Gilvaethwy

Author's Note

This brief short story took me 16 years to research and write. I read as much about this passage of the Mabinogion as I could, I researched the one species of deer native to Wales. I consulted with a Biologist (poet Gil Pettigrew) about the life cycles, habits, and diets of Welsh boars, deer, and wolves. I also took the story to my writing group who kept asking me to add more details and explanations.

I left the story largely as it was: the Mabinogion does not explain and Gilvaethwy (also spelled "Gilfaethwy") is not my character.

To read Lady Guest's translation of the original story, go here. Or read the 4th Branch of the Mabinogion, "Math Son of Mathonwy" in your favorite translation.

-Lisa Shapter

I also have a few typewriter t-shirts.