Arawn

Arawn [' Araun ] is in the Welsh mythology, a prince of the otherworld and Annwn subordinates and opponents of Hafgan.

Mythology

In the story, Pwyll Pendefig Dyfed ( Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed ), the first of the four branches of the Mabinogi, rushing this with his hounds a deer, only to discover that Arawn's pack has hunted with more success the same animal. He sells the foreign dogs, although they are recognized by their red ears as other world - animals.

For atonement Arawn is now demanding that Pwyll for a year and a day to exchange places with him. During this time, Arawn Pwyll Empire intends to manage in Pwyll shape and this must Hafgan, an enemy of Arawn, defeat, which was Arawn, despite some attempts have failed. Pwyll this creates, he makes his only weakness Hafgans of Arawn and can exploit, namely to kill him with the first blow. Though Arawn has the appearance of Pwyll changed so that it completely like him, he sleeps for a year not with Arawn's wife. That's why Arawn friendship with him, and Pwyll Pen Annwn also gets the title ( " Prince of Annwn " ) awarded. The kingdom of Pwyll has Arawn made ​​rich and prosperous by his wise reign, during this time. The Otherworld - pig herd that Arawn gives Pwyll (pigs were unknown on Earth ), later the reason for the death of Pwyll 's son Pryderi (see Math fab Mathonwy, " Math, the son Mathonwys ").

In Llyfr Taliesin ( "The Book of Taliesin " ) from the 13th century is Arawn's dispute with Gwydyon, the son of Dôn mentioned, whose output for Cad Goddeu, the battle of the trees resulted.

The ride Arawn with his dogs, the CWN Annwn, and the Mallt - y-Nos is sometimes compared with the wild hunt. The name Arawn is possibly related to the Celtic god Jupiter - Arubianos.