Cerridwen's primary story is not her own, but that of the birth of the legendary bard, Taliesin. This narrative is a powerful allegory of transformation, inspiration, and rebirth, showcasing her as a figure of immense power, knowledge, and relentless will.
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The Cauldron
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The Chase
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Rebirth
Click on a stage of the story to learn more.
From Sorceress to Goddess
In the earliest sources, Cerridwen is a powerful sorceress, not explicitly a goddess. Her significance lies in being the source of *Awen* (poetic/divine inspiration). Over time, particularly with Romanticism and modern neopaganism, her role has been expanded.
Geographical Roots
The story firmly places Cerridwen's court in the middle of Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) in Gwynedd, North Wales. This remains her most potent geographical link.
A Note on Iolo Morganwg
A critical figure in the modern perception of Welsh mythology is Edward Williams, or Iolo Morganwg (1747–1826), a brilliant scholar and infamous literary forger. Many ideas now commonly associated with Welsh myths originate with Iolo, not with the medieval sources.
The Evolution of Belief
The Cauldron of Associations
It is vital to distinguish between associations drawn directly from the myth (Historical) and those developed in contemporary practice (Modern).
Further Reading & Academic Sources
Ford, Patrick K. (trans.) (2008). The Mabinogion and Other Medieval Welsh Tales.
A modern and accessible translation that includes the *Hanes Taliesin*.
Haycock, Marged (2007). Legendary Poems from the Book of Taliesin.
A detailed scholarly analysis and translation of the poems attributed to the legendary bard.
Morgan, Prys (1978). Iolo Morganwg.
A concise and authoritative biography on the complex figure of Iolo Morganwg.