Irish and Welsh mythology is a treasure trove of enigmatic and captivating characters. Regrettably, the passage of time has obscured many of these narratives, often lost through oral traditions that changed as they were recounted across generations.
Yet, one tale has managed to partially withstand this temporal erosion, centering on Arawn, the sovereign of the Otherworld in Celtic and Welsh lore.
Arawn stands out as a compelling figure, primarily remembered because of his nuanced role in Welsh narratives and enduring folklore.
What Is Arawn the God Of?
It’s intriguing to note that while Arawn is frequently referred to as a pagan deity in various tales, he does not actually embody a godly role within Celtic mythology. Rather, he is depicted as a king tasked with overseeing Annwn, a mysterious realm within the Otherworld.
Arawn is a significant personality in Welsh tales, often associated with justice and order. It is said that he rules Annwn with strict authority, meting out punishment to those who dare to defy him.
Although some of Arawn’s tales have faded into obscurity over time, he remains a notable figure in the hearts of those who once revered him. A Welsh saying capturing his essence resonates:
“Hir yw’r dydd a hir yw’r nos, a hir yw aros Arawn.”
This roughly translates to:
“Long is the day, and long is the night,
And long is the waiting of Arawn.”
This phrase conveys a sense of prolonged waiting, as though time flows differently in the Otherworld under Arawn’s reign.
In the Name: What Does Arawn Mean?
The origins of the name Arawn are somewhat contested, sparking intrigue about its etymology.
The name “Aaron” is familiar in contemporary culture, derived from Hellenized Hebrew, meaning “exalted,” which lends a magnificent connotation to the name. But does this hint at a connection between ancient Celts and the ancient Arab world?
Alternatively, Arawn could trace its roots to the Egyptian term “aha rw,” meaning “warrior lion.”
Pushing the boundaries of speculation further, “Arawn” may also find its genesis in the “Aaru,” or “Field of Reeds,” an Egyptian paradise ruled by Osiris. This realm is said to have offered solace to the souls after death, sharing traits with Annwn, where spirits dwell in blissful eternity.
Though we cannot definitively claim a direct relationship between Egyptian and Welsh mythologies, such connections are certainly thought-provoking.
Meet the Family
The details of Arawn’s lineage remain obscured, akin to a misty Welsh day.
While some Welsh myths offer glimpses into Arawn’s family, they often characterize him as having a queen whose identity varies: she is depicted variously as a devoted spouse or, in rarer tales, as a malevolent figure seeking to dethrone him.
Adding another layer of intrigue, some traditions mention a sister named Gwyneth, who is said to be wed to Gwydion, another figure of Welsh mythology. The dynamics of these familial relationships prompt questions about their closeness or if they merely reunite for festive occasions, making the speculation exciting.
Ultimately, Arawn’s family remains an enigma but imagining their mythical escapades is endlessly entertaining.
Arawn’s Symbols
Arawn’s legacy may also be preserved through symbols representing his essence in Welsh culture.
While no definitive symbols can be linked directly to Arawn, we can infer possible representations by considering those associated with other deities in various mythologies.
Hounds
Hounds hold various symbolic meanings across cultures, often linked to death. In Welsh lore, the hounds of Annwn, associated with Arawn, are believed to have ties to the afterlife, embodying the role of soul-hunters.
Stags
The stag, with its majestic antlers, could symbolize Arawn’s connection to nature and his shape-shifting abilities. This powerful symbol enriches the narratives surrounding Arawn and his Otherworld.
The Underworld
Much like Hades in Greek mythology, the notion of an Otherworld elicits both reverence and fear among believers in Welsh lore. Here, the boundaries of reality blur, allowing for themes of rebirth and the cycles of existence.
Consequently, references to the Otherworld inherently evoke the complete symbolism of Arawn.
Annwn, the Otherworld
A discussion of Arawn can hardly avoid mentioning the land he oversees.
Arawn presides over Annwn, a domain characterized by eternal joy and abundance, devoid of illness. The origin of the word Annwn can be traced to meanings suggesting depths or hidden realms, possibly alluding to its portrayal as an underground or island paradise.
The allure of Annwn has inspired countless writers, including J.R.R. Tolkien, who drew from its attributes in his own fantastical narratives. Annwn remains a central fixture in Welsh mythology, particularly within the tales comprising the Mabinogi, which are primary sources for Arawn’s existing lore.
Arawn in the Branches of the Mabinogi
Welsh narratives are largely derived from the Mabinogion, a collection dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. Despite its later compilation, many stories likely stem from even older traditions.
The Mabinogion is divided into four branches, with one dedicated to Arawn.
Pwyll Stumbles Into Annwn
Arawn’s tale commences when Pwyll, the ruler of Dyfed, accidentally wanders into Annwn.
In a forest of alabaster hounds with striking red ears, he unwittingly incites their ire. Upon learning of the disturbance, Arawn, furious, summons Pwyll to face judgment for his actions.
Arawn’s Pact
Despite his anger, Arawn offers Pwyll an opportunity for reconciliation, proposing a symbiotic exchange of roles for a year and a day, allowing Pwyll the chance to defeat Arawn’s persistent foe, Hafgan, who has long troubled him.
Intrigued by the adventure, Pwyll agrees to the proposition, accepting the complexities accompanying such an arrangement. Arawn, in turn, assumes Pwyll’s responsibilities, keeping a watchful eye on his human counterpart as he prepares to confront Hafgan.
Arawn’s Warning and Pwyll’s Victory
Once the form-swap occurred, Pwyll, embodying Arawn, rallied the forces of Annwn to challenge Hafgan. Arawn cautioned Pwyll against letting Hafgan escape, emphasizing the necessity of complete victory.
Pwyll’s skillful strategy culminates in the defeat of Hafgan, but to Arawn’s surprise, he spares his rival’s life, a choice that ultimately secures Arawn’s position. Hafgan’s followers, witnessing their leader’s vulnerability, pledge loyalty to Arawn instead.
Thus, Arawn’s alliance with Pwyll solidifies, heralding an enduring camaraderie.
Best Friends Forever?
The bond formed between Arawn and Pwyll transcends mere friendship, influencing their interactions significantly.
Arawn embraces his human experience, while Pwyll revels in the military prowess he has gained from this exchange. This closeness takes a more complicated turn when Pwyll begins an affair with Arawn’s wife, a twist that, surprisingly, seems to strengthen their relationship.
However bewildering, this dynamic underscores the multifaceted nature of their connection.
Arawn Disappears from the Mabinogi
Arawn’s narrative fades following the First Branch of the Mabinogi. It is speculated that portions of Arawn’s tale have been lost or that his story served mostly as a tool to illuminate Pwyll’s journey.
As the plot progresses, Arawn makes a brief reappearance in the Fourth Branch.
Arawn in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi
Arawn reenters the legend during the saga of Pwyll’s son, Pryderi, where he sends magical pigs to Dyfed as tokens of friendship. However, a trickster named Gwydion thwarts this goodwill by deceiving Pryderi into a trade, resulting in subsequent conflict between kingdoms.
Despite Pryderi’s courage in facing Gwydion, fate decrees a tragic end for him, symbolically reflecting the fragility of alliances and the unpredictability of fate within these narratives.
The Hounds of Arawn
The Cŵn Annwn, or “Hounds of Annwn,” are said to traverse the skies in search of wandering spirits. Over time, their lore has merged with Christian narratives, evolving into entities that capture souls, transferring their roles within the mythology spectrum.
Arawn’s Role in Mythology
In the broader context of Welsh mythology, Arawn’s contributions subtly catalyze Pwyll’s odyssey.
As a secondary character, his significance lies in enriching the overarching narrative, adding layers of complexity to the tales that are ultimately paramount.
Legacy of Arawn
Arawn reappears in contemporary literature, such as Lloyd Alexander’s “The Chronicles of Prydain,” where his character takes on a more antagonistic tone.
Furthermore, the name Arawn finds representation in various works exploring the theme of the Otherworld.
In popular culture, Arawn’s name transcended mythology and is associated with a Trans-Neptunian Object, marking a distinctive spot in astronomical nomenclature.
Conclusion
Though many label Arawn as the Celtic god of the underworld or the Welsh deity of death, this classification overlooks the depth of his character.
He embodies regal authority, presiding over all lost souls navigating existence beyond mortal realms. While his reputation may provoke unease among drifting spirits, Arawn also evokes a sense of grace and majesty.
