Myth 101 – Taliesin, twcie born and the shining brow

Taliesin, meaning “shining brow”, was a Welsh poet in the 6th century and a legendary character of magic and knowledge, one of the twice born. He is also known as Taliesin Ben Beirdd -Taliesin, Chief of Bards. According to the legend, Taliesin began life as Gwion Bach who was a servant of the goddess Cerdiwen. A mere 3 drops of liquid from her wisdom potion gifted him with the fire of deep and powerful wisdom. The transgression required that he undergo many transformations to escape Cerdiwen’s wrath and the final magical leap was being born from her, thus becoming the twice born and the wise.

Taliesin, as Gwion Bach, looking after Ceridwen's cauldron on the shores of Llyn Tegid.

To read a translation of the Welsh Mabinogion, which tells the tale of Taliesin, visit http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/mab/mab32.htm, The Mabinogion, tr. by Lady Charlotte Guest, [1877], at sacred-texts.com

The Book of Taliesin

The Book of Taliesin (NLW Peniarth MS 2) National Library of Wales Journal

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