BRANWEN THE DAUGHTER OF LLYR
HERE IS THE SECOND PORTION OF THE MABINOGI



Bendigeid Vran, the son of Llyr, was the crowned king of this island,
and he was exalted from the crown of London. And one afternoon he
was at Harlech in Ardudwy, at his Court, and he sat upon the rock of
Harlech, looking over the sea. And with him were his brother
Manawyddan the son of Llyr, and his brothers by the mother's side,
Nissyen and Evnissyen, and many nobles likewise, as was fitting to
see around a king. His two brothers by the mother's side were the
sons of Eurosswydd, by his mother, Penardun, the daughter of Beli son
of Manogan. And one of these youths was a good youth and of gentle
nature, and would make peace between his kindred, and cause his
family to be friends when their wrath was at the highest; and this
one was Nissyen; but the other would cause strife between his two
brothers when they were most at peace. And as they sat thus, they
beheld thirteen ships coming from the south of Ireland, and making
towards them, and they came with a swift motion, the wind being
behind them, and they neared them rapidly. "I see ships afar," said
the king, "coming swiftly towards the land. Command the men of the
Court that they equip themselves, and go and learn their intent." So
the men equipped themselves and went down towards them. And when
they saw the ships near, certain were they that they had never seen
ships better furnished. Beautiful flags of satin were upon them.
And behold one of the ships outstripped the others, and they saw a