Tales of the Old North: Hen Ogledd
As the Romans retreated from Britain, a new dynastic order (or perhaps disorder) rose up in what is now southern Scotland and northern England. Later known by the Welsh as Hen Ogledd: The Old North, its heroic and poetic remembrance is one of the most beautiful, and often overlooked flowerings of Celtic-speaking culture.
If you have time to watch a video, this will give you a taste -
If you have time to watch a video, this will give you a taste -
I love the legends of the Old North. Not the stories of Arthur, which arise later, but the tales of Urien of Rheged and his kin. The poetry of the historical Taliesin, of Aneirin and Llywarch Hen. The confused tales of Merlin, Lailoken, and Kentigern, which in turn circle back to Owain ap Urien, and find a new native expression in the Mabinogion.
Rather than try to unravel the historical truths of these stories, I hope to focus on enjoyment and understanding. How did the bards and storytellers perceive their own history? What stories did they want to share with posterity?
In this six-week course, there will be nods to history and genealogy along the way, to help you build context and make sense of relationships. However, I want to emphasise that this class will not be the place for airing theories about the dates and locations of battles, the veracity and identity of Arthur, etc. These things get enough attention elsewhere, from people much more informed about them than I am. Let’s just enjoy the poetry and magic of a beautiful culture.
Rather than try to unravel the historical truths of these stories, I hope to focus on enjoyment and understanding. How did the bards and storytellers perceive their own history? What stories did they want to share with posterity?
In this six-week course, there will be nods to history and genealogy along the way, to help you build context and make sense of relationships. However, I want to emphasise that this class will not be the place for airing theories about the dates and locations of battles, the veracity and identity of Arthur, etc. These things get enough attention elsewhere, from people much more informed about them than I am. Let’s just enjoy the poetry and magic of a beautiful culture.
Proposed outline
|
1. Introduction – The Wall and some potted history
2. Urien and Taliesin 3. Owain ap Urien in legend and literature |
4. Peredur and Llywarch Hen
5. Merlin, Kentigern, Lailoken 6. Y Gododdin |
Dates: 15th & 22nd October; [break]; 12th, 19th & 26th November; 3rd December.
Time: Saturdays at 12 noon Pacific/3 pm Eastern/8 pm UK
Classes are held online, using the Zoom platform and last between 90 minutes and 2 hours.
Reading: You will need a copy of The Celtic Heroic Age, edited by Koch and Carey; and a copy of The Mabinogion translated by Sioned Davies for this class. (If you have difficulty locating an affordable copy of The Celtic Heroic Age, please contact me for help.)
I really prefer it if students attend the live classes, however, they will be recorded and made available, on request.
Cost: Regular price $80 US. *Patreon patrons: $60
*You must be a patron at the time of registration, and throughout the period of the class
Important! You should receive an email from me within 24 hours of paying for the class. Please respond to that email. If you don't see it, check your spam folders, etc. and if you can't find it click here to email me! It's important that we are in email contact, so that you can receive the zoom links and class mailings.