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What stories are included in the Mabinogion?

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An overview of the Irish language — Celtic literature Britannica editor Jeff Wallenfeldt provides an overview of the Irish language.

The Mabinogion is a collection of 11 medieval Welsh tales rooted in Celtic mythology and folklore. While the term itself is a misnomer derived from a scribal error, it serves as a convenient label for these anonymous narratives.1

The collection is categorized into three distinct groups:

The Four Branches of the Mabinogi

These four linked tales are considered the finest in the collection and center on the character Pryderi:12
* Pwyll Pendefig Dyfed (Pwyll Prince of Dyfed): Details the wooing of Rhiannon and the abduction of their son, Pryderi.2
* Branwen ferch Llŷr (Branwen Daughter of Llŷr): Recounts a tragic war between Britain and Ireland.2
* Manawydan fab Llŷr (Manawydan Son of Llŷr): Follows the survivors of the previous war as they combat an enchantment.2
* Math fab Mathonwy (Math Son of Mathonwy): A complex tale involving magic and the death of Pryderi.2

The Four Independent Native Tales

These stories show minimal Continental influence:1
* Culhwch and Olwen
* Lludd and Llefelys
* The Dream of Macsen
* The Dream of Rhonabwy

The Three Romances

These tales parallel the French romances of Chrétien de Troyes:1
* Owein (or The Lady of the Fountain)
* Geraint and Enid
* Peredur Son of Efrawg