The ancient myths of the Mabinogi often feel inaccessible and alien, but they contain rich, ancient lore and were probably teaching stories. Some aspects of them date back to Celtic prehistory and beyond, and yet they continue to hold profound story-medicine for us today.

In this third Tuesday evening salon, we'll get to know Branwen and her brother, the great giant and king of all Prydein, Bendigeidfran. Their raven nature is in their names: Bran-wen ~ white/sacred/pure/blessed raven, and Bendigeid-fran ~ blessed raven. Why ravens? Might it be some remembrance of ancient war deities or totems at work? And it's not just ravens; the Second Branch is alive with birds: the starling that Branwen tames and the otherworldly birds of Rhiannon, too - why?

During the evening, Angharad will offer different ways of understanding these bird associations - from literary, mythological, archaeological and cultural perspectives. Then, it's over to you…