 
Bran's Head: A Talisman* (Ulster Cycle) A Welsh tale from the Mabinogion,
relating to the story of Bran the
Blessed, reveals the Celtic reverence for head-hunting. During a battle against the Irish, this hero was wounded in the foot by a poisoned spear. Realising that his cause was hopeless, Bran ordered his followers to cut off his head and take it with them. They obeyed, bearing it with them on a lengthy voyage. These travels brought them to Harlech, where they remained for seven years, feasting endlessly while the birds of Rhiannon sang to them. After this, they journeyed to Penvro, where they entered the enchanted hall. This made them forget all their cares, causing them to devoted the next fourscore years entirely to revelry. Throughout all this time, Bran's head did not decay; instead, it remained alive, feasting and conversing with his companions. Eventually, the head was buried at the White Mound, the site of the future Tower of London. There it acted as a talisman, protecting the island of Britain from invasion, until it was dug up by King Arthur. *From Irish Legends by Iain Zaczek. Gill & McMillan, Ltd. Dublin: 1998. See also: Robin Hood
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Page last updated 27 Dec. 2005