Arianrhod's story is one of honor, shame, and a fierce battle of wills against her brother, the magician Gwydion, as she refuses to acknowledge the son born of her humiliation.
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The Test
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The Births
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The Curses
Click on a stage of the story to learn more.
Celestial Queen, Weaver of Fate
Arianrhod's name, "Silver Wheel," and her fortress, Caer Arianrhod (the constellation Corona Borealis), link her to the stars, time, and cosmic cycles. She is seen as a powerful goddess of fate and destiny.
A Figure of Female Sovereignty
Arianrhod can be viewed as a figure of violated sovereignty. Her actions are attempts to regain control over her own destiny and lineage, refusing to be a passive pawn in the games of men.
The Archetypal Facets of Arianrhod
The Starry Court of Symbols
Further Reading
Davies, Sioned (trans.) (2007). The Mabinogion.
The standard modern academic translation, excellent for its accuracy and extensive notes.
Ford, Patrick K. (trans.) (2008). The Mabinogion and Other Medieval Welsh Tales.
A very readable and well-regarded translation that makes the tales accessible.