Mabinog’s Liturgy structure

Overall structure of Mabinog’s Liturgy

The primary focus of this section is the Nativity, but also looking forward to the capture, trial and crucifixion of Jesus and their significance. The literal meaning of the word mabinog is, according to the poet, a tyro bard; it is here taken to refer to the infant Jesus and his liturgy is the Christmas Mass.

pages 185–190 The section opens with a resumption of the dating countdown to Easter.

190-192 Easter is when wood chosen for the maypole sprouts blossoms for the five wounds of Jesus. Since this is mythological, the poet asks figures of classical mythology to comment. Only Odysseus’s dog Argos understands their significance.

193 At the capture and trial of Jesus, there are no shepherds, no magi, no Mary and cradled baby.

194 Mary, Lady of Heaven,is praised. She is more lovely even than Gwenhwyfar.

195–203 Description of Gwenhwyfar at Mass.

203 The altar is prepared.

206–209 A retelling of the birth and coming again of Jesus, told in a Welsh setting.

210–215 Feminist witches are introduced who also revere Maryand her birthing; they and their familiars pray to her, this being Christmas Eve.

215–216 The poet says that this may all have been fantasy, but what was real was the well-known first world war fraternisation between English and German soldiers on Christmas Day 1915 which he himself witnessed.

216–217 Back to Mass, and the three Masses of Christmas which are celebrated in the city of Rome.

pages 185–190	The section opens with a resumption of the dating countdown to Easter.
190-192	Easter is when wood chosen for the maypole sprouts blossoms for the five wounds of Jesus. Since this is mythological, the poet asks figures of classical mythology to comment. Only Odysseus’s dog Argos understands their significance.
193	At the capture and trial of Jesus, there are no shepherds, no magi, no Mary and cradled baby.
194	Mary, Lady of Heaven,is praised. She is more lovely even than Gwenhwyfar.
195–203	Description of Gwenhwyfar at Mass.
203	The altar is prepared.
206–209	A retelling of the birth and coming again of Jesus, told in a Welsh setting.
210–215	Feminist witches are introduced who also revere Maryand her birthing; they and their familiars pray to her, this being Christmas Eve.
215–216	The poet says that this may all have been fantasy, but what was real was the well-known first world war fraternisation between English and German soldiers on Christmas Day 1915 which he himself witnessed.
216–217	Back to Mass, and the three Masses of Christmas which are celebrated in the city of Rome.