by Peter Freeman

Created on: March 17, 2009

This is my re-telling of the story of Bendigeidfran The Blessed Raven
Bendigeidfran the Blessed Raven
Llyr Llediaeth was chief of the tribes of the Island of Britain. His companion was Penardim the beautiful.They had two sons Bendigeidfran and Manawyddan. When Llyr was captured by Eroswydd the ransom demanded was that Penardim would spend one night in the bed of Eroswydd. For the love of Llyr she agreed. Later Llyr and Eroswydd met in fair fight and Eroswydd was sent to be judged by Arawn, Lord of the dead.

In due time Penardim bore twin sons from her forced union. They were Nisien and Efnisien. When three summers had passed Penardim again bore a child. A daughter named Branwen who would become the fairest maid in the land.
But Efnisien had his father's heart.
Bendigeidfran became King of the Island of Britain. Though he kept no companion for long, he had one son, Caradoc. Bendigeidfran was a wise and just king and a giant. So big that it was said that no ship could carry him and no house could give him shelter.
One day the ships of the Irish visited the shore. On board was Matholwch, King of Ireland. He came asking for Branwen to be his companion. Bendigeidfran and his chiefs considered this and determined that here was a way to put an end to the feuding between the two islands and it was agreed. But Efnisien was not in the council being away on an errand and knew nothing of this.
During the three days of celebration that accompanied the hand fasting, a lone Irish herdsman was watching over the horses when Efnisien came upon him. He asked whose were these fine animals and when he heard the Irishman speak he was filled with rage. Believing that his land was under attack he killed the herdsman then cruelly mutilated the horses.
When word of this came to Matholwch he and his companions knew a terrible rage and prepared to leave. Bendigeidfran tried to make peace but there was only one honor-price that would satisfy Matholwch but Bendigeidfran would not deliver up the head of his brother. So another gift was given. Bendigeidfran possessed the Cauldron of re-birth. When any die, if they are put into this cauldron they would return to life. This gift was accepted though Amergin, the oldest and wisest of the Druids of Ireland counseled that none in Ireland should know of the shame put on them or of the cauldron.So a Gesa was put on all, that none should speak of these things. So did Branwen enter Ireland and peace and prosperity reigned for three years.
A son was born to

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