The Mabinogion - Notes to Math the Son of Mathonwy Unknown Author (Ft. Translated by Lady Charlotte Elizabeth Guest)
413a MATH THE SON OF MATHONWY.--Page 413.
THE fame of Math ab Mathonwy's magic, in which he would seem to have excelled all the enchanters of Welsh fiction (except, perhaps, the mighty Merlin and his own pupil, Gwydion the son of Don), is preserved in two separate Triads (xxxi. and xxxii.), where, he is styled a man of illusion and phantasy, and where one of the chief enchantments of the Island is attributed to him.
Another version of the latter has already been given.--See page 213.
The mystical arts of Math appear to have descended to him from his father, whose magic wand is celebrated by Taliesin, in the Kerdd Daronwy. It is there asserted that when this wand grows in the wood, more luxuriant fruit will be seen on the banks of the Spectre waters. 1
Taliesin also frequently speaks of the powers of Math himself.--See the Cadd Goddeu, Marwnad Aeddon o Vôn, &c. 2
The Tale of Math ab Mathonwy has been already printed, with a translation in the Cambrian Quarterly.
413b GOEWIN, DAUGHTER OF PEBIN.--Page 413.
THE singular occupation assigned to this damsel in the Tale, is by no means inconsistent with the ancient customs of Wales. By the laws of Howel Dda, we learn that there was an officer at the king's court, called "The Footholder," whose especial duty was such as that title implies. The following particulars are given concerning him.
"The Footholder is to sit under the King's feet
He is to eat from the same dish as the King.
He shall light the candles before the King at his meal.
He shall have a dish of meat and liquor, though he is not top join in the feast.
THE fame of Math ab Mathonwy's magic, in which he would seem to have excelled all the enchanters of Welsh fiction (except, perhaps, the mighty Merlin and his own pupil, Gwydion the son of Don), is preserved in two separate Triads (xxxi. and xxxii.), where, he is styled a man of illusion and phantasy, and where one of the chief enchantments of the Island is attributed to him.
Another version of the latter has already been given.--See page 213.
The mystical arts of Math appear to have descended to him from his father, whose magic wand is celebrated by Taliesin, in the Kerdd Daronwy. It is there asserted that when this wand grows in the wood, more luxuriant fruit will be seen on the banks of the Spectre waters. 1
Taliesin also frequently speaks of the powers of Math himself.--See the Cadd Goddeu, Marwnad Aeddon o Vôn, &c. 2
The Tale of Math ab Mathonwy has been already printed, with a translation in the Cambrian Quarterly.
413b GOEWIN, DAUGHTER OF PEBIN.--Page 413.
THE singular occupation assigned to this damsel in the Tale, is by no means inconsistent with the ancient customs of Wales. By the laws of Howel Dda, we learn that there was an officer at the king's court, called "The Footholder," whose especial duty was such as that title implies. The following particulars are given concerning him.
"The Footholder is to sit under the King's feet
He is to eat from the same dish as the King.
He shall light the candles before the King at his meal.
He shall have a dish of meat and liquor, though he is not top join in the feast.
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