Gwyn ap Nudd
Ancient British God & Hero
Our experience of ‘the lover’ may be someone who is in the full throes of a romance. The heart is open for everyone to see, the exposure is both ardent and vulnerable. We may look on in envy if we are not a participant. Alternatively we may look away if we find bleeding hearts tiresome or embarrassing. We might even wonder if we are witnessing a fever or madness that must surely pass when the 'honeymoon period' is over.
Beneficial to creation, the energy conveyed in love is somehow mysteriously timeless. Often lovers require little sleep as the need to be fully participant overrides recovery. What is there to rest from when every moment must be savoured. All else may take second place whilst in the pursuit of the beloved nothing more can occupy the mind, even when apart.
In the Black Book of Carmarthen, Gwyn describes himself to Gwyddno Garranhir as 'the lover of Creiddylad, the daughter of Lludd’. Likewise in the Mabinogion, he is described as the twin rival of Gwythyr son of Greidawl for the same beautiful woman. She who is 'the maiden of most majesty that was ever in the island of Britain' and who Gwyn and Gwythyr fight for each May 'until the day of doom'. As there can be no end to desire there can be no gain in victory.
Because love is an opportunity fuelled by desire we may take risks in the pursuit of one thing above all else, however, in our quest for love we could be more careful. To be less self possessed and more preservative of our relationships may enable our pursuit of passions without neglect or damage of others. The reward for our self development can secure stronger bonds of trust and respect.
As you proceed with this part of the Gwynvyd Method you will work with Gwyn, the Lover, to become more aware of how you care and consider others around you. To begin, you will:
1. complete a task with no assistance.
2. answer a series of questions honestly.
As the work you do is personal to your development it must be undertaken personally. The questions that are asked of you must therefore be asked of yourself.
The Task:
The Task is in two parts:
1. Please click on the following link and read the ancient British story of Gwyn and Creiddylad.
The Tale of Gwyn & Creiddylad
2. The love story you have just read is an allegory of several narratives. Each have a similar representation in other world mythologies, ie:
a. In Greek mythology, the story of Hades and Demeter for Persephone is countered in Gwyn and Gwythur’s rivalry for Creiddylad.
b. In Egyptian mythology, the story of the sibling gods - Isis, Osiris and his rival, Seth is countered in Gwyn being the brother of Creiddylad and rival of Gwythur. As twin combatants for one half of the year, Gwythur and Gwyn represent polarities of light and dark/summer and winter/Oak King & Holly King/etc.
In addition, there are some specific generalisations which occur in modern literature, films and television story lines, ie:
that true love lasts forever.
that the determined never yield.
that all things are negotiable.
Because the interpretation of any story is based on our developed concept of values, these can be influenced by time as well as our cultural perception, resulting in one tale having many meanings. As like a story that can change with time, our expression of love can alter its meaning. We can look for love from a varied premise of expectations, we may be influenced by what others think and we may have ideas of our own.
When you are ready please ask yourself one of the following five questions. Allow yourself time to become conscious of your answer.
The Questions:
1. Am I in love?
Do you think of someone all the time? Do you believe you care considerably for another?
When we are attracted to someone and have feelings that confuse us we may be in love. The difference between love and attraction is that the first will usually last longer and can completely alter our lives. Could you change your life for another? Could you consider another in your future plans?
Love conquers all when it conquers the mind.
2. Am I love's greatest cynic?
Do you think love can't last? Do you believe people who love are insecure and needy?
If we have been disappointed in love or witnessed the sad end of another’s relationship we may feel it is a non permanent condition best avoided. However, a negative judgment that influences our behaviour could be preventing us from finding happiness. Could you experience each relationship as unique? Could you take each day as it comes and not worry about tomorrow?
If we live by the moment we deal with we might take better care of it.
3. Am I a good lover?
Do you think you are attentive to another’s needs? Do you hurt when another is hurting?
If we are happy or sad when a loved one is we are being observant of their feelings and responding similarly, even if the emotional cause is not affecting us directly. To be the recipient of shared feeling can make us feel comforted and more comfortable in another’s company. We can feel more affectionate in how we treat each other and in terms of what we say. Could you be more aware of how another is feeling? Could you find other ways to be more attentive?
Attention to little things can make a single thing greater.
4. Am I lovable?
Do you feel no one could love you? Do you think only the cute or clever are adorable?
If we feel we are not good enough we are possibly our worse judge of character. We are unlikely to be worthy of consideration if we cannot value ourselves. Could you exchange your self depreciation for self love? Could you accept your natural state as precious because it is real?
Behind every painted veil is a real beauty.
5. Am I looking for love?
Do you know what you want to offer to a relationship? Do you know what you want from somebody else?
If our experience of love comes and leaves us too quickly, it may be that we are not ready to receive it, however if love was personified as a beautiful visitor we might use all ways of encouragement to prolong their stay. Could you be more realistic in your expectations of others? Could you identify your interests as ones that might be shared?
Occasionally what we are looking was already there.
Well done! You may continue to explore the subject of love by asking your own questions or you can return to this area again later. Alternatively, you can now enter another area of the Gwynvyd Method.
Reference Sources/Links