The Mabinogion is a collection of eleven Welsh prose narratives originating from oral traditions and compiled in Middle Welsh during the 12th and 13th centuries. Preserved primarily in manuscripts dating from approximately 1350 to 1410, these stories represent some of the earliest examples of Welsh prose and are associated with the Matter of Britain.
The collection encompasses diverse genres, including heroic quests, historical legends, and fantastical tales, showcasing varied narrative styles and thematic elements. Notable stories include "Culhwch and Olwen" and "Lludd and Llefelys."
Scholarly interpretations of the Mabinogion have evolved. Initially viewed as fragments of pre-Christian Celtic mythology or folklore, contemporary scholarship emphasizes the narratives' structural and linguistic sophistication, recognizing them as a distinct literary tradition influenced by both oral storytelling and Anglo-French literary conventions.
The first complete bilingual (Welsh and English) edition was published by Lady Charlotte Guest between 1838 and 1845, making these narratives accessible to a wider audience.