Book of the Three Dragons
Originally published in 1930, Kenneth Morris's superb Book of the Three Dragons is an imaginative reworking of elements from the Mabinogion and other Welsh Celtic stories, telling the story of Manawyddan, who is given the choice between immortality with the gods or preventing a new evil from destroying the Island of the Mighty. Manawyddan chooses the latter, and the novel tells of his adventures. Swiftly moving and dramatic, this is a book that lovers of modern fantasy and old hero tales...
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Originally published in 1930, Kenneth Morris's superb Book of the Three Dragons is an imaginative reworking of elements from the Mabinogion and other Welsh Celtic stories, telling the story of Manawyddan, who is given the choice between immortality with the gods or preventing a new evil from destroying the Island of the Mighty. Manawyddan chooses the latter, and the novel tells of his adventures. Swiftly moving and dramatic, this is a book that lovers of modern fantasy and old hero tales alike cannot afford to miss. Perhaps most importantly for modern readers, for the first time Morris's unpublished ending - amounting to one-third of the book's length - is included in this new edition, telling what became of the hero, his wife, and their son.NOTE ON NEW SERIES: This is the first in our new line of fantasy fiction, which will feature both masterpieces no longer in print in the US as well as new works. The series will be edited by noted Tolkien scholar Douglas A. Anderson, whose previous books include The Annotated Hobbit (HM) and Tales Before Tolkien (Ballantine). Mr. Anderson will also write introductions to each book, providing context and background to enrich the reader's experience. The cover look and interior design will appeal to all demographics (especially younger fans under 30 who play computer fantasy games and love writers like Tolkien, Pratchett, and Pullman) with top artists creating a dazzling fantasy look.Quotes:"It is a singularly fine example of the recreation of a work magnificent in its own right (the 'Mabinogion') — a literary event rather rare except in fantasy" - Ursula Le Guin"Kenneth Morris was an important,innovative fantasist, worthy to rank with MacDonald, Eddison, and Tolkien." - Ursula Le Guin"Morris writes with all Lord Dunsany's richness, though his cadences are Celtic rather than biblical. This one should be read aloud." - review in the Feb. 2004 issue of Fantasy & Science Fiction magazine"Book of the Three Dragons is perhaps the single best fantasy adaptation from a real-world up0mythology (in this case, the Welsh Mabinogion), and the best of his tales¿" - John Rateliff, review in the Sept. 2003 issue of Wizards of the Coast website (www.wizards.com), the #1 adventure gaming company in the world.
A key to the pronunciation of the Welsh names in The book of the three dragons7Introduction11Here is the bringing-in of The book of the three dragons13IThe story of the nameless one with the misfortunes and of his coming into the Caldron of Ceridwen the mother of the world14IIThe wonderful head21Here is the first branch of it, namely the Wyddfa Mountain30IThe Gorsedd of the Gods30IIThe yellow Calfskin mat in the house of the spinning-woman of Arfon37IIIThe house of the Dragon43IVThe Hazelnutz of long nourishment52Here now is the second branch of it, called : the service of Plenydd Splendid, and the wars of Manawyddan against Tathal Twyll Goleu56IThe enchantments of Ewinwen daughter of the sea-wave; and the counter-enchantments of the stories of the Island of the Mighty56IIThe peculiarities of the treasures of Ewinwen ferch yr Eigion, and the counter-peculiarities of the insight of Manawyddan64IIIThe breastplate of Plenydd Sunbright, and Plenydd Sunbright himself72Here is the beginning of the fourth branch of it, which is called : the service of Alawn Alawon, and the contests of Manawyddan against the thief of the sea75IThe nine enchantments of Gwiawn Llygad Cath the sea-thief75Here is the third branch of it now, namely : the gloves and the service of Gwron Gawr and Gwron Gawr himself90IThe three subtle crafts of Manawyddan, and their peculiarity of being adorned with blue enamel the color of the sky in June90IIThe making trial of the equipment of Manawyddan, against its inadequacy for battle with Dragons112IIIThe Dragon of the seven conflicts, and the glory of Gwron Bri-fardd Prydain121Here is the rest of the fourth branch of it, namely : the service of Alawn Alawon, and the contests of Manawyddan against the thief of the sea132IIThe three singers and the Dragon-boat132IIIThe land of Gwiawn sea-thief, and the tumult Manawyddan raised there135IVThe harping of Alawn Alawon, and Alawn Alawon himself152Here is the fifth branch of it, called : the contests of Ab Cilcoed against the princes, and the wheat that grew in the Valley of Gorsedd Arberth173IThe battle on the Hill of Gorsedd Arberth173IIThe ploughing of the Valley of Gorsedd Arberth, and that by no mortal ploughman181IIIThe sowing of the Valley of Gorsedd Arberth; and the seed sown, sown by a God184IVThe reaping of the Valley of Gorsedd Arberth; and that by the hand of no Cymro186VThe peculiarities and well-balanced nature of Hirewin Frith the chief Tabby-cat of Dyfed, or indeed of the Island of the Mighty197Here is the sixth branch of the story, namely : the sovereignty and death of Pryderi205IThe causes of the glory of the dimetians, and the equipment for sovereignty of Pryderi Fab Pwyll205IIThe embassies of Hu Gadarn sent to the Gwlwdig when Pryderi's destiny was to change and become ennobled208IIIThe first two deprivations of Pryderi, and old age coming on him213IVThe battle at Maen Twrog high above Melenryd, and the imposition of dragonhood on Pryderi221
