King Arthur's Raid on the Underworld

Book excerpt: Dynamic new translation of Arthurs First Quest, a clear revelation of a pivotal British Mystery. The 9th century Welsh poem, Preiddeu Annfwyn, or The Raid on the Underworld, ascribed to the 6th century poet and shaman Taliesin, is one of the oldest and most enigmatic documents relating to the mythic hero Arthur. Just a mere 61 lines, it contains within vital clues to the Celtic Mystery traditions as it describes the descent of Arthur and his men on the ship Prydwen into the region of Annwfn--the in-world or underworld of Celto-British tradition, where Arthur journeys to steal the wonder-working cauldron from the Lord of Annwfn. This poem hides many secrets within its shimmering lines. The cauldron is one of the Thlysau or Treasures, hallowed otherworldly objects that are the source of illimitable power. Arthurs quest for the cauldron of the underworld is a precursor of many more famous quests, while the cauldron itself is the forerunner of the Grail. Accessible to the general reader, yet also supported by deep scholarship