Overview
Arawn is a prominent figure in Welsh mythology, known as the lord of Annwn, the Otherworld found in the Mabinogi. Renowned for his exceptional hunting skills and magical prowess, particularly in shapeshifting, Arawn’s most notable association is with Pwyll, the Lord of Dyfed.
Etymology
The name Arawn is thought to have roots in Welsh, potentially derived from the Hebrew name Aaron, translating to “exalted.” Alternatively, its similarity to the Celtic deity Arubianus suggests another possible origin. With the advent of Christianity, Arawn’s image shifted negatively, adopting sinister titles and becoming known as the Lord of the Damned who governs wayward souls and is accompanied by hellhounds in pursuit of the impure.
Attributes
Arawn’s chief characteristic is his sovereignty over Annwn, variously depicted as an island off Wales, a cauldron under the sea, or an underground realm. This Otherworld is portrayed as a paradise and has links to the Arthurian Avalon, a legendary Isle of the Blessed. As a ruler, Arawn is just and cherished by both his court and his queen, though competitors vie for his authority.
He is also a remarkable magician capable of disguising himself and switching forms with Pwyll for an entire year, a feat so complete that even his own wife does not recognize the change. In “Cad Goddeu,” Arawn amasses an army from Annwn for a confrontation, enhancing their capabilities with magic, but ultimately faces defeat at the hands of Gwydion.
An avid hunter, Arawn enjoys his pursuits with supernatural dogs characterized by white ears and red eyes. His time of prominence is in the fall, noted by the sounds of hounds and migrating geese, aligning with Samhain, a time when the deceased roam the earth, reinforcing Arawn’s ties to the underworld.
As Christianity gained traction, Arawn’s reputation suffered; Annwn became synonymous with a place for lost souls, and Arawn transformed into the lord presiding over the damned, with his hounds likened to hellhounds hunting spirit remnants.
Family
Details concerning Arawn’s family are scarce, though he is known to have a queen whose affection for him is evident.
Mythology
Arawn appears primarily in the Mabinogi, particularly in its First and Fourth branches.
In the Mabinogi’s First Branch, Pwyll, the ruler of Dyfed, is out hunting when a peculiar pack of red-eyed dogs catches a stag. After learning he is in Annwn and owes Arawn for his actions, Pwyll agrees to a unique form of restitution: the two will exchange roles for a year. During this time, Pwyll undertakes Arawn’s hunting duties and participates in evening festivities, while resisting the advances of Arawn’s queen. When the year concludes, both men reveal that they upheld their end of the bargain, with Pwyll maintaining his chastity throughout his time as Arawn.
In the Fourth Branch, Arawn’s influence persists through gifts sent to Pryderi, the son of Pwyll, notably pigs that become central to the storyline and conflicts arising from them.
Cad Goddeu
The poem “Cad Goddeu,” or “The Battle of the Trees,” from the Book of Taliesin, narrates the theft of creatures from Annwn by Amaethon, prompting Arawn’s wrath. Arawn gathers a legion of creatures enhanced by his magic to engage in battle. However, Gwydion, using his own magic and divine aid, summons the trees to fend off Arawn’s forces, culminating in Arawn’s defeat.
Other Mythology
Arawn’s narrative parallels that of the Green Knight in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” where similar themes of temptation and honor arise. Additionally, Arawn shares traits with other Celtic deities like Cernunnos, god of fertility and the wild, and possibly Odin, a Norse figure associated with magic and the dead.
Within the context of the underworld, Arawn mirrors the Greco-Roman figures Hades or Pluto, who are not solely portrayed as malevolent but as complex beings governing the realm of the deceased.
Pop Culture
Arawn’s portrayal has evolved in modern culture:
– He is prominently featured as Arawn Death-Lord in Lloyd Alexander’s “The Chronicles of Prydain,” depicting him as an antagonist struggling to maintain control over Annwn.
– In Disney’s “The Black Cauldron,” while Arawn doesn’t appear, his essence influences the narrative through other characters.
– Musical works like “Annwyn, Beneath the Waves” by Faith and the Muse explore Arawn’s stories.
– Video games such as “Bloodforge” and tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons depict Arawn’s character in various contexts, closer to the adaptations seen in the Chronicles.
– A French comic series retells tales from the Mabinogi, bringing Arawn’s character to life in vivid detail.
