Place of Origin: Wales
Origin Date: Ancient times, exact dates unknown
Domain: The Otherworld, death, magic
Symbols: Stag, cauldron, and hunting hounds
Attributes: Control over the dead, magic, and the supernatural
Epithets: "Lord of Annwn," "King of the Otherworld"
Equivalents: Similar to the Greek god Hades.
Religion: Celtic Paganism
Sacred Texts: The Mabinogion
Iconography: Often depicted as a regal figure, sometimes with hunting hounds or a cauldron
Relations: Ally of Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed
Description
Arawn is a prominent deity in Welsh mythology, known as the King of Annwn, the Otherworld. He is associated with the realm of the dead, magic, and the supernatural. Arawn is often depicted as a powerful and enigmatic figure who rules over a paradisiacal Otherworld that contrasts with the mortal world. He plays a significant role in the First Branch of the Mabinogion, where he forms a bond with Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed.
Narratives
The First Branch of the Mabinogi: Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed
Original Title: "Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed"
Arawn is introduced as the king of Annwn, the Otherworld. Pwyll, the prince of Dyfed, accidentally trespasses into Annwn while hunting and disrupts Arawn's hounds. To atone for this, Pwyll agrees to exchange places with Arawn for a year and a day, during which he must defeat Arawn's rival, Hafgan. This story establishes the friendship between Pwyll and Arawn, which has lasting effects in Welsh mythology.
The Gift of the Pigs
Original Title: "Math fab Mathonwy"
In the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, Arawn's connection to Pwyll's family continues. Arawn gifts Pwyll's son, Pryderi, with magical pigs from Annwn. These pigs are later stolen by Gwydion, leading to a series of events that culminate in Pryderi's death and the restoration of peace between Dyfed and Gwynedd.
Worship Beliefs and Practices
Core Beliefs
Arawn is revered as the King of Annwn, the Otherworld in Welsh mythology. Followers believe that Arawn governs the realm of the dead and oversees the passage of souls from the mortal world to the Otherworld. He is seen as a powerful and enigmatic figure who maintains balance between life and death and holds sway over magical and supernatural forces. Arawn is often depicted as a regal and just ruler, embodying qualities of wisdom, leadership, and mystery.
Attributes and Significance
King of the Otherworld: Arawn's primary role is as the ruler of Annwn, the Otherworld, where souls of the dead reside.
Guide of Souls: He is believed to guide souls to the Otherworld and ensure their safe passage.
Magic and Supernatural: Arawn holds control over magic and supernatural forces, often associated with the night, the moon, and the mystical.
Justice and Leadership: Arawn is depicted as a fair and just ruler, maintaining order and balance in his realm.
Worship Practices
Rituals and Ceremonies: Devotees perform rituals to honor Arawn, often involving offerings of dark-colored items such as black stones, feathers, and bones. These rituals may be conducted at night, under the moonlight, to invoke Arawn's presence and seek his guidance.
Festivals: Arawn's feast day is celebrated on Samhain (October 31st), which marks the transition between the light and dark halves of the year. This festival includes ceremonies that honor the dead, the Otherworld, and the turning of the seasons. Bonfires and feasting are common practices during this time.
Prayers and Invocations: Followers may offer prayers and invocations to Arawn, seeking his protection, guidance, and assistance in matters of magic and the supernatural. These prayers are often recited in sacred groves or other natural settings.
Symbolic Representations: Symbols associated with Arawn, such as the stag, cauldron, and hunting hounds, are often used in rituals and decorations to invoke his presence and attributes.
Traditions
Samhain Celebrations: Samhain is a key festival for honoring Arawn, where the veil between the mortal world and the Otherworld is believed to be thinnest. Devotees hold ceremonies to communicate with the spirits of the dead and seek Arawn's blessings.
Offerings to the Dead: As part of worship practices, followers may leave offerings for the spirits of the dead, including food, drink, and symbolic items, to honor their memory and seek Arawn's guidance in their journey.
Nighttime Rituals: Rituals dedicated to Arawn are often performed at night, under the moonlight, to connect with his mystical and supernatural aspects. These rituals may include chanting, drumming, and the lighting of candles or lanterns.