............................		What follows is the original introduction to Lady Charlotte Guest's translation of The Mabinogion, followed by the original contents. Originally published in three volumes, it was later combined into one.



TO IVOR AND MERTHYR

My Dear Children,

Infants as you yet are, I feel that I cannot dedicate more fitly than to you these venerable relics of ancient lore, and I do so in the hope of inciting you to cultivate the Literature of "Gwyllt Walia,"1 in whose beautiful language you are being initiated, and amongst whose free montains you were born.

May you become early imbued with the chivalrous and exhalted sense of honour, and the fervent patriotism for which its sons have ever been celebrated.

May you learn to emulate the noble qualities of Ivor Hael, and ht a firm attachment to your Native Country, which distinguished that Ivor Bach, after whom the elder of you was named.

I am,
Your affectionate Mother,
C. E. GUEST


Dowlais, August 29th, 1838

VOL I:

I. The Lady of the Fountain
II. Peredur
III. The Dream of Rhonabwy

VOL II

I. Geraint
II. Kilhwch and Enid
III. The Dream of Maxen

VOL III

I. Pwyll Lord of Dyfed
II. Branwen Daughter of Llyr
III. Manawyddan Son of Llyr
IV. Math son of Mathonwy
V. Lludd and Llefelys
VI. Taliesin



1. "Gwyllt Walia": lit. "Wild Wales"--a phrase found in the poem "The Four Pillars of Song," the final poem in the story "Taliesin":

Their Lord they will praise,
Their speech they will keep,
Their land they will lose,
Except wild Walia. [Wales]

...

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