Arawn: The Enigmatic Lord of the Otherworld
Introduction
Arawn, a prominent figure in Welsh mythology, reigns over Annwn, a mystical realm depicted in the Mabinogi. Renowned for his abilities as a hunter and magician, Arawn is particularly recognized for his interactions with Pwyll, the Lord of Dyfed.
Etymology
The name Arawn is often thought to derive from the Hebrew name Aaron, signifying “exalted.” Alternatively, it may also be linked to the Celtic deity Arubianus, which bears a phonetic resemblance. As Christianity spread through Wales, Arawn began to embody negative connotations, evolving from a figure associated with the Otherworld to one of darkness, including titles such as Lord of the Damned, governing lost souls and invoking imagery of hellhounds in pursuit of the unworthy.
Attributes
Arawn is chiefly identified as the ruler of Annwn, which various legends portray differently—as an island, a cauldron submerged within the sea, or an underground domain. This Otherworld serves as a serene paradise and has been likened to Avalon from Arthurian mythology. Arawn is depicted as a just and revered lord, deeply admired by his subjects and queen, though he faces rivals for his authority.
Possessing notable magical prowess, Arawn once swapped appearances with Pwyll for an entire year, deceiving even his own wife with their seamless interchanging. In the story “Cad Goddeu,” Arawn mobilizes a formidable army from Annwn for battle, imbuing them with magical enhancements, though he ultimately suffers defeat at the hands of Gwydion.
Arawn’s character is also defined by his passion for hunting, accompanied daily by his mystical hunting dogs characterized by their unique white fur and red eyes. Traditionally, the autumn season heralds Arawn’s narrative, correlating with the haunting calls of geese migrating south, and coinciding with the Celtic festival of Samhain when the spiritual realm intersects with the material.
With the ascendancy of Christianity, Arawn’s association with death increasingly painted him as a demonic figure, converting Annwn into a residence for the damned. His formidable hounds became popularly identified as hellhounds pursuing lost souls.
Family
Details about Arawn’s family are limited, primarily encircling his unnamed wife, the beloved queen of Annwn.
Mythology
An expression from Cardigan folk wisdom states: “Long is the day and long is the night, and long is the waiting of Arawn.” This highlights the presence of Arawn within the Mabinogi, appearing significantly in both the First and Fourth branches.
In the First Branch, Pwyll, the ruler of Dyfed, embarks on a hunt for a stag, only to discover Arawn’s mystical red-eyed hounds. In consequence, he must yield to Arawn’s judgment. Arawn proposes a curious form of penance: the two rulers would exchange identities for a year. Pwyll agrees and even confronts Arawn’s adversary, Hafgan, making a remarkable impression. Throughout the year, Pwyll enjoys the luxuries of Arawn’s court while maintaining his honor by not accepting the affections of Arawn’s queen.
At the end of the year, Pwyll reveals his faithful adherence to Arawn’s conditions, maintaining chastity, while Arawn expresses his own loyalty in return.
In the Fourth Branch, Arawn appears through gifts sent to Pryderi, Pwyll’s son, specifically magical pigs that play a central role in the storyline.
Cad Goddeu
“Cad Goddeu,” or “The Battle of the Trees,” sourced from the Book of Taliesin, indirectly reveals Arawn’s narrative. The poem narrates the theft of a dog, a lapwing, and a buck from Annwn by a figure named Amaethon, inciting Arawn’s wrath. This initiates the epic Battle of the Trees wherein Arawn, bolstering monstrous entities, faces Gwydion, who calls upon the trees to prevail against him.
Connections to Other Mythologies
Arawn and Pwyll’s tale bears likeness to the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, highlighting themes of temptation and honor. Both protagonists are skilled hunters and wielders of magic, underscoring their connection. Additionally, Arawn may share roots with the agricultural deity Arubianus, believed to bless the bounty of the earth.
Arawn’s role as the hunt’s sovereign integrates him within a network of Celtic deities, notably Cernunnos, the Gaulish god of nature, and parallels can also be drawn to the Norse god Odin—associated as a master magician and figure of death, similar to Arawn. The similarities extend to the Greco-Roman underworld deity Hades/Pluto, presenting Arawn as a harbinger of death rather than a malevolent force.
Influence in Modern Culture
In contemporary portrayals, Arawn’s character has permeated popular culture:
- He features prominently as Arawn Death-Lord in Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain, where he represents evil with a struggle for control over Annwn.
- Disney’s adaptation, The Black Cauldron, draws upon Arawn’s essence in relation to the Horned King, who seeks to command the dead.
- The band Faith and the Muse incorporates aspects of Arawn’s story into their work.
- He also appears in the video game Bloodforge, marking the start of the main character’s tribulations linked to Arawn’s hunting expedition.
- In the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, Arawn’s character aligns more closely with his portrayal in The Chronicles of Prydain than his original mythological context.
- A French comic series titled Arawn thoughtfully retells the tales found in the Mabinogi.
