Mention cloaks that can make you invisible, dishes that fill themselves with any food you could wish for, magic cauldrons or chess pieces that move by themselves, and most 21st century listeners would think of the Harry Potter books and films.
If, however, you spoke of these objects in medieval Wales, listeners would instead think of Tri Thlws ar Ddeg Ynys Brydain, literally ‘the Three Treasures and Ten of the Island of Britain’. And instead of Harry Potter you might recall the names of Rhydderch Hael, Gwyddno Garanhir and … Arthur.
What were these magical treasures, who owned them and what stories did they conjure up?¹
Continue reading “Thirteen treasures”
Pendragonry 