Afaon fab Taliesin
According to Welsh tradition, Afaon fab Taliesin (also spelled as Addaon) was the son of the bard Taliesin and a member of King Arthur's retinue. He appears both in the Welsh Triads and in the medieval Arthurian tale Breuddwyd Rhonabwy.
Role in Welsh tradition
According to the Dream of Rhonabwy, Afaon fought alongside Arthur at the Battle of Badon as one of his chief counsellors. He recklessly rode past Arthur prior to the battle, splashing the king in his haste, and was rebuked by Elffin ap Gwyddno. Despite his recklessness, he was referred to by Iddog ap Mynio as "the wisest and most accomplished in the kingdom".[1]
He is alluded to several times in the Welsh Triads, in which he is referred to as one of the three "Bull-Chieftains of the Island of Britain" as well as one of the "Battle-leaders". His death at the hands of Llongad Grwm Fargod Eidyn was one of the three "Unfortunate Assassinations".[2]
Afaon is further mentioned in the late twelfth century Enlyngion y Clyweit, a collection of proverbial englyns attributed to various historical and mythological heroes. The text claims that he once sang the proverb "The cheek will not conceal the anguish of the heart".[3]
Notes
- ^ Gantz, Jeffrey. The Mabinogion.
- ^ Bromwich, Rachel. Trioedd Ynys Prydein.
- ^ Englynion y Clyweit.
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