Branwen

1.

Branwen (name meaning White Raven or Blessed Raven) is the daughter of Llyr and Penarddun, sister of Bendigeidfran and Manawydan, half-sister of Nisien and Efnisien, and is also married to the King of Ireland. Her main purpose in life is to create peace between Ireland and Wales, and to this end she is married off to the King of Ireland, Matholwch. In this, she is the typical woman of that time period, being used as an offering of peace. Unfortunately, this endeavor fails. After Branwen bears Matholwch a son, some of his subjects start making fun of him by saying that he wasn’t repaid enough for the humiliation he suffered at the mutilation of his horses by Branwen’s half-brother Efnisien. He then banishes her to the kitchen where she is treated no better than a servant, prompting her brothers and the other men of Wales to come to her rescue, thereby beginning a war between the two countries. Because Branwen has failed in her life’s purpose, she then dies of a broken heart.

2 sort of.

This is a poem written to Branwen. I didn’t think it was particularly good, but there it is.

Entering Branwen

by Angela Mohrle

There is a light,
there is a truth
beyond all limits
of time, matter, and space.
Brilliant rays
of my own self
erasing the dream
of separate substantiality .
No more separation,
no more nothing.
Only Me.
Once more.
Finally, the Architect returned
even farther than her point of Departure,
erasing the one error,
the one ignorance
she had of herself…
which was to see separation
between herself and her Creation
caused by the mirror.
So I, the mirror,
and I, the Image
return
faster than the speed of light
through the tunnels of my memory
to fuse myself in me,
to cease to exist,
to finally BE.

3.

Branwen is the goddess of love and beauty, often referred to as the "Venus of the Northern Seas". She is one of the five goddesses of Avalon (she is also known as the Lady of the Lake) and one of the three matriarchs of Britain.

In British mythology, and Welsh culture specifically, she is often considered a symbol of truth and goodness. Because her name includes the word "raven" she is meant meant to bring new beginnings in her life's endeavors. This is quite obviously illustrated in her purpose, which is to make peace between the warring countries of Wales and Ireland. Unfortunately, the raven also symbolizes the bringing of bad omens. This is evidenced clearly in the fact that she fails in her life's purpose. Branwen is obviously the cause of the battle in the tale, though her role is diminished. Her role in the story, and thereby what she symbolizes in Welsh mythology, is the typical woman: given away as a peace offering, but not used as anything more than the bearer or children. Ending up as a servant, this is symbolic of the way that women were just there to serve not only the needs of their husbands, but their countries during this time period. She is never able to achiever her true purpose, because she is ultimately the cause of the opposite happening. This is her heart breaks, causing her death.

4.

I believe that while being brave in the fact that she doesn't complain about being married off to a man she's probably never met before, because this is Branwen's whole purpose in life. She also displays another classic raven characteristic: cunning. In training the bird to carry a message to her brother to save her, she shows great ingenuity and wit. However, I do believe she expresses a great character flaw at the end of the story, and this is weakness of heart. Yes, Branwen has failed in her life's mission to bring peace between Ireland and Wales, and has instead caused a war between them, but then she just gives up and dies. She doesn't even die heroically, but instead because of a simple broken heart. I believe it would have showed more strength and bravery if she had tried again, or at least faced the consequences of her failure.

6.

One literary device so obviously associated with Branwen time and time again is symbolism. Branwen symbolizes so many things, a few of them being love, beauty, truth, and goodness. This is not only due to her name, meaning White Raven, but also her status as a goddess. Not only does Branwen symbolize many things, but there are also many symbols of her. Symbols used in reference to Branwen or symbols of her status as goddess include the cauldron, the cup, the starling, the waxing moon, and perhaps quite obviously the white raven. It is said that because of the heavy symbolism related to Branwen, you should include her in any ritual having to do with the moon and should call on her when beginning a new project or are looking for inspiration.