Pagan Portals - Gwyn ap Nudd - Wild god of Faery, Guardian of Annwfn: Wild god of Faery, Guardian of Annwfn

by Danu Forest

Gwyn, the bright god of the Brythonic underworld Annwfn and Faery king of the wild Welsh spirits, the twlwyth teg, is an ancient and mysterious figure. His tales are scattered through oral folklore and across medieval Welsh literature, a depository of our ancient god-tales. Said to dwell within the legendary glass castle in Glastonbury Tor, as well as the black mountains of Wales, he is both a figure of romance and fear. A dark lover through the winter months, leader of the wild hunt, and guardian of the dead. He is the ancient companion of bards and visionaries through the initiatory journey to the depths of the Celtic Underworld, in search of the Goddess of the land herself. With a close look at traditional magic and lore as well as practical exercises, Gwyn ap Nudd is an essential guide for all those who seek wisdom from the darkness and wild communion with the sovereignty of the land.

• ISBN10: 1785356291
• ISBN13: 9781785356292
• Publish Date: 27 October 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Imprint: John Hunt Publishing
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 128
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Gwyn ap Nudd by Danu Forest from John Hunt publishing is part of the Pagan Portals series. It's a practical well researched history and magical meditation guide. It's written in a clear and understandable manner, well laid out in an easy to follow, logical format.

Each of the chapters conclude with two or more practical exercises to increase the reader's awareness and spiritual growth. These are short practical guides which the reader can apply to his/her own life.

The book begins with an introduction and background. The second - fifth chapters retell and expand on Gwyn ap Nudd in story and song down through the ages, including the Mabinogion and the wild hunt. Each of the chapters includes exercises for further exploration.

The author's voice is soothing and easy to follow.
A quote:

Seek him in the reflections of starlight upon deep still water, and when you hear an owl screech in the night, or see the geese fly overhead on winter evenings … know that he is close. Close your eyes and feel the air on your skin, the promise of things unseen just a breath away.

The author is also a poetess and it shows in her careful gentle use of language. The book is very soothing and enjoyable to read, whatever the reader's belief system and motivation in choosing to read it.

The book is well researched enough to be appropriate support material for readers interested in the early pagan beliefs and oral traditions of the early British Isles as well as those interested in meditation and self exploration and internal spiritual growth.

An interesting and unusual read.

Four stars for the moving and lovely prose.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.