Branwen - a Welsh folk-tale
posted by sooyup
on
Mythology
Like many an ancient country, Wales has a rich store of folk-tales, often associated with specific places. From time to time, I’ll share one with you. One of our most famous stories concerns the beautiful Branwen (=white-breast). Given in marriage to seal an alliance, Branwen was cruelly treated at her husband’s court in Ireland. Her brother led an army from Wales to rescue and avenge her. In the ensuing battle, the heroic Welsh warriors were all killed except seven men. They returned to Anglesey [the large island in north-west Wales] together with Branwen and the severed head of her brother. From their landing-place Aber Alaw, Branwen could see Ireland across the sea. “Woe is me that ever I was born,” she lamented. “Because of me, two great nations have been laid waste.” With that, she broke her heart and died on the spot. A mound once stood where she died, know locally as Branwen’s Cairn. All that remains now is a single large stone called Carreg Branwen (Branwen’s stone).
Like many an ancient country, Wales has a rich store of folk-tales, often associated with specific places. From time to time, I’ll share one with you. One of our most famous stories concerns the beautiful Branwen (=white-breast). Given in marriage to seal an alliance, Branwen was cruelly treated at her husband’s court in Ireland. Her brother led an army from Wales to rescue and avenge her. In the ensuing battle, the heroic Welsh warriors were all killed except seven men. They returned to Anglesey [the large island in north-west Wales] together with Branwen and the severed head of her brother. From their landing-place Aber Alaw, Branwen could see Ireland across the sea. “Woe is me that ever I was born,” she lamented. “Because of me, two great nations have been laid waste.” With that, she broke her heart and died on the spot. A mound once stood where she died, know locally as Branwen’s Cairn. All that remains now is a single large stone called Carreg Branwen (Branwen’s stone). 
