From Rhiannon’s Horse to Owain’s Lion: Human-Animal Relationships in the Mabinogion

Abstract

This thesis discusses the human-animal relationships in the Mabinogion, with emphasis on the differences between normal and supernatural animals. For the purpose of this research, a catalogue was created to sort the animals into clearly defined relationship categories. These categories are based on the framework provided by The Beast Within: Animals in the Middle Ages, modifying or adding to it where necessary.