Annwn

Annwn, also Annwfn ( welsh, [ anʊn ] or [ anʊvn ] ) or Annwfyn, Annwvyn, is a kingdom in the Welsh mythology. It is as it were interpreted as part of the Celtic underworld.

Etymology

It is unclear as to the exact translation of Annwn is. It is assumed that Annwn from the word parts to (" very" or " not " or " inside " ) and dwfn ( "world" or " deep " ) composed. This allows a wide range of interpretations, ranging from " shoals" via "underworld " to " inner world ". Are drawn to the Irish Andomhain parallels, which also constitutes a description for an otherworldly place.

Mythology

Is Annwn in Pwyll Pendefig Dyfed ( " Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed "), a branch of the Mabinogion mentioned, when Pwyll on the hunt Arawn, ruler Annwns, incensed: Pwyll chased Arawn's hunting dogs that killed a deer in a forest of Dyfed. In retaliation must take Pwyll Arawn's place for a year and a day, by adopting its shape. He ruled during this period in his stead Annwn and must end this time competing against the lower-ranking Hafgan king, whom he eventually kills.

Central Handlungsort is Annwfn in Arthurian poem Preiddeu Annwfn ( " The deprivation of Annwfn "), which in Llyfr Taliesin ( "The Book of Taliesin " ) is included.

Interpretation

Annwn is shown as - seen parallel world to the real world - sometimes invisible. This assumption is supported by the fact that in a forest, which is, according to legend in Dyfed, a ruler of Annwn going to hunt. Another clue can be found in the description of the CWN Annwn ( welsh " hounds Annwns " ): It is with the dogs to weißfellige animals with red ears.

Pwyll was, so legend, a kingdom over which would have an abundance and its inhabitants would be so happy like no other known to him Kingdom. This allows conclusions to the view of the Celts to the other world, in which people lived like in the real world, however, far more satisfied and happier than there. Furthermore, this story shows that it is mortal quite possible to get into the other world and to get back safe.