Irish and Welsh mythology brims with enigmatic and captivating figures, though many narratives have vanished through the passage of time, primarily due to oral traditions and generational storytelling. Among these stories, one has endured partially against the tide of time: the tale of Arawn, the king of the Otherworld in Celtic and Welsh mythology.
Arawn is an engaging figure whose legacy persists in Welsh folklore, primarily due to his subtle yet significant involvement in ancient legends.
What is Arawn the God Of?
Interestingly, despite being regarded as a pagan god in various oral traditions, Arawn does not specifically embody a god of any one element in Celtic mythology. He is primarily recognized as the king overseeing Annwn, one of the many shadowy realms within the Otherworld.
Prominently featured in Welsh folklore, Arawn symbolizes justice and fairness, ruling Annwn with a strict hand, meting out punishment to any who dare to defy him. Although details about Arawn have grown obscure over time, his essence is preserved in a traditional expression from Cardigan, which reflects the perception of his eternal wait:
“Hir yw’r dydd a hir yw’r nos, a hir yw aros Arawn.”
This translates roughly to:
“Long is the day, and long is the night,
And long is the waiting of Arawn.”
This saying evokes the notion that time seems to stretch endlessly while waiting in Arawn’s realm, where the flow of time differs significantly from the world of mortals.
In the Name: What Does Arawn Mean?
The origins of Arawn’s name are somewhat debated, yet this doesn’t stop us from pondering what it signifies. The name “Aaron,” quite popular today, means “exalted” in Hellenized Hebrew, showcasing its powerful connotation.
Additionally, “Arawn” might derive from the ancient Egyptian term “aha rw,” which means “warrior lion.” This etymology nudges one to question potential connections between ancient Celtic and Egyptian cultures.
Alternatively, the name could also relate to “Aaru,” known as the “Field of Reeds,” a fantastical paradise in Egyptian mythology where souls are judged post-death. This bears similarities to Annwn, where spirits find redemption in an eternal state of bliss. While one may not outright claim Egyptian mythology has influenced Welsh folklore, such deductions certainly warrant consideration.
Meet the Family
Arawn’s familial background is somewhat nebulous, akin to a misty Welsh dawn. While Welsh mythology provides limited insights, some accounts suggest Arawn was married to an unnamed queen who held him in high regard.
In occasional variations, this queen is depicted as a malevolent force, conspiring to usurp Arawn’s throne. Surprisingly, in other narratives, Arawn is suggested to have a sister named Gwyneth, connected to the figure Gwydion, which adds curious layers to their family dynamics.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Arawn’s family, envisioning their mythical escapades proves entertaining.
Arawn’s Symbols
Arawn’s legacy may be encapsulated within symbols reflecting his intentions and character. Although the explicit symbols are not concretely established, one can theorize their nature by examining analogs in other mythologies.
Hounds: Dogs have been emblematic in various cultures, often representing death. In Welsh mythology, Arawn’s hounds, the Cŵn Annwn, are associated closely with the transition to the afterlife.
Stags: The stag, with its majestic antlers, represents Arawn’s connection to nature, adaptability, and the soul’s journey. The stag’s symbolism adds a layer of profundity to narratives surrounding Arawn and the Welsh Otherworld.
The Underworld: Similar to Hades in Greek mythology, the concept of an underworld invokes both reverence and fear among Welsh believers. The Otherworld is portrayed as a realm of transformation and mystery, where natural laws may not apply, thereby connecting Arawn’s essence to these themes.
Annwn, the Otherworld
Arawn’s domain, Annwn, figures prominently in discussions of his character. Described as a place of endless joy and abundance, it seems devoid of disease and filled with lush fruits. Its location varies in descriptions, suggested to be either deep within the Earth or an island surrounded by vast ocean expanses. The name Annwn may derive from words meaning “very deep,” enhancing its mystique.
Annwn’s surreal nature has captivated authors and inspired elements in fantasy literature, including adaptations by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Arawn in the Branches of the Mabinogi
Welsh stories are primarily sourced from the anthology known as the Mabinogion, compiled in the 12th and 13th centuries. One of its branches highlights Arawn’s influential tales.
Pwyll Stumbles Into Annwn
Arawn’s narrative begins with Pwyll, Lord of Dyfed, who inadvertently enters Annwn. Upon encountering Arawn’s hounds devouring a stag, Pwyll, blinded by rage, chases them off—unbeknownst to him, these hounds belong to Arawn.
Arawn’s fury leads him to summon Pwyll for judgment, setting the stage for their fateful interaction.
Arawn’s Pact
However, instead of exacting revenge, Arawn proposes a deal to Pwyll that could benefit them both. He invites Pwyll to assume his identity for a year and a day to defeat his rival, Hafgan—a long-standing adversary of Arawn whom he feels incapable of besting alone.
Accepting the offer, Pwyll steps into Arawn’s shoes, while Arawn takes on Pwyll’s role in the mortal kingdom, strategically preparing for combat.
Arawn’s Warning and Pwyll’s Victory
Once their roles are swapped, Pwyll leads Arawn’s forces into battle against Hafgan, but with a critical warning from Arawn: allowing Hafgan to survive would endanger Pwyll’s position in the future. Pwyll swiftly overpowers Hafgan, but chooses to spare him rather than deliver the final blow, a decision that showcases his wisdom.
As Hafgan’s followers witness their king’s humiliation, they abandon him, leading to Arawn’s triumph in the end.
Best Friends Forever?
The bond between Arawn and Pwyll deepens as they experience each other’s worlds. In this shifting dynamic, Pwyll begins an affair with Arawn’s queen, an act that, surprisingly, strengthens their friendship rather than cast a shadow upon it—an intriguing twist in the fabric of their mythology.
Arawn Disappears From the Mabinogi
Sadly, Arawn’s presence wanes after the First Branch of the Mabinogi. Some believe that portions of his story were lost, while others feel Arawn merely served to accentuate Pwyll’s development.
However, he resurfaces in the Fourth Branch, albeit briefly in connection with Pwyll’s son.
Arawn in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi
While Arawn gifts magical pigs to Pwyll’s son Pryderi, cautioning against distributing them, the narrative takes a dark turn as Gwydion steals the pigs, igniting a devastating conflict that ultimately leads to Pryderi’s downfall.
Arawn, observing the chaos wrought by the betrayal and ensuing conflict, perhaps reflects on the fragility of their alliances.
The Hounds of Arawn
The Cŵn Annwn remain integral within Welsh legends, evolving from spirited hunters to symbols entwined with notions of retribution in the afterlife, cementing their association with Arawn’s sovereignty over otherworldly realms.
Arawn’s Role in Mythology
In essence, Arawn serves as a catalyst within Welsh mythology, playing a supporting role that enriches the larger narrative within the Mabinogi, illustrating that even figures behind the scenes can profoundly influence the tapestry of myth.
Legacy of Arawn
Arawn’s legacy persists in various literary forms, including appearances in modern fantasy works, such as Lloyd Alexander’s stories. His name endures beyond folklore, sharing space with celestial references, emphasizing the timeless allure of his character.
In conclusion, Arawn embodies more than just a title of a Celtic underworld god. He represents the eternal ruler of wild realms and the spirit of lost souls, his presence both fearsome and graceful, casting a long shadow across the annals of Welsh mythology.
