Woven Words, Tells Of Tales And Purveyed Parables

Celtic burial and funeral rites, along with the customs of an Irish wake are probably not normally read about on Christmas Eve. But then again I have never claimed to be normal!

In that reading though, somewhere along the way, I found the name of "Taliesin" mentioned. He was a Welsh Bard of the 6th century. And since I do have some Welsh, along with Irish, blood in my veins too, I have become interested in some of his works such as the "Book of Taliesin" ("Llyfr Taliesin"), to which I found digital access to. And speaking of books, I have found another book that I hope to one day add to my ever slow growing "Little Library of Irish Books". That book is titled "Radiant Brow - The Epic of Taliesin" written by H. Catherine (Cat) Watling.

She writes on her website, "In early oral cultures bards were both entertainers and carriers of tribal memory and wisdom. Their minds were the libraries, the digital storage of their day. As performers they inspired the community in an age when life was short and brutal, their words bringing escapism, and immortal fame for those whose deeds they recounted. Their power was so great it was regarded as magical, and the bard was honoured even above kings.

However, the names of very few ancient bards have come down to us. So why was Taliesin remembered? He must have been special, uniquely gifted.

When I started thinking about writing a historical novel, he stepped out of the mist of ages and my relationship with him began. Fascinated by his work and legend, I wanted to bring him to wider attention, and to explore who this man was.

Beyond the fantastical ‘Hanes Taliesin’ (‘Story of Taliesin’) found in Lady Charlotte Guest’s translation of the ‘Mabinogion’, and a collection of mysterious poems attributed to the bard, there exists a historical figure who flourished in the sixth century, whose eulogies, or praise poems, still survive.

My fictionalized character is evoked from these sources. Whilst writing, there were times when I thought ‘so that is what really happened’ as scenes appeared to my inner eye like news footage of the Dark Ages. It felt strange as I snapped back to reality, reminding myself that the ‘insight’ was merely imagination.

‘Radiant Brow – the Epic of Taliesin’ tells the tale of Taliesin’s quest for identity as he rises in prestige to become Primary Chief Bard of Britain. Abandoned by his natural mother and taken in by the royal clan of Gwynedd, throughout his life he remains an outsider: both revered and alienated. At first he is driven by a need to prove himself, but guided by his muse, the goddess Ceridwen, he directs his powers to the cause of his people as they fight Anglo-Saxon encroachment. Increasingly, this dedication brings conflict, compromising his personal relationships and demanding a degree of sacrifice which almost destroys him.

In the novel, his struggle shows the emotional weight of holding great power whilst haunted by an underlying insecurity, and the price that he must pay to follow his destiny."

I too have a "fictionalized character", Tallen Cyenns is his name. He invites you to an adventure in the medieval days that is filled with woven words, tells of tales and purveyed parables. Tallen has even written of Taliesin, as well as his own life, in the "Scrolls of Taloned Claws".

Some of the other books that I would also like to add to that ever slow growing "Little Library of Irish Books" are "Robert the Bruce: Steps to the Empty Throne" by Nigel Tranter, "How the Irish Won the American Revolution: A New Look at the Forgotten Heroes of Americas War of Independence" by Phillip Thomas Tucker, "Ireland: A Novel" by Frank Delaney, "The Way It Was: An Irish Immigrant's adventures that led him on his journey from Ireland to find his home" by Malachy Donoghue, "The Irish at Gettysburg" by Phillip Thomas Tucker, "White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America" by Don Jordan and Michael Walsh, "The Birth of the Fenian Movement: American Diary" by James Stephens, "Out of the Ice: Ireland Then and Now" by John A. Brennan.

Reading stories from others and writing mine own can be very Rewarding, Educational, Satisfying and Therapeutical. A great way to R-E-S-T on this Christmas Day with tidings of comfort and joy!