Printable Coloring Pages
The Mabinogion Coloring Pages
Welcome to our Mabinogion coloring pages section!
Discover the captivating world of Welsh mythology and folklore with this collection inspired by the Mabinogion. Journey through these timeless tales filled with magic, legendary heroes, and mythical creatures that bring to life the enchanting landscape of medieval Wales. Explore scenes that capture the spirit of these ancient stories, from the legendary court of King Arthur to the mystical forests where shape-shifters roam. Each coloring page is an invitation to discover the vibrant heritage and imaginative legacy of the Mabinogion.
The Mabinogion is a collection of medieval Welsh tales, often regarded as some of the oldest and most significant works of literature in the Welsh language. The tales draw from a deep well of Celtic mythology, history, and folklore, blending these elements into a narrative that provides insight into the culture and beliefs of medieval Wales.
The collection primarily consists of eleven tales and is divided into four branches, known as the "Four Branches of the Mabinogi." These branches follow a loose narrative involving noble families, heroes, and magical creatures across Wales and the British Isles. They include themes of magic, romance, betrayal, and the supernatural, woven together in a way that often mirrors the Arthurian legends.
Beyond the four branches, other stories in the Mabinogion feature legendary figures such as King Arthur, Taliesin, and Owain. They encompass a wide range of styles, from epic narratives to shorter, fable-like tales, providing a rich tapestry of storytelling that has influenced Welsh literature and beyond for centuries.
Here are some of the notable characters from the Mabinogion:
- Pwyll: The Prince of Dyfed, known from the First Branch of the Mabinogion. He is involved in various adventures, including an exchange of places with Arawn, the ruler of the Otherworld.
- Rhiannon: A powerful and mystical woman, Rhiannon is the wife of Pwyll and mother of Pryderi. She plays a significant role in the First Branch.
- Pryderi: The son of Pwyll and Rhiannon, Pryderi is featured in multiple branches of the Mabinogion. He is a brave warrior and the king of Dyfed. Pryderi is miraculously returned to Pwyll and Rhiannon after being abducted as a baby. Picture him as a child wrapped in fine cloth, being joyfully received by his parents in a lush, magical landscape.
- Bran the Blessed (Bendigeidfran): A giant king known for his wisdom and leadership, Bran is a central figure in the Second Branch. He leads the Britons in a campaign to rescue his sister Branwen.
- Branwen: The sister of Bran and a tragic figure in the Second Branch. She is married off to the King of Ireland, leading to conflict and tragedy.
- Manawydan: The brother of Bran the Blessed, featured prominently in the Third Branch. He marries Rhiannon and undergoes a series of trials. Manawydan had excellent skills as a craftsman. Imagine a scene of him working as a craftsman surrounded by tools and materials.
- Llwyd ap Cil Coed: A magician and antagonist in the Third Branch. He curses Rhiannon and Pryderi, causing them to disappear.
- Gwydion: A magician, warrior, and trickster, Gwydion is a key figure in the Fourth Branch, known for his cunning and magical abilities.
- Arianrhod: Gwydion's sister, who plays a central role in the Fourth Branch. She is the mother of Lleu Llaw Gyffes.
- Lleu Llaw Gyffes: The son of Arianrhod and one of the main characters in the Fourth Branch. He is a skilled warrior and undergoes trials to prove himself worthy of his heritage.
- Arawn: The King of Annwn, the Otherworld. He appears in the First Branch where he swaps places with Pwyll for a year.
- Math fab Mathonwy: The king of Gwynedd in the Fourth Branch. He is a powerful magician and a significant figure in Welsh mythology.
- Macsen Wledig (Prince Macsen): Featured in "The Dream of Macsen Wledig," part of the Mabinogion. Macsen Wledig, a Roman emperor based on the historical Magnus Maximus, dreams of a beautiful maiden in a distant land and embarks on a quest to find her. His journey takes him to Wales, where he marries Elen, who becomes known for her command of armies and the construction of roads across the land.
