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Arthurian A2Z
T

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Tailtiu

Reputed to have been jointly responsible with for the care of 'Lugh' (See Lugh) with 'Manannan' (See Manannan). Although she is said to have been the daughter of the King of Spain her contribution to the stability of Ireland is remembered in Irish legend, Celtic and Pagan folklore, most notably in the naming of the month of August, 'Lughnasadh'. The origin of the name is drawn from the games held in her honour during this time. In Irish legend the games are known as the 'Assembly of Lugh'. She is connected to the 'Tuatha de Danaan' (See Tuatha de Danaan) through marriage betrothals, and is therefore seen to be associated with the guardianship of 'The Hallows' (See Hallows) brought to Ireland by the Tuatha de Danaan.

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Taliesin

Although Taliesin in many texts is reported as a sixth-century Welsh bard who was a contemporary of 'King Arthur' and lived during a time of growth of the Celtic church, others argue that the writings of Taliesin are merely a name given to a group of writers and works. Academics are still in dispute as to whether Taliesin was a real person, or a semi-legendary person, or as stated a name chosen under which to circulate literature of many story tellers and poets over a period of years.

The poems of Taliesin appear in the 'Book of Taliesin', a thirteenth-century medieval text. He was reputed to have existed since 'the beginning and would live until Doomsday'. We can be certain though that the writings accredited to Taliesin are some of the earliest written Celtic verses.

He is said to have been able to have the gift of prophecy, and therefore his poems were highly revered. His association with Arthurian fact and legend is that the poems contain information purported to be relating to the reign of Arthur. Taliesin is described as having journeyed with Arthur to Annwn when the King successfully sought the 'Thirteen Treasures of Britain' (See Hallows of Britain), and as a result his mystical abilities led Taliesin to be compared to 'Merlin' (See Merlin).

Ancient Kymric tells the story of how Taliesin was born:-

A witch called 'Ceridwen' was making a potion that had to kept simmering for one whole year, after which it would then boil down to just three powerful drops. When the three drops were tasted it was believed that the person would gain an insight into the 'The Past, The Present and The Future'.

There was a young boy, 'Gwion', who was assigned by Ceridwen to keep the fire burning. One day, during the making of the fire, three drops bubbled out and instantly knew that Ceridwen would be very angry and so ran away. In order to outwit her the boy first changed into the form of a fish, then into a bird, and finally into a grain of wheat. Gwion hoped these changes would confuse Ceridwen and that as a result she would not be able to find him.

Of course, Ceridwen discovered what had happened and so went to find the boy. First she turned herself into a greyhound, then into an otter, followed by a hawk but she did not find him. Eventually she turned herself into a chicken, a large black hen and found Gwion in the form of the grain of wheat, whereupon she quickly ate the him. It was said that Ceridwen became pregnant by Gwion's spirit, and soon gave birth to a boy.

Ceridwen places Taliesin in a leather bag and then casts him out to sea. The child is found by 'Elphin' (See Elphin) who names him 'Taliesin, Radiant Brow'.

Taliesin is said to have been found, according to Welsh tradition, in the weir belonging to 'Gwydno' (See Gwyddno), having been cast into the water in a leather bag, although some legends say that the Ceridwen's baby was placed in a coracle to be found by Elphin at the salmon weir.

Some legends indicate that Taliesin was indeed the same character as Gwion. The transformations experienced to escape Ceridwen indicate a similar process to the believed transformation events that happened to ancient poets. Due to the effect of the Cauldron of inspiration, Gwion's ability to change form, led to him changing completely, giving him considerable knowledge about the past, present and future, and therefore able to return with the birth of a new child Taliesin. Perhaps an early form of reincarnation.

'Taliesin' was believed to be a prophet of Troy (See Brutus) according to Geoffrey of Monmouth and the legends of the Mabinogion due to his understanding of the people's fate as told in his poems of 'Maelgwn'. It is thought that Taliesin's association with Troy was influenced by Greek legend.

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Please note that Annwn has been found to have a number of associated meanings, here are some of the most frequently applied : 'The Underworld', 'Aalu', 'Hades', the 'Astral Plane', the 'Zodiac', 'Caledonia', a palatial dwelling, 'Avalon', the 'Island of the Blessed'.

The reference to the 'seven' spoken of in the poem as surviving 'Caer Sidi' (See Caer Sidi) are thought to be the same seven men made reference to in the story of 'Branwen, daughter of Llyr', (See Branwen), (See Llyr), by 'Bran' who is also known as 'The Grail' (See Bran the Blessed).

The last two lines of the poem are thought to have been entered after the poem was completed.

'The Spoils of Annwn'
(Translation by Thomas Stephens)
'Praise to the Lord, Supreme Ruler of the high region,
Who hath extended his dominion to the shore of the world,
Complete was the prison of Gwair in Caer Sidi.
Through the permission of Pwyll and Pryderi
No one before him went to it;
A heavy blue chain firmly held the youth,
And for the spoils of Annwn gloomily he sings,
And till doom shall he continue his lay.
Thrice the fullness of Pridwen we went into it,
Except seven, none returned from Caer Sidi.

Am I not a candidate for fame, to be heard in the song,
In Caer Pedryvan four times revolving!
It will be my first word from the cauldron when it expresses;
By the breath of nine damsels it is gently warmed.
Is it not the cauldron of the chief of Annwn in its fashion?
With a ridge round its edge of pearls!

It will not boil the food of a coward not sworn,
A sword bright flashing to him will be brought,
And left in the hand of Llemynawg,
And before the portals of hell, the horns of light shall be burning.
And when we went with Arthur in his splendid labours,
Except seven, none returned from Caer Vediwid (or the inclosure of the perfect ones).

Am I not a candidate for fame, to be heard in the song,
In the quadrangular inclosure, in the island of the strong door,
Where the twilight and the jet of night moved together.
Bright wine was the beverage of the host,
Three times the fullness of Prydwen, we went on sea,
Except seven, none returned from Caer Rigor (or the inclosure of the Royal party).

I will not have merit, with the multitude in relating the hero's deeds,
Beyond Caer Wydr they beheld not the prowess of Arthur?
Three times twenty-hundred men stood on the wall,
It was difficult to converse with their sentinel.
Three times the fullness of Prydwen, we went with Arthur,
Except seven, none returned, from Caer Colur (or the gloomy inclosure).

I will not have merit from the multitude with trailing shields,
They know not on what day, or who caused it,
Nor what hour in the splendid day Cwy was born,
Nor who prevented him from going to the meanders of Devwy.
They know not the brindled ox, with his thick head-band,
And seven score knobs in his collar.
And when we went with Arthur of mournful memory,
Except seven, none returned from Caer Vandwy (or the inclosure resting on the height).

I will not have merit from men of drooping courage,
They know not what day the chief was caused,
Nor what hour in the splendid day the owner was born;
What animal they keep of silver head.
When we went with Arthur of mournful contention,
Except seven, none returned from Caer Ochren (or the inclosure of the shelving side).

Monks pack together like dogs in the choir
From their meetings with their witches;
Is there but one course to the wind, one to the water of the sea,
Is there but one spark to the fire of the unbounded tumult?
Monks pack together like wolves,
From their meetings with their witches,
They know not when the twilight and the dawn divide,
Nor what the course of the wind, nor who agitates it,
In what place it dies, on what region it roars.
The grave of the saint is vanishing from the foot of the altar.
I will pray to the Lord, the great Supreme,
That I be not wretched - may Christ be my portion.'

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Tamise Rospaen

Described in some legends as having been an extremely knowledgeable and wise woman who acted as a counsellor to 'Arthur' (See Arthur).

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Tancree

Referred to in some legends as having been a niece to 'Arthur' (See Arthur), wife of 'Guinganbresil'.

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Tarian

A respected Knight who was known as the Knight Protector for his excellent understanding of warring and craft. Referred to usually as a tactician.

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Tegid Foel

Husband of 'Ceridwen' (See Ceridwen), father of daughter 'Creirwy' and son 'Morfran' (See Morfran). Tegid's home was said to be near the Lake Tegid.

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Tegan-guignier

aka 'Tegan Goldbreast'. Brother of 'Cador' (See Cador), believed to have had a breast plate made of pure gold by 'Aalardin'. Uncle of 'Constantine'.

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Tennyson, Lord Alfred, 1st Baron

Nineteenth-century English poet.

Lord Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson, was the fourth son of a Rector, born in AD1809, at Somersby Rectory, Lincolnshire, England.

He attended Louth Grammar School, and later attended Trinity College, Cambridge (AD1827). Tennyson became Poet Laureate in AD1850 which was to send his work into a wider public domain, praised by Queen Victoria. He was well received despite earlier critical reviews. He married Emily Sarah Sellywood in AD1850, and moved to two residences, Farringford (The Isle of Wight) and Aldworth (Sussex), where he spent much of his time.

Tennyson's work was varied from poetry to the fashionable novelette. His association with Arthurian Legend commenced with the first instalment of the 'Idylls of the King' in AD1859, finally completed in AD1885, with later additions to the series including amongst the most notable works 'Geraint and Enid', 'Lancelot and Elaine'. A retrospective view of Tennyson's Arthurian work has led to the view that it is a work that truly reflects the Victorian period with a severe morality alongside the codes of chivalry producing an air of contained reserved enthusiasm. Critics though considered the descriptive passages to be a reflection of Tennyson's artistry and it is for this that the Idylls of the King is most revered.

Other work by Tennyson 'Poems Chiefly Lyrical' (AD1830)
'Poems', inc. Oenone, Lady of Shallott, The Lotus Eaters (AD1833)
'Poems', revised, (AD1842)
'The Princess' (AD1847)
'In Memoriam', to Arthur Hallam, (AD1850)
'Maud; a Monodrama' (AD1855)
'Enoch Arden' (AD1864)
'Locksley Hall Sixty Years After' (AD1886)
'To Virgil, Tiresias' (c.AD1884)
'Rizpah' (c.AD1884)
'Crossing the Bar', last poem, (AD1889)

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Teyrnon Turf Liant

aka 'Great Lord'. There is much confusion surrounding this character within Welsh legend. He appears to be foster-father to 'Pryderi' (See Pryderi) but this is uncertain due to his associations with 'Rhiannon' (See Rhiannon) being unclear. Under another guise Teyrnon may have been husband to her, perhaps as 'Manannan' (See Manannan).

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Thitis

According to the 'Vita Merlini' by 'Geoffrey of Monmouth' (See Geoffrey of Monmouth) Thitis is one of the twelve sisters of 'Morgan le Fey' (See Morgan le Fay).
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Thomas of Rymour

Scottish legend (Keltic), Thomas of Rymour meets the 'Queen of Faerie' at 'Ercildoune', near the 'Eildon Tree'. He is instructed in the art of prophecy by the Queen. Also known as 'Druid Thomas' - thought to be the same person as 'Merlin' (See Merlin). Once beneath the tree in the 'Underworld'. Thomas is told that he cannot eat the apples, regarded as the food of the dead, or he will not be able to return to upper earth. Both Merlin and 'Gildas' (See Gildas) are referred to in this work. Believed to have actually existed in the thirteenth-century.

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Tigernonos

'Great Lord', 'Great King'. Many of the ancient Celtic male deities were known by this name, the most popularised being 'Rhydderch the Generous' (See Rhydderch Hael). The name is deemed to be the masculine equivalent to 'Rigantona', meaning 'Great Queen', 'Great Lady', the most well known being 'Rhiannon' (See Rhiannon).

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Tir Na mBeo

In Irish legend this is the name given to the realm of the 'Land of the Living'.

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Tir Na n'Og

A place were a form of immortality could be found according to ancient Irish legend (See Otherworld). Also known to be a place of youth and regeneration, that whatever age you entered this world you would remain the same. No mortal could return from here unguarded lest the time spent away from the earth-plane have an effect on their body and health. A person would age rapidly when out of this place.

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Tirre

aka 'Sir Tirre', son of 'Bernard of Astolat' (See Bernard of Astolat), brother of 'Elaine le Blanke' (See Elaine de Astolat) and 'Lavaine' (See Lavaine).

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Tir Tairngire

Similar to the Christian concept of Heaven. This place in Irish legend was seen to be a form of paradise, a place where anything was possible, a dreamland where hopes and dreams themselves could come true.

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Tom O'Lincoln

The story of Tom O'Lincoln is told in a collection of nineteenth-century English romances edited by 'WJ Thomas', and parallels the story of 'Arthur' (See Arthur) fathering a child under enchantment. Tom is said to be the husband of 'Anglitora' (See Anglitora) a parallel of 'Guinevere' (See Guinevere) but with 'Caelia' (See Caelia) an illegitimate son is born known as the 'Faery Knight' (See Faery Knight).

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Tor

aka 'Aglovale' (Arthurian legend). 'Merlin' (See Merlin) revealed him to be the true son of 'King Pellinore' (See Pellinore) by the wife of 'Aries' (See Aries), conceived before their marriage! Tor became a Knight by 'Arthur' (See Arthur), and was accidentally killed in by 'Lancelot' (See Lancelot) when trying to free 'Guinevere' (See Guinevere) from the stake as told by the writer 'Malory' (See Malory).

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Trefuilngid Tre-Eochair

According to Irish ancient legends he is said to have been one of two elders who knew the history of Ireland Together with 'Tuan mac Carill' (See Tuan mac Carill) he is said to have informed the meeting of elders at Tara of the history.

He was reputed to have existed before Creation itself, controlling the movement of the Sun. Trefuilngid was depicted as holding a bountiful branch laden with flowers and fruit together with nuts which indicated his power of prophecy. Known as extremely wise he was also seen to carry a symbolic tablet of stone.

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Trephina

According to the legends she is associated with the cult of the severed head of ancient Celtic origin, and later the early Celtic Church. Trephina was the daughter of 'Warok' (See Warok). She was murdered by her husband 'Cunomorus' but venerated by 'Gildas' (See Gildas). Trephina is described as carrying the severed head with her.

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Tristan

aka 'Tristram' meaning 'sorrow', so named due to the loss of his mother at his birth. He is reputed to have been born in an area known as 'Lyonesse' (See Lyonesse).

Believed son of 'Elizabeth of Lyonesse', and 'King Melodias'.

Yet in another Arthurian legend he is also reputed to be the son of 'Demoiselle Blanchefleur' (See Blanchfleur) and 'Rivalin of Parmenie' (See Rivalin of Parmenie), and also nephew to 'Mark, King of Cornwall' (See Mark). Companion of 'Dinadin' (See Dinadan) and 'Segwardes' in some of the legends.

He was also described in 'Tristan and Isolde' sagas as being the son of 'Blenzibly' (See Blenzilby).

After the loss of his homeland, Lyonesse, Tristan is said to have moved to the court of his uncle. He was married to 'Iseult of Brittany' (See Iseult of Brittany), and believed to have later been the love interest of his aunt 'Isolt' (See Isolt), the wife of King Mark, his uncle, due to an enchantment. 'Malory' (See Malory) describes Tristan as being the cousin of 'Andred' (See Andred).

Amongst his early tasks as a member of the court, Tristan was said to have killed 'Morholt' (See Morholt) during a family feud which arose as a result of King Mark swearing allegiance to 'Anguish, King of Ireland' (See Anguish), Morholt's brother and Isolt's father. During this encounter Tristan is said to have been wounded by Morholt with poison that was smeared on his sword. It is said that this was the first time that Tristan saw Isolt. During another of his early tasks Tristan went to Ireland to bring Isolt back to court for his uncle.

Following the revelation of the adulterous affair Tristan moved to Arthur's court, and was said to have been a noble Knight, and to be of great strength beaten only by 'Lancelot' (See Lancelot). It is after spending time here that Tristan went to Brittany where he met his wife, but the enchantment continued and he returned to his aunt. It is said that Mark attacked and wounded Tristan as a result of the enchantment soliciting the help of 'Andred' (See Andred), Mark's aid in some of the Grail legends.

When Tristan was mortally wounded by Mark and his aids, he sent for Isolt saying that he would know when she arrived by the sight of a white sail. When the boat arrived his wife, Iseult, saw that there was a white sail, but she returned to Tristan and told him that instead of the sail he expected there was a black one. Having lied to him, inferring that Isolt had not come as he so desperately desired, Iseult watched her husband die supposedly of a broken heart, a death that was followed shortly by Isolt on learning of what had happened. It is said that Tristan's wife committed suicide out of guilt and regret of her actions.

The courtly and common love revealed in the relationship of Tristan and Isolt is viewed as one that is comparable to the that of Lancelot and Guinevere. The development of their love was greatly explored during the twelfth-century growth of Anglo-Norman Arthurian romance, particularly by the poet 'Thomas'. Emphasis was placed on a noble portrayal of Tristan, highly skilled in the craft of courtly love. Later writers have been seen to debase the relationship, empowering the potion, and revengeful retribution sought by Mark. In one version Mark is said to have sent his wife to a leper colony as a punishment and so the beginning of moralistic writing on their union was introduced, the chief exponent being 'Tennyson's' (See Tennyson) work entitled 'The Last Tournament'.

The name 'Drustanus' is closely associated with that of Tristan (See Athurian Places).

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Troy

North-west corner of Asia Minor. The fortress city of the 'Illiad' as written of by the ancient Greek 'Homer'. 'Brutus' (See Brutus) is said to have led the enslaved people to Britain from Troy according to the mythological history of Britain.

'Taliesin' was believed to be a prophet of Troy (See Taliesin) according to Geoffrey of Monmouth and the legends of the Mabinogion due to his understanding of the people's fate as told in his poems of 'Maelgwn'. It is thought that Taliesin's association with Troy was influenced by Greek legend.

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Tryamore

The mysterious wife of 'Lanval' (See Launfal), daughter of 'Olyroun' (See Olyroun). Said to be a 'faery lady' in 'The lay of Sir Lanval'.

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Tuan mac Carill

According to Irish ancient legends he is said to have been one of two elders who knew the history of Ireland Together with 'Trefuilngid Tre-Eochair' (See Trefuilngid Tre-Eochair) he is said to have informed the meeting of elders at Tara of the history. He is believed to have come to Ireland with 'Partholon' leader of the first invasion of Ireland and a master of many of the arcane crafts. All those who travelled to Ireland were said to have been struck with a fatal plague and Tuan was the only person to survive. Hence when it came to him to tell the elders of Tara the history of the land he required the full help of Trefuilngid.

He was believed to have the ability to transform his shape, like his previous master, and suggested to be a reason why the ancient belief in the salmon being a wise creature has been constant throughout Celtic legend and then absorbed into Grail legends. Tuan was said to have taken the forms of a deer, an eagle and a boar as well as a salmon (See Salmon). Ultimately he was said to have been eaten by 'King Carill's' wife when he was transformed as a salmon.

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Tuatha de Danaan

'The People of Danu'. Believed to be a legendary people who came from the Otherworld (See Otherworld) from Greece to invade Ireland, ruling Irleland after 'Nemed'. It has been suggested that they were familiar with the practices of the arcane being experienced in the use of magic.

According to Irish legend the Tuatha de Danaan brought sacred treasures with them also to Ireland which became known as the 'Hallows of Ireland' (See Hallows) later taken to the Otherworld. The four treasures were believed to have been the:

1. Spear of Lugh (from Gorias);
2. Stone of Fal (from Falias);
3. Sword of Nuadu (from Findias);
4. Cauldron of Dagda (from Murias) (See Dagda).

Having been defeated by the Milesians these people were said to have travelled to the Otherworld.

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Tudwal Tudglyd

According to stories told within the Mabinogion and the early Welsh Triads, Tudwal owned a whetstone upon which it was said a brave man could sharpen his sword and be successful in battle. The sword would have the power to lick the life away of any challenger it touched. Those that demonstrated cowardice against the enemy were said not to benefit from sharpening a sword on the whetstone. It was considered to be one of 'Thirteen Treasures of Britain' (See Hallows of Britain) for which Arthur journeyed to 'Annwn' (See Annwn) to recover as told in the 'Spoils of Annwn' by 'Taliesin' (See Taliesin).

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Tuirenn

Son of 'Ogma' (See Ogma). Killed 'Mechi' (See Mechi).

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Turquine

Little is known about this Knight of Arthurian legend except that he is known to have been clever enough to capture 'Ector de Maris' (See Ector de Maris).

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Tylwyth Teg

'Family Fair'. The name given to the faery folk of ancient Welsh legends who were said to dwell in the countryside, in mountains and caves. Reputed not to be able to speak, their language consisted of signing to each other. The Tylwyth Teg were known to be amiable but extremely naughty. Their weakness was seen in not being able to touch anything made of iron as they would disappear.

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Twrch Trwyth

In ancient Welsh legend this was the name given to the 'Great Boar'. This creature was said to have been a king who had succumbed to an enchantment and forever after wrought havoc on Ireland and Britain with the help of his seven piglets.

'Culhwch' (See Culhwch) was said to have been set the task of defeating the great boar as one of the thirty-nine impossible tasks. He is said to have stolen three objects 'scissors, razor and comb' from the boar, which were kept behind its ears, seen to embody the same significance as 'The Hallows' (See Hallows). 'Arthur' (See Arthur) eventually overcame the boar by forcing him into the sea..

'Brigit' or 'Brigid' (See Mystical-WWW Mystical Time : Dates, 1 February) is said to have owned a boar named 'Orc Triath' which is seen to be associated with the Twrch Trwyth.

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Tyronoe

'Geoffrey of Monmouth' (See Geoffrey of Monmouth) describes Tyrone as one of a sister of 'Morgan le Fey' (See Morgan le Fay) in his earliest known Arthurian work the 'Vita Merlini'.

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All documents, in part, in section or whole, are copyrighted and the sole property of Mystical World Wide Web. The work may not be duplicated in any form for private or public use including all electronic forms without the prior permission of the Producer (copyrighted).
Mystical World Wide Web - http://www.mystical-www.co.uk

Producer mellpaul@mystical-www.co.uk