Ymddiddan Arthur a'r Eryr

Ymddiddan Arthur a'r Eryr ("Arthur's Conversation with the Eagle") is a legend, probably from the 12th century, and belongs to the Welsh mythology about King Arthur .

Meaning and form

The short story tells of a dispute between Arthur, here little king in Cornwall and not yet a British king, and his late nephew Eliwlad, who must continue to exist in the form of an eagle. Arthur, who is otherwise always described as a Christian hero, is portrayed here as a pagan. He wants to free the enchanted nephew, which is why he asks and receives religious instruction about the power of God and devotion to his own fate for this purpose.

ARTHUR: Yr Eryr, nefaw [l] dighet, Or ny chaffaf y welet, Beth a na Crist yr a'e cret? YR ERYR: Arthur, wydua llenwenydd, Wyt lluossawc argletryd: Ty hun Dydbrawt a'e gwybyd.

ARTHUR: Eagle, my heavenly destiny, If I can't see him, what does Christ do for those who believe in him? THE EAGLE: Arthur, throne of joy, you are master of many men: you will find out for yourself on the day of judgment.

According to some Celtologists, this could be an attempt by the Christian Church to bring Christianity closer to believers and unbelievers in this way. The original folk tale was probably adapted accordingly by a monk.

The work was found in a 14th century manuscript and consists of around 50 englynion (Welsh stanzas ).

See also

• List of Celtic gods and legendary figures
• Myths and legends from Wales and Britain

literature

• Helmut Birkhan : Post-ancient Celtic reception. Praesens Verlag, Vienna 2009, ISBN 978-3-7069-0541-1 .
• Algernon Herbert Algernon Herbert : Translation of the text. In: A Celtic Reader. 1836, pp. 257-263.

Web links

• Helen Fulton: A Companion to Arthurian Literature. John Wiley & Sons, New York 2012, ISBN 978-0-470-67237-2 .

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Helmut Birkhan: Nachantike Keltenrezeption. P. 121.
2. ↑ Helen Fulton: A Companion to Arthurian Literature. P. 90. (for the entire paragraph "Meaning and form")