The Mabinogion (Penguin Classics)

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Summary: Name those names, please!
Review: A major feature of these tales is the listing of characters, often major players in different tales. What makes these lists fun are names like Unig Strong Should, Iddig son of Anarawd Curly Hair, and Wlch Bone Lip. Gantz, however, neglects the translation of many the names. For a reading public unaccustomed to 3-page lists, this little joy adds to the experience without taking away from the authority of the translation.

Rating:
Summary: Put down that Tolkein!
Review: And pick up the Mabinogion! Lots of captivating stories that lie as close to the roots of the Legends of King Arthur, etc, as we can get. Not the lightest read ever, but often compelling. The introductions to the book as a whole, and each of it's sections, are thoughtful, informative, and reasonably short.

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Summary: Strange Tales
Review: The Mabinogion is a collection of ancient Welsh mythlogical tales. The first four stories, called the four branches of Mabinogi, form a coherent cycle. The Mabinogion also contains several pseudo-historical tales, ans several early Arthurian stories. The earliest Arthurian tale ever written(Culhwch and Olwen)is contained in this volume. The Mabinogion takes place in a bizzare mythological world filled with dragons, demons, and faries. Overall, a fascinating read. Well worth a purchase.

Rating:
Summary: Mabinogion
Review: This is a good translation of the Welsh epic, but readers may wish to compare by reading Patrick Ford's translation which I find more lively.

Rating:
Summary: No Cerridwen
Review: This translation leaves out the Story of Gwion Bach (Taliesin) which may be historically acurate--but no fun indeed. Otherwise exellent.