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Taliesin in Modern Poetry

Many modern poets have found the awen in Taliesin’s myth, not just in Wales but also beyond. Simon Lilly and Chris Martin are two such wordsmiths who have thrown themselves willingly into the cauldron. In this wide rangeing discussion we hear them read their own Taliesin-inspired poetry, and talk through some of the more powerful visions we find in this eternally abundant myth.

If you want to know more about these two brilliant poets, you can find them online at https://simonhlilly.com and https://www.chrismartinpoet.com

This is a podcast only, click on the image or follow this link.

The Blessings of the Táin

The Táin Bó Cuailnge, often simply called the Táin, is one of the most important Irish myths, and perhaps even one of the most important in Europe, with some claiming that it’s the earliest surviving epic in Western vernacular literature.

You can listen to this episode as a podcast here.​

The Táin 9 week course begins on Sunday, 14th of January.

Myth Mountain Podcast

This is a new podcast my wife and I will be making over the next few months. If you want to hear more, please search for the Myth Mountain podcast on your favourite platform and subscribe. You can find us on ⁠Spotify here.⁠

This podcast explores many of the ideas behind ⁠the Myth Mountain programme that you can find here.⁠

“Join Lucy and Gwilym as they unpack why we are compelled by myths, what role they play in enriching our lives, why we are drawn to the myths of our ancestral lands and how this gives us a sense of the sacred. Sharing personal stories and their experience of being in the wild, vision quest and connection to place.”

Is Taliesin a god?

The answer may not be what you think . . . I also respond to a question about the apparent difference between myth and folklore. This is an edited version of a talk I gave for Druids Down Under.

You can also listen as a podcast here.

If you want to learn more about Taliesin’s myth, I recently published a book, Taliesin Origins.

“Few authors are able to discuss the original Taliesin myth in as much depth as Dr Gwilym Morus-Baird. As a native Welsh speaker and scholar he has studied the Welsh bardic tradition from the inside, and able to give readers insights few others have even guessed at.

In this groundbreaking exploration, Dr Gwilym Morus-Baird tells the many tales behind the story and draws out the deeper meanings of the original myth. As one of the most complete studies of the greatest Celtic bard in print, this book is a must-have for anyone seriously studying Celtic myth, be they students, researchers, druids or pagans. It reveals the ancient roots of Taliesin’s myth in the Celtic tradition, and interprets many of the symbols, themes and meanings embedded in this important tale.

The book presents new insights not only into Taliesin himself, but also the central figure of Ceridwen, the ancient symbol of her cauldron, the mystical relationship between awen and Annwfn, and how all of these elements relate to the Welsh bardic tradition.”

From students past and present:

“… a scholarly honouring of the magical and otherworldly nature of the Celts.” – Professor Susan Pryor, Tamna University.

“His work is of incalculable value … from the clarity of his explanations and beyond to the countless associations he invites and stimulates.” – Associate Professor Valeria Rodriguez Van Dam, Universidad de Buenos Aires

“ … fundamental for any exploration into Celtic myths and the meaning behind them.” – Dr Gary Llewellyn, Scientist, Neo Druid & Storyteller

“His work … goes to the inner most aspects of Celtic culture that otherwise would seem impossible to penetrate.” – Luke Huw Llewellyn, Welsh Folklore Student & Musician

“He brings the full essence and depth of Welsh mythology into modern times … he has the utmost respect for the original sources and adheres to them as he teaches.” – Kate Cowie Riley, Poet and Writer

“Taliesin and other great poets spring back to life again in his voice. I have learned more from him than I can ever express.” – Dr Ann Beer

“He skilfully stirs the cauldron, and we who are gathered round invariably catch the odd drop of awen.” – Simon Hughes Lilly, Author, Artist & Craftsman

Book Launch Tour

Gyfeillion, I’ll be playing few gigs in Welsh venues over the coming months to launch the book. You would be very welcome to come along. Most of these events are free but they’re all ticketed, so make sure you sign up before you come.

To learn more about the book, or to purchase a copy, you can see this page here.

The remaining events will begin a t 7:30pm and include some music by myself, a rendition of the Tale of Taliesin and a Q&A, as well as an opportunity to purchase a signed copy of the book. Get your tickets here:

10.11 – Bwyd Da Bangor

5.12 – Bankvault Aberystwyth

8.12 – Inkspot Cardiff

13.12 – The Cellar Aberteifi

More dates to be confirmed soon. If you would like me to visit a venue near you, get in touch.

Eternally Fruitful Questions

What questions should we ask when investigating Celtic myths? There are plenty we could ask, but I’ve tried to hone it down to three eternally fruitful questions.

You can listen to this episode ​as a podcast here.​

I’ll talk through these three questions on the courses this coming season, and introduce you to the many children they keep having!