Welsh Tales from the Mabinogion:
The Dream of Rhonabwy

Once upon a time in the ancient land of Wales, there lived a young man named Rhonabwy. Rhonabwy was a warrior in the service of Madog, son of Maredudd, a prince of Powys. One day, Rhonabwy and his companions were tasked with finding Iorwerth, Madog's brother, who had rebelled and gone into hiding. Rhonabwy, along with his friends, embarked on their quest, traveling far and wide across the rugged Welsh landscape.

After many days of searching, they found themselves weary and in need of shelter. They came upon a small, humble house belonging to Heilyn the Red, a man known for his hospitality. Heilyn welcomed them warmly and offered them food and a place to rest. Rhonabwy was given a straw-filled mattress on a yellow ox-skin to sleep on. Little did he know, this simple bed held the power to transport him to a different realm through a vivid and magical dream.

As soon as Rhonabwy closed his eyes, he found himself in a dream unlike any he had ever experienced. He stood on a vast, open plain, the likes of which he had never seen before. The sky was a brilliant blue, and the grass beneath his feet was lush and green. In the distance, he saw a grand pavilion, colorful and majestic, fluttering in the gentle breeze. Rhonabwy felt drawn to it and began to walk towards the magnificent structure.

As he approached, Rhonabwy noticed that the pavilion was filled with people, all dressed in splendid attire. Among them, he saw the legendary King Arthur, surrounded by his noble knights. Arthur was seated on a golden throne, his presence commanding and regal. Rhonabwy was awestruck by the sight of the great king, a figure he had only heard about in tales and legends.

King Arthur welcomed Rhonabwy and invited him to sit by his side. The young warrior was amazed at the honor and took his place next to the king. Arthur then began to share stories of his adventures and battles, recounting the many feats of bravery and wisdom that had made him a legendary figure. Rhonabwy listened intently, absorbing every word and marveling at the grandeur of Arthur's world.

Suddenly, the scene changed. Rhonabwy found himself standing on the banks of a great river, watching as two armies prepared for battle. On one side was Arthur's army, shining in their armor and ready for combat. On the other side was the army of Owain, son of Urien, a formidable warrior in his own right. The two leaders met in the center, and instead of clashing swords, they engaged in a game of gwyddbwyll, an ancient board game similar to chess.

As the game progressed, Rhonabwy noticed that the movements on the board seemed to mirror the movements of the armies. Each move Arthur and Owain made had a direct impact on the soldiers, guiding them in a strategic dance of war and diplomacy. The game was intense, and the tension in the air was palpable. Rhonabwy realized that he was witnessing a battle of wits and intellect, not just brute strength.

The game continued until Arthur made a decisive move, winning the match. The armies, reflecting the outcome of the game, laid down their arms, and peace was restored. Rhonabwy was deeply impressed by the wisdom and strategy displayed by both leaders. He understood that true leadership was not just about fighting but also about making wise decisions and knowing when to seek peace.

As the dream continued, Rhonabwy found himself back at the pavilion, where a grand feast was being held. The tables were laden with the finest foods and drinks, and the air was filled with laughter and music. Rhonabwy joined in the celebrations, feeling a deep sense of joy and camaraderie with the legendary figures around him. He spoke with knights, heroes, and wise men, each sharing their own tales of adventure and valor.

As the night wore on, Rhonabwy felt a gentle tug, pulling him away from the festivities. He realized that his dream was coming to an end. Reluctantly, he bid farewell to King Arthur and the other noble figures, thanking them for the incredible experience. With a final wave, he closed his eyes and felt himself being transported back to the small house of Heilyn the Red.

Rhonabwy awoke to the familiar surroundings of the humble dwelling. The dream had felt so real that it took him a moment to adjust to being back in the waking world. He looked around and saw his companions still asleep, unaware of the incredible journey he had just undertaken.

As he reflected on the dream, Rhonabwy felt a renewed sense of purpose and wisdom. The lessons he had learned from King Arthur and the other legendary figures stayed with him, guiding him in his future endeavors. The dream of Rhonabwy became a cherished memory, a tale of adventure, wisdom, and the timeless bond between past and present.

And so, the story of Rhonabwy's dream was passed down through generations, a reminder of the power of dreams and the enduring legacy of King Arthur and his noble knights.

The End