Finding Lost Gods in Wales

Since the late 19th century, scholars have thought the poetry and stories of medieval Wales, gathered in manuscripts such as the Red Book of Hergest and the Book of Taliesin, represent stories about pagan gods and goddesses – but recently this has been challenged. These books deal with magic and enchantment and contain vivid characters such as Rhiannon, the proud and wilful Arianrhod, the beautiful and treacherous flower-maiden Blodeuwedd, the decent and vulnerable Lleu Llaw Gyffes, and the supreme bard Taliesin.

A lecture by Ronald Hutton recorded on 26 April 2023 at David Game College, London.

The transcript and downloadable versions of the lecture are available from the Gresham College website:

[jessicalinn]

I wish Prof Hutton had his own show every week. I would watch hours and hours worth. His knowledge and delivery are an example in excellence

[Tymbus]

"What baffles us as scholars may be a gift to us as artists" Wonderful and true.

[authormichellefranklin]

It's a great day when there's a new lecture from Prof. Hutton. Thank you!

[emmahowells]

As a Welsh person, thanks for this lecture on Welsh culture, you welsh pronunciation it's not bad actually. Im a proud welsh woman and will always be.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[tinsolder]

The best academic lecture I have heard about Welsh literature. I lived in Wales for 17 years. I love the Welsh.

[crashrr]

Never thought I’d be listening to a lecture on Welsh gods… but here I am, and glad of it!

[mervyit]

So incredibly important to have lectures like this available to the public, especially at a time when certain groups and ill informed people are seeking to rewrite history to suit their own narrative through social media propaganda and pressure groups.

[Shineon]

Prof. Hutton has true encyclopedic knowledge —-LISTEN to him answer audience questions with such incredible specificity : dates, ancillary characters, etc.

A truly GIFTED SCHOLAR ❤

[carolynellis]

This is an amazing lecture as I'm Welsh and never got taught this in school.

[Arianrhod]

What a treat to hear such an interesting lecture about Wales. We are so often overlooked. The head of Bran is buried on a hill called Twm Barlwm near where I live, it's protected by a swarm of bees. That's what everyone around here believes anyway.
Diolch yn fawr Professor Hutton.

[WickedFelina]

The entire lecture, is one example of why I LOVE Professor Hutton so much! Thank you!

[alanblight]

The great and most esteemed professor Hutton, delivers another broadside to the good ship ‘ misconception’ thanks

[jesseschwendiman]

The way he speaks, him and people like Tolkien (I've heard his voice on tape from a reading he did in the 60s) just the rise and fall of his voices tempo. Captivating. I would love to attend a lecture of his.

[daydays]

Wonderful talk with such love of Welsh culture. Thank you.

[KernowekTim]

As a Cornishman, it is sometimes upsetting to realise that a majority of people think of us as 'English' per se. England over-ran Cornwall many years ago, eroding the Cornish identity to a larger extent. Our Cornish language has, to most intents and purposes, been replaced by the English language. This is the 'way of things'. However, contrary to popular belief, many Cornish folk of the older generation have never seen ourselves as 'English', merely somewhat 'Anglicised' by the numerically more prevalent Anglo-Saxons (English). Now here is an example of our differing identities. Quite recently, the Neo-Cornish language was re-introduced, as part of the curriculum, in certain Cornish educational facilities. "Nothing new there", I hear some say, but here's a thing. In the far South West of Cornwall, there is still, and always has been, a nucleus of us who speak the original Brythonnic, Cornish language. As a former miner, I have worked along-side men from the Penwith part of Cornwall, who are a part of these speakers of the Cornish language proper. Also, unlike the lowland Scots and English, we older generation Cornish have never spoke of witches, we speak of, "The little people": The Piskies. These are but two examples of a seperate identity structure that sets 'us' apart. Please do not get me wrong, I am no 'Cornish Nationalist, bristling with a self-righteous indignacy toward the 'English heathen', as my Grand-mother used to refer to the "Sowson". My wife is an Englishwoman, though the rest of my relations are of Breton, Welsh and Irish Republican decent. I am simply making a legitimate observation, which may, or may not, give rise to future exploration by Professor Ronald Hutton. "Piskies, Quoits and Fogus", say I and I.

[scathatch]

The clarity of delivery and elegance of structure in Hutton's erudite analysis offers the listener an almost magical experience. A fascinating and intensely absorbing lecture. What a wonderful scholar he is.

[ObservantMom]

This lecture is one of the greats. I'd watch him any time.

[FelixIakhos]

Insightful, witty, succinct and poetic at the same time. Excellent talk.

[chrislines]

A wonderful lecture - a case where the supporting text slides were not needed because the speech was so clear and well delivered. Thank you.

[jonweber..]

Professor Hutton, always a delight. Never disappoints!