How to Pronounce the Names of Welsh Deities | Welsh Deities 101

Welcome to a new series! Welsh Deities 101. This week, let me take you through the names of some Welsh deities. As a first language Welsh speaker, I hope that I can assist you in learning the way in which we would pronounce the names of these deities in Wales.
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Music Credits:
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[@dylanoutlaw1370]

As an American Dylan I’m kinda mind blown hearing the welsh pronunciation.

[@zionyahweh]

My Cymru ass so ready for this!!! My grandparents moved to Australia from Wales in the 60s and my Nana's pride for being Welsh made me so interested in Welsh culture. I'm learning the language now so I can one day teach my kids and keep our language alive. Thank you for making these videos! You help me connect the dots 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚🐲🐉🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@starmanthelizard4718]

thank you

[@CrazyGirlMelody]

Yes, yes, yes! Please do a video on the Otherworld whenever you can!

[@chinamayhew6469]

already ordered.

[@sabrinamarie4380]

Awesome ty!

[@KrisHughes]

Nice one, Mhara! I will be sharing this with students. Thanks to you and Kristoffer, the whole world will soon have an Anglesey accent.

[@markjones6564]

An Anglesey accent is quite distinctive👌 I would love the whole world to sound like Us👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👌

[@oathboundsecrets]

Thank you 🖤 yes please id like to see more

[@Fishsticks007]

Wow, thank you. I am visiting Wales this summer and looking at the place names wondering how to pronounce! The double “L” is a surprise! And the double “d” and y sounds… interesting! Thank you! I subscribed 🥰 cannot wait to visit. Interesting info about the deities/etc!

[@tillyfromthecrypt7571]

Thank you! 😊

[@dianaboucher306]

My Nain was Welsh Cunningfolk im in the U.S trying to practice Welsh Witchcraft and carry this on.

[@rileyharrison2042]

Honestly I’ve wanted a video like this for so long!!!!

[@teleriforest9281]

Diolch yn fawr, maybe in some way you heard my wish for help with pronunciation. I speak a tiny bit of S Welsh and didn't really have anybody to ask in my community. Hwyl fawr

[@lillachrissay5564]

Aha! Sorry, I got all excited about a few things; 1, that I've not been terribly fr of in some of my pronunciations, and 2, that I see a few possible connections or derivative possibilities to the Swedish language.. awesome!! (disclaimer: I am Not stating that my theories have Any validity at all, thus the use of the words "possible", thankayoueweryemuche)

[@tiggerblackblack7741]

Theses names are very interesting. I’m really enjoying your video

[@coripansarasa7064]

I love your videos and style , Mhara. Ty so much for everything you share. 💓

[@jandunn169]

This is fascinating...The Welsh language brought me here, the pure magic of it!!!! Thank you so much for your video. I just listened to Damh the Bard's Mabinogion CD and I was entranced by the sounds of Welsh and of course the stories. My family tree goes way back past Coel Hen and into the realm of the gods. I live so far away in America so it is very nice to connect to my ancestral countries. Yeah!!!! your beautiful book just arrived yesterday...

[@glitterkitty1979]

I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you I love you!

[@rachelcoit3823]

I loved this video! It is so helpful for those reconnecting with their roots to hear how to pronounce the names and words. I grew up in New England and it was always funny in spanish class when a lot of white people would have trouble rolling their “r” but I found it easy. I think maybe my linage helped out there.

[@katetw]

I had the same experience with Spanish. Interesting… antidotal of course but I thought the same thing.

[@bcsilikejanmayen5716]

thank you for sharing your knowledge in welsh witchcraft! I'm from southwest wales and so theres a bit of a disconnect to the welsh identity and language over here so its much harder to know the country/culture and actually a lot of distaste to it. I've heard a lot of people hating the welsh language and seeing it as a waste of time, so it really doesn't help. It's also interesting to see the difference in the dialects since your ll seems to be a lot softer than we would say it here. again, diolch yn fawr mhara!!

[@BellBookandCandle13]

Yes to all and any series. I am most interested in your content and to hear about Welsh Mythologies, Welsh Paganism and Welsh Witchcraft. I don't think I know of any other YT channels that focus on this so having you on this platform is most welcome ! I will most definitely be purchasing you book. I love your approach to things and how you address us , your audience. thank you!

[@jennybrown5302]

Dr. Gwilym Morus-Baird also has a very informative channel about Welsh folklore at his channel "Celtic Source".

[@BellBookandCandle13]

@@jennybrown5302 oh thank you, subscribed :)

[@amandab8165]

Love the background!!!! Just watched this with subtitles on and I am ☠️ 😂🤣. Thanks for the info.

[@nickymorby6784]

This is perfect! Every time I try to pronounce a Welsh word I can hear my ancestors laughing at me. My nana was fluent (from Rhyl) and it is to my eternal regret that I didn't let her teach me both the language and the lore (she was very skilled with herbs). Thank you for your amazing book and bringing the richness of my family's culture right to my front door in NZ.

[@jacquiscottagelife7746]

I could say my Mum's address in North Wales, and I can say that long Welsh place name on Anglesey, but I couldn't get my tongue around some of these words! I just need to practice, practice, practice!

[@MariAdkins]

you can say that long name of that train station!! dude that takes mad skills!!

[@euanbaker130]

I work with Brigid! It made me so happy to hear you work with her too!

[@jackieroberts7895]

Brigid is Irish not welsh

[@Pagyptsian]

I am SO grateful for your videos and upcoming book! Thank you for this 😊

[@KelticPsyVamp713]

I can't thank you enough for making this video. I'm American and my given first name is Rhiannon - this is the first time I've heard someone who actually knows the language pronounce it. Thank you thank you

[@nicokelly6453]

Gwych

[@ruthc2789]

Just about to start reading the Mabinogion and this is really helpful! 😊

[@Artfreedomforall]

This is such an absolutely beautiful video! Thank you so much . Absolutely lovely

[@sollysmum]

Mhara, thank you for your work 🖤 Iyou have given me so much to think about, I feel like I’ve been lost on my path for a while now x I live in Sth Wales and although not native Welsh, I’ve lived here for 30 years and feel very connected to the land, and something has just clicked as I listen to you !

[@mharastarling2730]

Always so happy to hear things like this 💖 thank you for your kind words!

[@brecky384]

“Would you like a little video on…” Yes. The answer will always be yes. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@VanessaMilesDesign]

So excited for your channel! I love you on TikTok but honestly I don’t go on there much. So it is awesome to see you on KZbin!

[@nc3fun]

Really enjoyed! Diolch :-) PS I really like your style in relating the information to us and you have a lovely voice to listen to.

[@mertensia623]

I just purchased The Mabinogi and really wanted to know how to pronounce these names before starting to read it. Thank you so much!

[@calebbrown7319]

Thank you so much this is such a big help especially with somebody has dyslexia and my pronounciation doesn't always come out correctly

[@OraclesandEnchantments]

I truly enjoy all your content~ :)

[@archienoyce2453]

Thank you for making this! And please please do a video on the wheel of the year! I’d love to hear your opinion!

[@kellihayward195]

Thank you so much for doing these videos. I would love to hear anything you would like to share and also thank you for linking your Patreon.

[@rowanlaverne]

I've done most of my studies thus far on proto-indo-European root languages. All outside of proper school since I live in America and there is no way in hel I could afford it. I would love to see some etymological roots for these words and how they relate back and to witch language families. Welsh has always had a very special feel to it. Its a bit different then the rest of the United kingdom. Its almost musical from my limited experiance. Thank you for this video. It was indispensable.

[@scottysway]

Ap-Hywell became Powell meaning son of Howell. Thanks again for all you due, I can't wait to visit my motherland Wales.

[@casperboreanaz]

I have welsh family roots. I can’t wait to learn all about the culture.

[@jamessorrel]

Thank you for providing this information without trying to be a gatekeeper. I think people can chase away potential friends and allies by trying to correct them over details. :) I am interested in Welsh pronunciation and find it a bit difficult at times, because the way the sounds are expressed is confusing. I am used to Latin characters being used with English words, and Welsh has some associations that are way different from what I would normally expect coming from a background of speaking English.

[@camo770]

Arianrhod, I know how to pronounce this one because my sister is called Arianwen (I chose it for her when I was like 5)

[@yoshkosminsky2744]

Great video, thanks. Would love to see the Welsh underworld video. I'm here researching for a homebrew d&d setting.

[@UncleTriangle]

I'm an 8th generation Welsh American (surname Morgan) stemming from Dyrham, Wales circa 1790. My family (And most other American people of Welsh descent) have lost every aspect of their linguistic and cultural ties to our homeland. I appreciate your approach to spreading insight about the language and, I look forward to learning more about my ancestoral culture.

[@dindrane1]

Wonderful video as always! I'm trying to learn Welsh now to better understand y Mabinogi and the characters in the stories. Having an actual native speaker teach pronunciation really helps. Love all your content! Thank you!

[@jandunn169]

I do appreciate so much learning how to pronounce the names and how to say prayers in Welsh. Thank you so much and I would like to be a Patron when I can get my new computer up and running.... the hardest name for me is "Pwyll" I sometimes hear different pronunciations by the same speaker. It sounds like "boy" rhyming with "boy", or even uh as in push. It sounds like you are saying the former. Thanks for your clear pronunciation.

[@angelahanlon8201]

I think you’re so great 💜

[@a1bc0p7o5t]

I'd love a video series on different spells to work with each deity and what not to do etc.. tools for welsh paganism/craft & charm practising etc Basically a school for anyone wanting to practise welsh paganism how much and where do I sign up and when 😅🤣🤣🤣.

[@tamalita]

This is fascinating! Thank you so much. Wonderful to hear all the words pronounced out loud, correctly. I’ve mostly only read the words and have the completely incorrect pronunciation in my head. Definitely more videos.

[@Witchfromthewoods]

So helpful Mhara, you're a jewel! Always a pleasure to watch you - your humour delights the day :)

[@heartvineapothecary4502]

"Ap" is like the Hebrew "ben", then! Interesting. I love hearing you pronounce these words! I've read them for years, but am glad to know what they truly sound like!

[@a1bc0p7o5t]

Like mc and o' in the gael celtic cultures of Briton & Ireland 🥰

[@celticivy1]

Thank You for this video!!! I have read and work with Pwyll, Rhiannon, Annwn, Blodeuedd/Blodeuwedd, Arianrhod, for a decent long time, thank you for the pronouncing them in your language. Now if you excuse me, I'll be rewatching this video again and start pronouncing these Gods and Goddesses. Yes, would love to listen the depth and Lore and am also looking forward to the Wheel of the Year videos. Again.. Thank You!

[@teleriforest9281]

Yes please an otherworld video would be very helpful. Diolch.

[@destinee7300]

Just discovered your channel and I love you and your content so much. I am looking forward to your book release! 🖤

[@wiganwench1]

I absolutely love the Welsh language and I'm an active learner, even though dw i'n byw Lloegr 💖🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 diolch yn fawr iawn for your wonderful stories and their explanations 🥰

[@KimberW85]

I love your videos and so appreciate the detail you put into them. Yes please do one on the other world. That would be fascinating. I can’t wait to get your book in Feb!

[@NN-zg5bz]

I need to hold a presentation tomorrow about the geologic history near Pwyll-y-gwynt but here I am watching a witch tell me about folk tales instead. At least I will be able to pronounce half of that place name somewhat maybe correct

[@richellmcknight446]

Wow, this is fascinating! I'm a musician, I do a lot of filk for Renaissance festival here in Texas, and Welsh names come up in some of my material, like Culhwch and Olwen, by Heather Dale🥰 I have had problems finding sources for proper pronunciation for these names, so this is extremely helpful! I actually found you from a Facebook post about Mabon that was reposted by a channel I follow, and I spent several minutes trying to replicate your pronunciation of Culhwch,lol!😁 It sounds lovely when you say it, I will keep working on it😁😁😁 Looking at your channel info here, ironically, you and I share a birthday😍💜

[@GossamerAtara]

i am so fascinated by welsh mythology and the welsh language. i am trans and i chose a welsh name to change my name to. i am also a witch wanting to work with gwyn ap nudd, cerridwen, elen of the ways, and brigid. though, ive heard brigid referenced in welsh as Ffraid, not Braint :0 i wonder why this is the first time in my researching that ive come across this! thank you so much for your videos, i found you through your tiktok and i love your content!

[@markjones6564]

I Myself am from Wales & a Welsh speaker, What caught Your interest in Welsh history & lore? It means so much to Me that My Beloved Country is interesting to others 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@CorneliaAmiri]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I am not a welsh speaker at all. I'm an American. So it's confusing as I come across different pronunciations. I came across one online that had Math pronounced as Mott. But you are saying it as Math so I'll take your word for it but I had already put it in a glossary of a fiction book as Mott. It's just confusing.

[@faigler]

I just stumbled across this looking for clarification on Welsh pronunciation for just one of these words and I've subscribed right away! I recognized quite a few of these names from my obsession with Lloyd Alexander's tales of Prydain (The Black Cauldron, etc) but haven't read the whole of Y Mabinogi, though I've been fascinated with Welsh and Wales and Welsh folklore ever since I read that series and also the latter half of The Dark is Rising (two of the books take place around Tywyn and Aberdyfi and my favorite character, Bran, shows up in those). So, for most of my life, now! (There's a funny moment where Bran is laughing at the protagonist, Will, who is from Cornwall, about his butchering of Welsh and Bran's name, and I'd never quite figured out what he was correcting about Will's pronunciation until right now -- there's much more melody and a bit of rolling the r (though the a is -- well, softer, not pulled out into a full AW or AH but not AAH like cat either). Which I think is very characteristic of Welsh, there's a cadence and tone to natively spoken Welsh and a rhythm, that's almost song-like, I feel. I am rambling beyond belief! Anyway, I love this content, and will be watching much more of it. I've kind of wandered away from paganism and perhaps it'll be a good thing to get back into; at very least I always find people's individual practices really interesting to learn about.

[@briganfree3656]

Yes more vids on the gods and mythology.

[@angelahanlon8201]

Yes more depth and lore surrounding deities in Whales!

[@jackieroberts7895]

Its wales 😁

[@brittwilson8431]

Ahaha. I'm working out and trying to say these. I enjoy your videos and love your accent. For whatever reason Cerridwen in full crone witch form has been in my dreams since I was a child. Protecting me and casting and guiding. I'm not sure exactly what she means but after 33 years I have figured out who she is at least.

[@bryannorman3191]

Thank you so much for this! I am studying Druidry through OBOD and this is very helpful. Can you help me pronounce Nwyfre? It's supposedly a Welsh word that represents Qi. I've read that it's pronounced like NOO-i-vruh, but I can't get confirmation.

[@donnyskinglongliveme]

Yes yes yes i would love a little video on the Welsh underworld! Thank you for doing these videos.Welsh people are notoriously unfriendly, so it's nice to find one with such knowledge to share! It would be very cool also if you did a video about places in Wales mentioned in y Mabinogi. Maybe video some places and do a voice over or something like that!

[@arianbyw3819]

Casual racism? Never a good look. And you wonder why the Welsh are unfriendly...

[@dawnshade4939]

I am going to be completely honest in saying that I was very much startled when you referred to someone as "son of Don" because my dad is Don and I'm a kinda-son of Don lmao

[@mzread-aloud6804]

🥺 What about Afallach?

[@debra5955]

I wish I could roll my tongue 😔

[@jenniferh3827]

Diolch. Wnes i golli 'Gwenhwyfar'?

[@eifionthamos756]

Do you know the meaning of the name Eifion?

[@darcy8567]

Mhara, I am a bit disappointed. I've been all over KZbin and, other than music videos using the name, I can find nothing on Aeronwen. Amazing!! Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't she the Welsh equivalent of the Irish Morrigan? One simply doesn't overlook this deity by accident! Tell me, are you aware of any direction that I can go in to find information on Aeronwen? Beside you and Kris, I know of no other folks addressing the gods and goddesses as comprehensively. Thank you for you consideration.

[@mharastarling2730]

Unfortunately we don't actually have much information regarding Aeronwen! Aside from very small pieces of evidence that she was a Goddess associated with battle, or more specifically the fate of battles, and that she has some association with the Afon Dyfrdwy (River Dee), there isn't much else to go off of! No stories or myths associated with her in written record, not even folk tales! So it's difficult to make anything of any substance which explores her I'm afraid!

[@ticketyboo2456]

Gogs pronounce things differently...