary sensation of time dragging on, as if one were trapped in the Otherworld alongside Arawn, where the passage of time differs from our mortal experience. This phrase might have served as poetic expression for enduring periods of waiting.
In the Name: What Does Arawn Mean?
The origins of Arawn’s name are somewhat ambiguous, yet that sparks speculation regarding its roots.
Interestingly, the modern name “Aaron” is relatively popular and is derived from Hellenized Hebrew, meaning “exalted”—a strong choice for a child’s name.
Could this imply that the ancient Celts shared connections with the old Arab civilizations? That’s a thought to ponder.
Another theory is that “Arawn” might originate from the ancient Egyptian term “aha rw,” translating to “warrior lion.”
Delving deeper, one might suggest it derives from Aaru, the Egyptian depiction of paradise, an ideal realm for souls facing judgment after death.
Such parallels draw intriguing comparisons to Annwn, where spirits are said to inhabit blissful realms.
While we are not asserting a direct link between Egyptian mythology and Welsh traditions, it raises fascinating questions worth considering.
Meet the Family
As for Arawn’s familial connections, the information tends to be as murky as a typical Welsh morning.
Welsh mythology offers limited clarity; some versions of Pwyll’s narrative, for example, refer to Arawn having a queen whose character oscillates between admiration and ambition, sometimes wanting to seize control from him.
In rare instances, accounts even allude to Arawn having a sister named Gwyneth, wedded to a notable figure, Gwydion. The dynamics of such relationships remain a mystery, one that invites speculation about their interactions.
Though Arawn’s family ties remain enigmatic, imagining their mythical antics provides entertainment.
Arawn’s Symbols
Symbols associated with Arawn may have played a significant role in preserving his memory in Welsh culture.
While it’s impossible to confirm Arawn’s specific symbols, informed speculation with regard to counterparts in other cultures can yield possibilities.
- Hounds: In various cultures, dogs symbolize death, and in Welsh traditions, the hounds of Annwn linked with Arawn are seen as guardians of the afterlife. Historically, dogs were employed in hunts, which may have contributed to the belief in their ability to track souls.
- Stags: The majestic stag, representing Arawn’s ties to nature and his role as a protector, symbolizes adaptability and life’s journey.
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The Underworld: Much like Hades in Greek mythology, the concept of the Otherworld evokes both reverence and dread. It’s presented as a realm rich with transformation and life’s mysteries, adding depth to any narrative referencing Arawn.
Annwn, the Otherworld
To understand Arawn, one must delve into his residence, Annwn. This mythical realm symbolizes eternal joy and existence without malady.
Descriptions suggest it is situated beneath the Earth’s surface or on a remote island surrounded by ocean—a concept linked to the term “very deep.”
J.R.R. Tolkien even incorporated a modified version of Annwn in his own fantasy narratives, illustrating its allure for storytellers.
Consequently, Annwn features prominently in Welsh mythology, particularly within the Mabinogi’s narratives, which embody Arawn’s lore.
Arawn in the Branches of the Mabinogi
The Mabinogion, a compilation of Welsh tales from the 12th-13th centuries, serves as a primary source of Arawn’s story, with many tales dating back even further.
These tales can be divided into four branches, with Arawn featured prominently in one of them.
Pwyll Stumbles Into Annwn
In Arawn’s tale, Pwyll, the Lord of Dyfed, unwittingly wanders into Annwn.
Here, he encounters hounds characterized by their white fur and red ears, feasting on the remnants of a stag.
Angered by the sight, Pwyll lashes out at the hounds, unaware they belong to Arawn. When Arawn is informed of the commotion, he is understandably displeased.
Summoning Pwyll to face the consequences, Arawn prepares to hold him accountable for the disturbance.
Arawn’s Pact
Ultimately, Arawn decides to spare Pwyll and proposes a deal benefiting them both.
He offers to allow Pwyll to assume his identity for a year, during which Pwyll could confront Arawn’s long-standing adversary, Hafgan, who had proven too formidable for Arawn to vanquish alone.
Curious about the challenge, Pwyll agrees, and they switch roles, making this sacrifice willingly.
As Pwyll embraces his temporary rule over the realm of youth, Arawn returns to Dyfed, where he observes Pwyll gearing up for battle.
Arawn’s Warning and Pwyll’s Victory
Once the exchange is made, Pwyll, disguised as Arawn, leads Arawn’s followers toward the battlefield to face Hafgan.
Arawn cautions Pwyll to ensure Hafgan does not survive, warning that any mercy shown could endanger his kingship.
Pwyll swiftly overcomes Hafgan’s forces, engaging in a fierce duel. Despite his victory, Pwyll chooses not to claim Hafgan’s life, instead showcasing mercy.
This act of restraint does not go unnoticed by Hafgan’s lords, and they ultimately surrender their allegiance, recognizing Pwyll (in Arawn’s form) as king.
Arawn is elated by this twist of fate, leading to an extraordinary bond of friendship.
Best Friends Forever?
The camaraderie between Arawn and Pwyll deepens post-exchange.
Pwyll relishes in his newfound power while Arawn experiences human existence.
However, complications arise when Pwyll begins an affair with Arawn’s queen, an arrangement that somehow seemingly strengthens their friendship.
Arawn Disappears From the Mabinogi
Sadly, Arawn’s story concludes within the First Branch of the Mabinogi.
While some scholars speculate that larger portions of his narratives were lost, others believe his role serves primarily to highlight Pwyll’s journey instead.
Arawn in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi
He makes a brief reappearance in later tales, where he gifts magical pigs to Pwyll’s son, Pryderi.
The catch? These pigs must remain with Pryderi, a tradition he inadvertently breaks when deceive by the trickster Gwydion.
This breach leads to an intense conflict, resulting in Pryderi’s untimely demise.
The Hounds of Arawn
The Cŵn Annwn, or “Hounds of Annwn,” are said to roam the winter skies, their haunting howls akin to cries of errant spirits moving toward Annwn.
Initially portrayed as hunting dogs, their role expanded through folklore, merging with Christian narratives to symbolize agents of judgment in the afterlife.
Arawn’s Role in Mythology
Examining Arawn’s position reveals that he serves as an essential supporting character, enriching Pwyll’s journey without taking the lead.
Such figures add layers of complexity, enhancing the narrative experience for those studying the Mabinogi’s later segments.
Legacy of Arawn
Arawn’s influence persists in modern literature, notably featured in Lloyd Alexander’s “The Chronicles of Prydain,” where a more adversarial aspect is presented.
Beyond narrative texts, Arawn’s legacy is commemorated in astronomy, named for a Trans-Neptunian Object known for its unusual orbit.
Conclusion
Although many regard Arawn as a Celtic divine figure of the underworld or death, he embodies much more.
Arawn stands as a powerful king of the wild, governing lost souls beyond mortal thresholds. His name may incite fear among wandering spirits, yet his presence carries an air of grace.
