Branwen, a goddess from Welsh mythology is known as the goddess of love and beauty. However, her story is also deeply entwined with themes of grief, death, and rebirth. After her tragic marriage to the Irish king Matholwch led to betrayal and war, Branwen died of a broken heart, mourning the death of her brother, Bran the Blessed, and the destruction caused by the conflict.
Branwen is also closely linked to birds, particularly her magical birds that could sing to the dead and bring them back to life. These birds serve as a symbolic connection between the living and the dead, making Branwen an goddess to invoke during Samhain—the festival when the veil between worlds is thinnest.
Why Branwen is Suitable for Samhain:
- Connection to the Dead: Branwen’s birds, which communicate with the dead, align with Samhain’s theme of honoring ancestors and connecting with spirits. Her role in the cycle of life, death, and rebirth makes her a powerful figure for rituals focused on remembrance.
- Birds as Messengers: In many cultures, birds, particularly crows and ravens, are seen as messengers between the living and the dead. Branwen’s birds could serve this role in Samhain rituals, symbolizing communication with the otherworld.
Invoking Branwen during Samhain allows for honoring the dead, embracing grief and healing, and celebrating the transformative power of love and loss.
