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0:00:10 > 0:00:14- The Welsh have - an unique collection of stories.
0:00:15 > 0:00:20- Stories which are rooted deep in - our nation's imagination and memory.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- Stories about places - we are familiar with today.
0:00:29 > 0:00:34- But they deal with characters - from a long time ago.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38- In these stories, - the other world meets this world.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- There is revenge, warfare - and terrible violence...
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- ..and events that seem almost - beyond imagination today.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- People are transformed - into birds and animals.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54- These stories have been passed down - orally through the ages...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- ..and recorded in manuscripts.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- They are still told today.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- They have inspired poets, - playwrights and film makers.
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- This is the world of the - Four Branches of the Mabinogi.
0:01:15 > 0:01:20- The First Branch of the Mabinogi - concerns Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23- It tells of Pwyll's - extraordinary experiences...
0:01:24 > 0:01:27- ..of a bridge between this world - and the Underworld...
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- ..of dishonour and making amends, - of transformation...
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- ..and the relationship - between Pwyll and Rhiannon.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37- Pwyll is the Prince of Dyfed.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- Locations mentioned in the tale - have a strong element of mystery.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44- But where are these locations?
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- This is Narberth Castle - in Pembrokeshire.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- Could this have been the site - of Pwyll's court?
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- The court is central to the events - in the First and Third Branches.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- Did the feasting, carousing - and discoursing take place here?
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- The Throne of Narberth is mentioned - in the First Branch.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- Whoever sits on this Throne...
0:02:35 > 0:02:40- ..will either see wonders, - or receive an injury or a wound.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- Was Pwyll sitting - somewhere around here...
0:02:43 > 0:02:48- ..when he saw Rhiannon galloping - down the valley on her white horse?
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- His manservant failed - to catch up with her...
0:02:52 > 0:02:57- ..so Pwyll himself called on her - to stop, which she did.
0:03:07 > 0:03:12- There's a strong element - of enchantment in all the Branches.
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- Very strange things happen.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18- But people didn't say - that such things were impossible...
0:03:19 > 0:03:20- ..for the simple reason...
0:03:21 > 0:03:27- ..that enchantment in ages past, and - in the Middle Ages to some extent...
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- ..was a way of influencing - the course of events.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- Today, most of us believe - such things can't happen...
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- ..and that magical powers are, to - us, basically, a matter of science.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- Science is the thing - that can change the world.
0:03:51 > 0:03:56- Narberth Castle may indeed have been - the location of Pwyll's court.
0:03:57 > 0:04:03- But what about this place, Caerau - Gaer, two miles outside Narberth?
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- There are remains - of an old fortress here.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- Who knows? Perhaps this was - where Pwyll stood...
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- ..when he suddenly saw Rhiannon - galloping across the landscape...
0:04:17 > 0:04:19- ..on her white horse.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- Glyn Cuch is one of the - first locations we encounter...
0:04:28 > 0:04:30- ..in the Four Branches.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- Glyn Cuch lies south - of Newcastle Emlyn...
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- ..on the boundary between - Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43- It also serves as a boundary between - this world and the Underworld.
0:04:44 > 0:04:46- HOUNDS BARK, A HUNTING HORN SOUNDS
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- Pwyll hunts deer here - with his hounds...
0:04:57 > 0:05:00- ..when he meets Arawn, - King of the Underworld.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- He insults Arawn, and so he must - change places with him for a year.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10- The hunting theme is very important - in the Mabinogi.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- A white boar is hunted - in the Third Branch.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- Rhiannon herself is 'stalked' - when Pwyll follows her.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- The Four Branches of the Mabinogi, - more than any other legends...
0:05:24 > 0:05:26- ..are based on Celtic mythology.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- There are strong echoes - of Celtic mythology.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- There's a very strong link - between Rhiannon and horses.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- Rhiannon is forced - to act like a horse.
0:05:37 > 0:05:43- She is punished by being forced - to carry people on her back.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- She first appears - on a magical white horse.
0:05:46 > 0:05:52- Her son is discovered in a stable - where a foal has just been born.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55- He is also linked with horses.
0:05:55 > 0:06:01- Some say she is an echo of Epona, - the Celtic horse goddess.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- There's no doubt - that there are strong links...
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- ..between Rhiannon - and that particular animal.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11- The Second Branch
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- Bendigeidfran, son of Llyr, - is the crowned king of this island.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- Matholwch, King of Ireland, - comes to Wales...
0:06:20 > 0:06:25- ..to ask for the hand in marriage - of Branwen, Bendigeidfran's sister.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- But her half-brother, Efnisien, - is not happy.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- And so begins a series - of terrible and violent events.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- Horses are mutilated - and a young child is killed.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40- Once again, very familiar locations - are mentioned.
0:06:46 > 0:06:49- Bendigeidfran - has a court in Harlech.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- It's one of his important courts.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- The name Harlech means 'fair rock'.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- A castle was later - built on the site.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04- A lot of these places have - extremely ancient associations.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- They are involved with rule, - they are castles.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- Or they are ruins - that people saw around them...
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- ..and brought into their legends...
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- ..because there were ancient - memories associated with them.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- Bendigeidfran walks through the sea.
0:07:38 > 0:07:43- Here, the story may be hinting - at something very, very old...
0:07:43 > 0:07:48- ..that the sea between Wales and - Ireland was smaller at one time.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- And of course, a proverb - is formulated in this tale...
0:07:56 > 0:08:01- .."He who would be a leader, - let him be a bridge."
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- Bendigeidfran is a giant.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- When the Irish destroy a bridge...
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- ..he stretches his body - from bank to bank...
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- ..and allows his soldiers - to walk over him...
0:08:13 > 0:08:18- ..saying, "He who would be a leader, - let him be a bridge."
0:08:33 > 0:08:37- There are many ancient Celtic - elements in this legend...
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- ..as there are in the others.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- One of them concerns a king's - special position in Celtic society.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- The Cauldron of Rebirth which brings - the dead to life is another element.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- This is the Cauldron of Rebirth.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- If dead men are placed - in the cauldron, they rise again...
0:08:59 > 0:09:00- ..but they are dumb.
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- This cauldron is a boon to the Irish - when they fight the Welsh.
0:09:06 > 0:09:11- A great many cauldrons from the - Celtic period have survived.
0:09:12 > 0:09:16- One of the most prominent - is the Gundestrup Cauldron...
0:09:16 > 0:09:19- ..which was discovered - in Scandinavia.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21- It's extremely interesting...
0:09:21 > 0:09:24- ..because there are figures - on the cauldron...
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- ..and one scene depicts men - being immersed in a cauldron.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- It recalls the description of the - cauldron in the Second Branch.
0:09:34 > 0:09:36- Some argue - that the Gundestrup Cauldron...
0:09:37 > 0:09:39- ..illustrates the story of Branwen.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- In one of the strangest events - in this tale...
0:09:45 > 0:09:50- ..Bendigeidfran's head is cut off - but it does not die.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- That reflects a very ancient belief - among Celts...
0:09:54 > 0:09:59- ..that the soul resides - in the head, not the heart.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- The Celts cut off - their enemies' heads and kept them.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08- They drew pictures of heads - and carved heads from stone.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- The human head - had great significance...
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- ..in the Celtic imagination.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- This mythology lived on - into the Middle Ages in Wales.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- Bendigeidfran's head played - an important part in the legend.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30- Bendigeidfran's head is cut off...
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- ..but it continues - to behave like a king.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- Seven men bring it back to Wales - after the great battle in Ireland.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- They feast in Harlech - for seven years...
0:10:42 > 0:10:47- ..and then they travel to an island - off the Pembrokeshire coast.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50- But their journey - does not end there.
0:10:54 > 0:10:54- 888
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- 888- - 888
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- It's always been my ambition - to come here...
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- ..to the island of Gwales - off Pembrokeshire.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- Bendigeidfran's head - was brought here...
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- ..after the great battle in Ireland.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30- Seven men brought the head here - and spent 80 years feasting.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- Today, as you can see, - only birds feast here.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- While they were here...
0:11:36 > 0:11:40- ..they forgot all the terrible - things that had happened.
0:11:40 > 0:11:45- But one day, Heilyn, son of Gwyn, - opens the door that faced Cornwall.
0:11:46 > 0:11:52- Memories come flooding back and they - set out to bury the head in London.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- The head is buried - on the White Mount in London...
0:11:56 > 0:11:58- ..looking out towards France.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02- Bendigeidfran defends Britain - from external enemies...
0:12:04 > 0:12:07- ..so he looks to the Continent...
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- ..from where - the English originally came.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- King Arthur is blamed for moving - Bendigeidfran's head...
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- ..according to the Welsh Triads.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19- They say he was arrogant...
0:12:19 > 0:12:24- ..and did not want to share the - credit for defending the island...
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- ..so he moved Bendigeidfran's head - and took all the credit himself.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- There are many islands - off the Welsh coast.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40- Anglesey, where Branwen was buried.
0:12:40 > 0:12:46- Her heart broke, and she was buried - on the banks of the River Alaw.
0:12:47 > 0:12:48- Puffin Island, Holy Island.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- Many islands - off the Pembrokeshire coast...
0:12:53 > 0:12:54- ..are associated with enchantment.
0:12:55 > 0:13:00- Some say that, not far from here, - an island swims beneath the surface.
0:13:01 > 0:13:06- Every once in a while, the island - rises and we may touch it.
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- The Third Branch of the Mabinogi, - Manawydan son of Llyr...
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- ..follows on from the Second Branch.
0:13:26 > 0:13:27- Pwyll's son, Pryderi...
0:13:27 > 0:13:31- ..gives his mother, Rhiannon, - to Manawydan as a wife.
0:13:31 > 0:13:37- All goes well, until, one day, an - enchanted mist descends over Dyfed.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- The mist covers the land - and everything disappears.
0:13:42 > 0:13:47- Houses disappear, animals disappear, - the courtiers disappear.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50- Everywhere becomes deserted.
0:13:53 > 0:13:58- The Third Branch may be - the least familiar to people today.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- It begins with Manawydan...
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- ..and other characters who survive - from the Second Branch.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- Manawydan is the hero - of this Branch.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- He defeats the wizard, Llwyd, - who cast a spell on Dyfed.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- He does so after realising...
0:14:16 > 0:14:21- ..that one of the mice that plague - Manawydan's land and crops...
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- ..is Llwyd's wife.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- He forces Llwyd's hand, - and tricks him...
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- ..into confessing - that he cast the spell on Dyfed.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- Manawydan forces him - to lift the spell...
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- ..and promise - that he will not seek revenge.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- The Fourth Branch
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- The Fourth Branch - is a branch and a half.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- Math son of Mathonwy - is the Lord of Gwynedd.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02- When he isn't at war...
0:15:02 > 0:15:08- ..he must rest his feet on the lap - of a maiden called Goewin.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- His nephew, Gilfaethwy, - falls in love with Goewin.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- Gilfaethwy's brother, Gwydion, - organises a war...
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- ..so that Math must leave Goewin.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Gwydion deceives Pryderi - into giving him his pigs.
0:15:22 > 0:15:27- He travels through Wales with - the pigs and gives them to Math.
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- When Pryderi - realises the deception...
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- ..war breaks out - between south and north.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Math is the Lord of Gwynedd.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- Gwydion and Gilfaethwy travel south - to the court of Pryderi.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46- So there is communication between - south and north in this Branch.
0:15:46 > 0:15:51- As they drive the pigs - from the south to the north...
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- ..the places where they stop...
0:15:53 > 0:15:58- ..are given a name that includes - the word 'moch', such as Mochdre...
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- ..in memory of their passage.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- In the Mabinogi, - there is a strong association...
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- ..between the stories - and the actual geography of Wales.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- You can follow the stories on a map.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- The stories explain - the origin of place-names...
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- ..and this itself - bolsters the stories' status.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- It can be seen as independent - evidence of the story's truth.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27- We call them onomastic stories.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- Onomastic stories explain - the origins of proper names.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34- The Mabinogi is full of them.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- When Math returns from battle...
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- ..he discovers that his nephews, - Gilfaethwy and Gwydion...
0:16:46 > 0:16:48- ..were responsible for the strife...
0:16:48 > 0:16:53- ..the rape of the maiden, the death - of soldiers including Pryderi.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- They cannot make amends - for this dishonour...
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- ..except through punishment - and humiliation.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- Math's punishment is bestial.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- In the Fourth Branch, - in particular...
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- ..strange transformations - take place.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16- Gwydion and Gilfaethwy - have raped Goewin.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20- So Math strikes them - with his magic wand...
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- ..and three times he changes them - into different animals.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27- One is male, the other is female.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- They copulate - and give birth to offspring.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33- It's the ultimate humiliation.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- In Christian thought, which derives - from Judaic concepts...
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- ..there are levels of existence...
0:17:40 > 0:17:43- ..and man is above - the level of animals.
0:17:44 > 0:17:50- So if you are turned into an animal, - you are degraded, brought down.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57- First, they're turned into a stag - and a hind.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Deer are very important - in the Mabinogi.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03- They provide food and materials - for communities.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- So it's quite significant...
0:18:06 > 0:18:11- ..that they're transformed - into a stag and a hind first of all.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- Then, they're turned - into a boar and a sow...
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- ..and finally - into male and female wolves.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- All these animals - deer, - wild boar, wolves...
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- ..are animals that people - in the Middle Ages respected...
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- ..because they were dangerous - wild animals.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34- It was a terrible punishment.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- But it was appropriate.
0:18:36 > 0:18:40- They were punished - because they had raped a maiden.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44- The two brothers - had to make amends for that...
0:18:44 > 0:18:49- ..by having their own sexuality - and sexual identities transformed...
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- ..back and forth, year after year.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- Math needs another maiden, - because Goewin is now a wife.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03- He forgives Gilfaethwy and Gwydion.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07- Gwydion suggests his sister - Arianrhod, as the new maiden.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11- Thus begins another series - of marvellous events.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- Arianrhod must prove - her virginity...
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- ..by stepping over - Math's magic wand.
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- But a small child drops from her, - and something else.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26- Gwydion picks up this other thing...
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- ..hides it in a chest - and looks after it.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- Arianrhod places a number of curses - on her child.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40- He may not have a name, weapons, - or a wife of this world.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- Through magic, Gwydion - manages to overcome every curse.
0:19:44 > 0:19:49- For the final curse, he and Math - combine their magical skills...
0:19:49 > 0:19:54- ..to create a wife out of flowers - for Lleu, Arianrhod's son.
0:19:54 > 0:19:55- This is Blodeuwedd.
0:20:14 > 0:20:20- This is one of the settings for the - Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- It's a castle called Mur Castell, - in Ardudwy.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28- After Math and Gwydion created - Blodeuwedd as a wife for Lleu...
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- ..the king gave them this castle - as a home.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- Mur Castell, or Tomen y Mur, - as it's now called.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08- Lleu goes away, leaving Blodeuwedd - here with the servants.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11- She is restless.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- Then suddenly she hears a hunting - horn and the sounds of a hunt.
0:21:16 > 0:21:21- Over this ridge behind me - appears Gronw Pebyr from Lleyn.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26- She invites him into the castle, - and they fall in love.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29- Ultimately, they conspire - to kill Lleu.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38- Many people have tried to interpret - the Branches.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- There are novels, - recent animations, plays.
0:21:43 > 0:21:48- 'Blodeuwedd' by Saunders Lewis must - be the most well-known of them all.
0:21:49 > 0:21:54- I would argue that he's changed - quite a lot of the story...
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- ..though he says in the introduction - that he hasn't.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- He changes the emphasis.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02- He was a Catholic...
0:22:02 > 0:22:05- ..and a man with patriarchal - attitudes towards life.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- Oh, heir to my fate, - listen to my secret.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- I have for you now an heir.
0:22:17 > 0:22:18- Do you know for sure?
0:22:18 > 0:22:19- Do you know for sure?- - As every wife knows.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20- As every wife knows.
0:22:21 > 0:22:22- Oh, my queen!
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- Let fate decree it shall be a son.
0:22:24 > 0:22:26- Let fate decree it shall be a son.- - It is a son.
0:22:26 > 0:22:26- Let fate decree it shall be a son.
0:22:26 > 0:22:27- I swear it.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- To him, family and succession - are important.
0:22:31 > 0:22:36- He uses this - he adds this - to the original tale.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- When Lleu returns, - he finds Blodeuwedd full of joy.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- Of course, she's been sleeping - with Gronw Pebyr!
0:22:44 > 0:22:49- But she suggests - that she has an heir for him.
0:22:49 > 0:22:54- He's delighted, because his mother's - curses sought to deny him an heir.
0:22:54 > 0:22:59- But her 'heir' is Gronw Pebyr, - not a baby at all.
0:22:59 > 0:23:04- I can picture him now, - placing his lips upon my lips.
0:23:04 > 0:23:09- He shall be a hunter. - His horn shall stir the deer.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13- I shall teach him - his father's accomplishments.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- How to throw a spear and a needle?
0:23:15 > 0:23:16- How to throw a spear and a needle?- - And row a boat...
0:23:16 > 0:23:17- And row a boat...
0:23:18 > 0:23:20- ..and make shoes for his mother...
0:23:20 > 0:23:24- ..so that she shall not walk - barefooted through the dew.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- The name 'Lleu' in itself - suggests something.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31- 'Lleu' means 'light' - - he's a sun god.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35- He still retains elements - of his former divinity.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- He's not easy to kill.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44- He must be placed in an extremely - strange situation.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- He must stand on a river bank - - between water and land...
0:23:51 > 0:23:52- ..that 'between' element.
0:23:53 > 0:23:58- He must place one foot on a trough, - or bath - cleanliness.
0:23:58 > 0:24:04- And his other foot must rest on a - billy goat's back - uncleanliness.
0:24:04 > 0:24:06- He wears trousers but no shirt.
0:24:06 > 0:24:11- He's not within a building - but there's a roof above him.
0:24:11 > 0:24:15- There's a series - of 'in-between' situations.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20- And when all's said and done, - he doesn't get killed.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22- He turns into an eagle.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- What happens there?
0:24:24 > 0:24:27- He turns into another aspect - of himself.
0:24:27 > 0:24:32- The eagle was a creature - sacred to the sun god.
0:24:33 > 0:24:35- SCREAMS
0:24:54 > 0:24:58- The eagle shelters - in an old oak tree.
0:24:59 > 0:25:02- Trees had special significance - for the Celts.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- They had their own magical - and sacred qualities.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12- It's not by accident - that the eagle shelters in an oak.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18- He is in a sacred space - until he is taken from there.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27- SCREAMS
0:25:43 > 0:25:45- Llech Gronw - 'Gronw's Stone'.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49- Lleu and Gronw - stand on the river bank.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53- Lleu holds a spear, - and Gronw stands here.
0:25:53 > 0:25:58- And Gronw says, "Because I was - deceived by Blodeuwedd's wiles...
0:26:00 > 0:26:04- "..let me place this stone - that we see beside the river...
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- "..between me and the spear."
0:26:07 > 0:26:12- Lleu agrees. He throws his spear, - which goes through the stone...
0:26:12 > 0:26:14- ..and breaks Gronw's spine.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16- He's killed instantly.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- There's lots of conjecture - concerning locations and so on.
0:26:21 > 0:26:26- But here, there's a stone with - a hole through it, beside a river.
0:26:26 > 0:26:29- What more could you expect?
0:26:30 > 0:26:31- HE GRUNTS
0:26:45 > 0:26:47- As film makers...
0:26:47 > 0:26:52- ..we sometimes have to change or - adapt aspects of the original text.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57- Perhaps those who told these stories - did the same.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01- I like to believe we're simply - perpetuating that tradition.
0:27:01 > 0:27:05- One prominent example - is when Lleu, at the end...
0:27:05 > 0:27:09- ..gets his chance - to take revenge on Gronw.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- In the original text, he throws - the spear and that's that.
0:27:13 > 0:27:18- But in our story, - he lifts the spear to throw it...
0:27:18 > 0:27:22- ..and then he decides - to be merciful to Gronw.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27- He turns away, but Gronw - throws a knife at him.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32- Lleu has to defend himself, - and that's how he kills Gronw.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51- At the end...
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- ..Blodeuwedd is transformed - into an owl by Gwydion.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57- That's very interesting.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- The author says it's in an owl's - nature to avoid daylight...
0:28:03 > 0:28:07- ..and that other birds - instinctively attack owls.
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- Gwydion!!
0:28:22 > 0:28:25- The punishment is appropriate...
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- ..because Blodeuwedd is originally - a creature of the sun...
0:28:29 > 0:28:30- ..created from flowers.
0:28:31 > 0:28:36- She was created to be beautiful, - but she's turned into an owl...
0:28:36 > 0:28:40- ..a bird of the night, - which doesn't show its face...
0:28:40 > 0:28:42- ..and which has no beauty.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- Blodeuwedd loses everything she has.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- Again, the owl happens to have - strong associations...
0:28:49 > 0:28:52- ..in the Celtic imagination.
0:28:53 > 0:28:58- The Celts regarded the owl - as a bird of the night...
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- ..associated with darkness - and misfortune.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05- There are a great many superstitions - concerning owls...
0:29:05 > 0:29:08- ..harbingers of death, and so on.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17- The final Branch finishes unhappily.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21- There is no future. - Lleu is all alone.
0:29:21 > 0:29:26- He has no hope of getting a wife - because of his mother's curse...
0:29:27 > 0:29:29- ..and no hope of an heir.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32- It's not like the other Branches.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34- It shows what can happen...
0:29:34 > 0:29:39- ..if people, especially the sexes, - fail to respect each other.
0:29:51 > 0:29:51- 888
0:29:51 > 0:29:53- 888- - 888
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- Every year in Wales, people gather - for a special pilgrimage.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01- It's an attempt...
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- ..to keep the mediaeval oral - storytelling tradition alive.
0:30:05 > 0:30:10- But where did these legends - originate? Who was their author?
0:30:10 > 0:30:15- We don't know who wrote - the Four Branches of the Mabinogi.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19- It's problematic when you're dealing - with an oral tradition.
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- Stories are passed on and everyone - makes little changes to them.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- Many people have tried to suggest - authors for the Four Branches.
0:30:35 > 0:30:40- If we could discover an author, - it would seem to confer status.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43- Some have suggested Sulien, - Bishop of St David's.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47- Sulien and his son - were literary people.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49- Sulien spent time in Ireland...
0:30:49 > 0:30:54- ..and of course, Ireland is involved - in the Second Branch.
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- His son, Rhygyfarch, wrote the - Latin version of 'Buchedd Dewi'...
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- ..about the life of St David.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03- We know he wrote.
0:31:03 > 0:31:07- But that doesn't mean - they wrote the Four Branches.
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- When you start talking - about copying...
0:31:10 > 0:31:14- ..you run into - a very difficult problem.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- Say, for example, - that a storyteller tells a story...
0:31:19 > 0:31:22- ..and someone tries - to write down this story.
0:31:22 > 0:31:27- He'd have to stop the storyteller - in order to catch up.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30- That would destroy the story.
0:31:32 > 0:31:37- Did the author have to learn - the story and then write it down?
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- Or had a storyteller - learned how to write?
0:31:42 > 0:31:47- I would think there'd be differences - between the story told orally...
0:31:48 > 0:31:50- ..and the written version.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54- Writing is a very slow - and laborious process.
0:31:55 > 0:32:00- Ultimately, it would interfere - with the words being spoken.
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- I believe that it was only - in the written form...
0:32:06 > 0:32:09- ..that all these episodes - were brought together.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14- I feel, with regard to models - in other countries...
0:32:14 > 0:32:18- ..that it was the episodes - that were important, orally.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- The story of Pwyll - visiting the Underworld...
0:32:21 > 0:32:24- ..the story of Pwyll wooing - and marrying Rhiannon.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29- I feel the author was the first - to bring them all together.
0:32:31 > 0:32:34- The Branches have been recorded - in manuscripts.
0:32:35 > 0:32:39- Thus they have been handed down - and interpreted throughout the ages.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43- Now begins another important episode - in our story.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47- The manuscripts are a vital part - of the Branches' history.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52- The earliest volume containing - all Four Branches of the Mabinogi...
0:32:53 > 0:32:55- ..is the White Book of Rhydderch...
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- ..which is kept in the - National Library in Aberystwyth.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03- It dates back - to the mid 14th century.
0:33:03 > 0:33:07- This manuscript was copied - for a man called Rhydderch...
0:33:07 > 0:33:09- ..who lived in Llangeitho.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- It was probably copied...
0:33:11 > 0:33:14- ..at the Cistercian abbey - of Strata Florida...
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- ..15 to 18 miles - east of Aberystwyth.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- The second volume - containing the complete version...
0:33:21 > 0:33:23- ..is the Red Book of Hergest...
0:33:24 > 0:33:27- ..which is owned - by Jesus College, Oxford.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- It's kept at the Bodleian Library - in Oxford.
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- The White Book - is a very important volume...
0:33:34 > 0:33:38- ..but it's not the earliest record - of the Four Branches.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- A manuscript dating - from the late 13th century...
0:33:42 > 0:33:44- ..contains two small fragments...
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- ..concerning the story of Branwen - and the story of Manawydan.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- Just a page each remain of these.
0:33:52 > 0:33:56- But they demonstrate a written - tradition for the Mabinogi...
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- ..that is much earlier - than the White Book.
0:34:01 > 0:34:05- Today, we have Four Branches - of the Mabinogi...
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- ..but was it three branches, - originally?
0:34:08 > 0:34:12- The boundary between the Second - and Third Branches is indistinct.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- The author seems to have difficulty - separating these two Branches...
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- ..and, of course, three - was an important, magical number...
0:34:20 > 0:34:22- ..in the mediaeval period.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- The Three Branches - of the Mabinogi, perhaps?
0:34:25 > 0:34:28- Or there may be branches missing.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32- In both the White Book - and the Red Book...
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- ..the copyist doesn't say, - "And so ends the Mabinogi."
0:34:36 > 0:34:38- With other stories...
0:34:38 > 0:34:43- ..you get, "And so ends the tale - of the Lady of the Fountain."
0:34:44 > 0:34:49- But there is no, "And so end - the Four Branches of the Mabinogi."
0:34:49 > 0:34:54- So I sometimes wonder whether there - are fifth, sixth, seventh branches.
0:34:56 > 0:34:57- Festivals throughout Wales...
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- ..perpetuate one of the nation's - most precious traditions...
0:35:01 > 0:35:03- ..storytelling.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- A short story to begin with.
0:35:06 > 0:35:11- You have a choice - a story about - a giant, or one about an old woman.
0:35:12 > 0:35:16- This is the second Dyffryn Conwy - Storytelling Festival.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18- It's a chance for everyone...
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- ..to hear all kinds of stories.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- "Oi! I want beer! I want wine!
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- "I want bread! I want meat!"
0:35:27 > 0:35:33- The people of Pontypridd looked out - of their windows and saw this giant.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37- "No! Go away, you great, big, - hairy, ugly giant!
0:35:38 > 0:35:42- If the audience showed great - interest in some particular part...
0:35:43 > 0:35:46- ..they would elaborate - on that part of the story.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50- And if the audience - showed no interest...
0:35:50 > 0:35:52- ..the story would be condensed.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- I would think that's what happened.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- The storyteller would react to his - audience as he told the story.
0:36:00 > 0:36:05- He was angry, he was furious, - he wanted to kill these people.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08- We're a group - of professional storytellers.
0:36:08 > 0:36:13- There's a link between us - and the storytellers of past ages.
0:36:13 > 0:36:17- There was just one bird left - - the owl.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20- In this festival, - we tell stories, of course.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24- There are trips along the river - and through woodlands.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- People can learn the art - of storytelling.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33- The other birds - were so cross with the owl...
0:36:33 > 0:36:37- ..they said, "Owl, - you are banished to the night!"
0:36:37 > 0:36:40- When these tales - were translated into English...
0:36:41 > 0:36:43- ..in the 19th century...
0:36:43 > 0:36:47- ..not just the Four Branches - but other mediaeval legends too...
0:36:47 > 0:36:51- ..eleven of them in all, - they needed a title.
0:36:51 > 0:36:55- '-ion' is a plural suffix in Welsh.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- 'Dyn' - 'Dynion'. - 'Marchog' - 'Marchogion'.
0:36:58 > 0:37:03- So the title 'Mabinogion' - was adopted as a label.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- In the manuscripts, it's practically - always written as 'Mabinogi'.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- Only in one instance - does 'Mabinogion' appear.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14- That might have been a misprint.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18- In the manuscript, another word - appears just before 'Mabinogion'...
0:37:18 > 0:37:20- ..the word 'dyledogion'.
0:37:20 > 0:37:25- The misprint may have arisen because - of confusion between the two words.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29- The '-ion' may have jumped down - to 'Mabinogion'.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- But the term 'Mabinogion', - though it may be incorrect...
0:37:33 > 0:37:35- ..has become very useful.
0:37:35 > 0:37:40- It's used to cover the Four Branches - and the other legends...
0:37:40 > 0:37:44- ..'Culhwch and Olwen,' 'The Dream - of Macsen,' 'The Three Romances'.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47- They all come under the title - 'Mabinogion'.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- Charlotte Guest was the first - to popularise the term.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56- She used it for her own translation - of the 'Mabinogion'...
0:37:56 > 0:37:58- ..in the mid 19th century.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- She belonged to that period...
0:38:02 > 0:38:06- ..when people rediscovered Arthur - and the Middle Ages.
0:38:07 > 0:38:08- She was an Englishwoman...
0:38:09 > 0:38:14- ..who came to Wales when she married - John Guest, the Dowlais ironmaster.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18- From the 1830s onwards, - she published her version...
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- ..of the Four Branches, - and other translations.
0:38:21 > 0:38:26- People have doubted how much of the - work she actually did herself.
0:38:26 > 0:38:31- Did she receive help from people - like John Jones ('Tegid')?
0:38:31 > 0:38:34- But, today, - people appreciate what she did.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37- Her texts are of a high standard.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39- Scholarly notes accompany them.
0:38:39 > 0:38:44- Her translations became popular - and improved these texts' status...
0:38:44 > 0:38:47- ..and the Welsh texts - consequently became popular.
0:38:47 > 0:38:49- Wales rediscovered them - through Charlotte Guest.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54- Very few titles were used - in the Middle Ages.
0:38:54 > 0:38:59- The opening words of a story - were normally used as a label.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03- We call the First Branch - 'Pwyll Pendefig Dyfed'...
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- ..because they're the first words.
0:39:05 > 0:39:09- But the Second Branch - opens with the words...
0:39:09 > 0:39:14- .."Bendigeidfran, son of Llyr, was - the crowned king of this island."
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- But in Lady Charlotte Guest's - translation...
0:39:17 > 0:39:21- ..the Second Branch is entitled - 'Branwen, daughter of Llyr'.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24- I wonder whether she sympathised - with Branwen.
0:39:25 > 0:39:29- Like Branwen, she had left - her own country.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- There's an entry in her diary...
0:39:32 > 0:39:37- ..where she mentions a house - the family owned in Sully.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43- He diary records her - looking out to sea in Sully...
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- ..and seeing someone - putting furniture in a boat...
0:39:48 > 0:39:50- ..and setting sail for England.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54- "And I sometimes wish - I were going with him."
0:39:55 > 0:39:58- There's a touch of - homesickness there.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- A few years before Charlotte Guest - started work on the Mabinogi...
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- ..an important archaeological - discovery was made in Anglesey.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13- A decision was made to excavate a - place reputed to be Branwen's grave.
0:40:14 > 0:40:18- And indeed, traces of cremated bones - were discovered there.
0:40:18 > 0:40:21- This news appeared in the press.
0:40:22 > 0:40:26- It's evident from her work that - Charlotte Guest knew about this.
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- The name Branwen - became quite well-known.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32- It must be one more reason...
0:40:32 > 0:40:37- ..why Charlotte Guest chose the name - Branwen for the Second Branch.
0:40:45 > 0:40:45- 888
0:40:45 > 0:40:46- 888- - 888
0:40:46 > 0:40:47- Despite their antiquity...
0:40:47 > 0:40:52- ..the Mabinogi have fired the - imaginations of people of all ages.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55- The are very popular - among children and young people.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58- Bendigeidfran told the boy...
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- .."Go and talk to your uncle."
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- And Gwern walked towards Efnisien, - and Efnisien bent down.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- And everyone else thought...
0:41:08 > 0:41:12- ..that Efnisien was going to whisper - into the boy's ear.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- But he bent down - and grabbed the boy's feet...
0:41:17 > 0:41:22- ..lifted him, whirled him around, - and threw him into the fire.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27- It's one thing for a child - to read a story himself.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31- But a story - told by a good storyteller...
0:41:31 > 0:41:35- ..can make it much more vivid - for a child.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37- It's an oral thing.
0:41:37 > 0:41:39- The task with the Mabinogi...
0:41:39 > 0:41:43- ..is to preserve the glory - of the oral recitation.
0:41:44 > 0:41:49- Ships raising their sails and - setting out over the sea to Ireland.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55- Unfortunately, we know little about - how these tales were performed.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00- After all, everyone told stories.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- In the Second Branch, Matholwch - accepts the Cauldron of Rebirth...
0:42:06 > 0:42:08- ..as compensation - from Bendigeidfran.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- And Matholwch tells Bendigeidfran - a story...
0:42:12 > 0:42:17- ..about how he himself received - the Cauldron in the first place.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22- He says, "Once upon a time, - I was out hunting."
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- That's a traditional formula - for beginning a story.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28- Telling tales was commonplace.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31- Is it a true story?
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- That's a great question. - Is it a true story?
0:42:36 > 0:42:38- There are three possibilities...
0:42:38 > 0:42:42- ..that it's totally false, totally - true, or somewhere in between.
0:42:43 > 0:42:45- Who thinks - it's somewhere in between?
0:42:46 > 0:42:48- Interesting.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52- There are some terribly violent - episodes in the Mabinogi.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- But they are not unsuitable - for children.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58- Some elements of violence - arouse our curiosity.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01- Why does Efnisien - do these awful things?
0:43:02 > 0:43:04- Go to your Uncle Efnisien.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- Despicable child - of a shameful union.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- You shall be the first Irishman - to burn.
0:43:13 > 0:43:17- This will settle your father, - once and for all!
0:43:17 > 0:43:19- SHOUTS AND SCREAMS
0:43:25 > 0:43:27- No! Not the fire!
0:43:28 > 0:43:29- Efnisien!
0:43:31 > 0:43:36- Efnisien is an interesting character - with a very dark side to him.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40- He's the story's catalyst - - he mutilates Matholwch's horses.
0:43:40 > 0:43:45- He kills his little nephew and - we can't see much reason for this.
0:43:45 > 0:43:50- But he turns out to be a hero - in the end.
0:43:50 > 0:43:55- He shatters the Cauldron - which is so dangerous to the Welsh.
0:44:00 > 0:44:03- For sake of the Isle of the Mighty!
0:44:12 > 0:44:17- Efnisien, a half-brother, is half - in the family and half outside it.
0:44:17 > 0:44:22- He's on the boundary, not quite in - or out, and so he's dangerous.
0:44:23 > 0:44:29- In the Four Branches, people try - to work out the right way to act...
0:44:29 > 0:44:33- ..while facing terrible calamities - or wonderful enchantments.
0:44:34 > 0:44:37- We can compare the stories - in the Mabinogi...
0:44:37 > 0:44:41- ..with the soap operas - we see on television today.
0:44:41 > 0:44:46- The old Celts obviously needed - a little spice in their lives...
0:44:46 > 0:44:48- ..during long, cold evenings.
0:44:49 > 0:44:54- They wanted to hear stories - about people behaving abominably.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57- Love, hate, unfaithfulness, - who was sleeping with who...
0:44:57 > 0:45:00- ..who takes revenge on who.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03- That's what people enjoy, - even today.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05- # SONG IN GAELIC #
0:45:21 > 0:45:26- The stories deal with things - that are strange and wondrous.
0:45:28 > 0:45:33- The strange and the wondrous still - appeal very strongly to people.
0:45:35 > 0:45:39- Though they are strange and - wondrous, they involve real people.
0:45:41 > 0:45:45- It's a combination - that's never out of fashion.
0:45:46 > 0:45:49- It has a cohesion - that belongs to true art.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52- # SONG IN GAELIC #
0:45:58 > 0:46:02- Animation is an excellent medium - for presenting the fantastic.
0:46:02 > 0:46:06- It's possible to show Bendigeidfran - as a huge man...
0:46:07 > 0:46:11- ..and when he gets angry, - he grows even bigger...
0:46:11 > 0:46:17- ..he becomes a giant who can walk - through the sea to Ireland.
0:46:20 > 0:46:21- We can create Blodeuwedd.
0:46:22 > 0:46:26- We can show the process - by which Blodeuwedd is created...
0:46:27 > 0:46:30- ..which isn't possible - in a stage play.
0:46:33 > 0:46:38- The Four Branches receive - a new lease of life and survival...
0:46:38 > 0:46:40- ..with this new animated film.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44- People will watch it - and react to it.
0:46:44 > 0:46:49- The Four Branches will also survive - so long as storytelling survives...
0:46:50 > 0:46:51- ..people tell these tales...
0:46:52 > 0:46:55- ..and as long as anyone reads them.
0:47:00 > 0:47:03- I've been working - on a new translation...
0:47:03 > 0:47:08- ..of the 11 tales of the Mabinogion, - and I'm really enjoying it.
0:47:08 > 0:47:12- I compare the way other people - have translated them...
0:47:12 > 0:47:14- ..Charlotte Guest, for example.
0:47:14 > 0:47:19- I'm trying to bring an oral feel - to this new translation.
0:47:20 > 0:47:24- These stories were originally - written in order to be read aloud.
0:47:30 > 0:47:34- They say that Tolkien - was inspired by the Mabinogi...
0:47:34 > 0:47:37- ..when he wrote - 'The Lord of the Rings'.
0:47:37 > 0:47:42- This material belongs to the nation - and it will always inspire.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45- These tales...
0:47:46 > 0:47:49- ..also appeal - to an ancient memory, possibly...
0:47:49 > 0:47:52- ..that is within us Welsh people.
0:47:52 > 0:47:57- Especially if you live in a place - associated with these legends.
0:47:58 > 0:48:01- Something very special - develops in such places.
0:48:01 > 0:48:06- You create a link between the - present and a wondrous old world.
0:48:07 > 0:48:11- Some of that wonder - comes through from that past...
0:48:11 > 0:48:12- ..via memory and imagination...
0:48:13 > 0:48:15- ..into the lives of people today.
0:48:18 > 0:48:20- The Four Branches of the Mabinogi...
0:48:21 > 0:48:24- ..are rooted in our landscape - and in our history.
0:48:24 > 0:48:28- They are an integral part - of our nation's mythology.
0:48:30 > 0:48:32- And what is a nation...
0:48:32 > 0:48:36- ..but the fruit of its people's - history and mythology?
0:48:38 > 0:48:41- This is what - secures our existence...
0:48:41 > 0:48:43- ..as children of the Welsh nation.
0:48:47 > 0:48:49- This is our heritage.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53- This is the foundation - for our future.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15- S4C subtitles by- TROSOL Cyf.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17