Among the first class v/e may place the very striking Welsh poems called The Spoiling or Victories of Annwuyn, the Battle of Goðeu or Battle of the Trees (called also the Battle of Achren), the Tale of Kilhwch and Olwen, and the Mabinogi of Mâth, son of Mathonwy.
In Irish literature the bursting of Cuchulain into the Land of Scath or Scathach, described by Cuchulain himself in metaphorical language in the "Phantom Chariot of Cuchulain," and, with more of the aspect of an actual event, in the "Wooing of Emer"; the raid of Fraech with Conall Cernach, for the recovery of his wife and his cows in the Alps ("Elpa") in the Book of Fermoy, and the corresponding raid of Cuchulain into the Island of Falga to bring away Blathnat and the three cows and cauldron, belong to the same series of tales, and are dominated by the same underlying motif'. In all these cases the attempt is made against the wish of the dwellers in the distant land, and with the object of robbing them of their possessions, and is accompanied accordingly with severe labours and perils. In these poems, too, lives are lost in endeavouring to effect an entry. The place itself assumes a gloomy aspect, and the return from it is made with loss and difficulty. In the Spoiling of Annwn we read:
"I will praise the sovereign, supreme Lord of the land.
Who hath extended his dominion over the shore of the world.
Complete (stout?) was the prison of Gweir (i.e. Gwydion)[1] in Caer Sidi,
Through the spite* of Pwyll or Pryderi. (*or 'permission,' Stephens)
No one before him went into it.
The heavy blue chain held the faithful youth ('firmly held,' Stephens)
And before the Spoils of Annwn woefully he sings.
And till doom shall continue a bard of prayer.
Thrice enough to fill Prydwen (i.e. Arthur's ship) we went into it
Except seven, none returned from Caer Sidi."
- ↑ Gwydion was one of the Sons of Dôn or Gods of Light, and he was uncle to Lleu, the Sun-God.
