[FAS] CELTIC 138: The Mabinogion: Stories from Medieval Wales

Each of you has chosen, from the options we provided, a character who appears both in one (or more) of the eleven Mabinogion tales and elsewhere in Welsh tradition—in triads, poems, genealogies, lists, etc. All of your characters appear in The Triads of the Island of Britain, to which reference has been made on and off throughout the semester—now you’re going to get a closer look at those triads. You’ll use the triad(s) in which your character appears as well as other resources that we will give you or direct you to in order to develop a sense of who your character was in Welsh tradition in and beyond the Mabinogion. Then you’ll use your newfound familiarity with your character to write a story about him or her. The story should be at least 600 words long (about 2 ½ pages), but it may be as long as you like—no telling what’s going to happen once your informed imagination gets going. Genre and style are up to you, but the story should be rooted in what you have gleaned from Welsh tradition about your character. Maybe you’ll end up with a YA novel, a story treatment to pitch to Netlfix, or a oneact play. 

You may include images or other media in your story if you wish, but this is not by any means required. If you want to work in a genre other than prose narrative—a film, a song, etc., talk to Elizabeth or Prof. McKenna about a proportionately appropriate length. 

Upload your story to Canvas by midnight on Monday, May 3. We will make the stories available to the class so that we can all enjoy them during breaks during exam period.

Excerpt from "Peredur" entry of "Notes to Personal Names," in TYP

Use HOLLIS to look up external references.