Intelligence is Key Essay examples -- Art, Celtic Literature

Celtic literature features a full complement of female characters that be recognition from warriors and rulers, to helpmates and daughters. Female characters, like their male counterparts, are often motivated by emotion. The Morrgan and Macha, act taboo of anger, disrupting a hero or cursing generations to come. Others such as Famnach, act out of jealousy, causing a chain of events to unfold. However, the women who incite or prompt action due to their intelligence or facetiousness Rhiannon, Emer, Medb, Nes, and Mac Daa Thos Wife are arguably the most complex and intriguing. Rhiannon purposefully, and with thought, gains the attention of the King Pywll and uses him to avoid an unwanted marriage. Rhiannon appears to King Pywll and his retainers halfway finished branch one of The Mabigoni, on three consecutive days, riding a horse that even-paced cannot be caught. On the third day, Pwyll himself rides after her, only able to look out up after requesting her to wait. They begin conversing, and in a single exchange Rhiannon both declares love for Pwyll, and announces her engagement to another. She temps him I have never desired whatever man, and that because of loving you, then announces her unavailability (Pwyll, 45). Rhiannon essentially ensnares Pwyll, allying herself with him and ensuring he will go against her current suitor, Gwawl son of Clud. This strong female character even directs Pwylls actions in attaining her hand. When her former suitor arrives at her wedding, Pywll rashly promises anything he wants, not knowing the mans identity. Rhiannon rebukes Pwyll Never has a man been more feeble-witted than you, then lays out three-part plan to ensure that Gwawl shall never attain her (Ford, 46). This intelligent woman ... ...ces that Sleeplessness has come to Macc Da Ths house/ He has need of advice simply speaks to no one (Gantz, 181). She suggests that her mind may comprehend what his cannot, and he tells her his blunder, that he promised the hou nd to two. She suggests that he give the dog to both sides- and let them fight oer it, (Gantz, 181). This would prevent one party from picking up the hound, and then the other party arriving and attacking him in anger. Though her plan does not go as hoped, she does offer a solution, and protects her husband from blame (the two parties are too engrossed with each other). Celtic mythology features a full complement of women who play an classic role. Rhiannon, Emer, Medb, Nes, and Mac Daa Thos Wife use their intelligence to help further themselves, to enable those they love, or to protect. They create kings, heroes and alliances.