Intelligence is Key Essay examples -- Art, Celtic Literature

Celtic literature features a full complement of female characters that deserve recognition; from warriors and rulers, to helpmates and daughters. Female characters, like their male counterparts, often have actions motivated by passion. The Morrà ­gan and Macha, act out of anger, disrupting a hero or cursing generations to come. Others such as Fà ºamnach, act out of jealousy, causing a series of events to unfold. However, the women who incite or prompt action due to their intelligence or wit – Rhiannon, Emer, Medb, Nes, and Mac Daa Tho’s Wife – are arguably the most complex and fascinating. 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 through branch one of The Mabigoni, on three consecutive days, riding a horse that even-paced, no other horse can match. On the third day, Pwyll himself rides after her, only able to catch up after requesting her to stop. They begin conversing and, in a single exchange Rhiannon both declares love for Pwyll and announces her engagement to another. She temps him: â€Å"I have never desired any man, and that because of loving you†, then announces her unavailability (â€Å"Pwyll,† 45). Rhiannon essentially ensnares Pwyll, allying herself with him and ensuring he will turn against her current suitor, Gwawl son of Clud. However, Rhiannon leaves nothing to chance. This strong female character even directs Pwyll’s actions in attaining her hand, and advises him when he blunders. She sets the time and place for her retrieval: â€Å"A year from tonight, in the court of Hyfaidd Hen† (Ford, 45). When her former suitor arrives in the midst of celebration, Pywll rashly promises anything he wa... ...tices that: â€Å"Sleeplessness has come to Macc Da Thà ³Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s house/ He has need of advice but 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 hound to two. She suggests that he â€Å"give the dog to both sides- [and] let them fight over 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, protecting her husband from blame (the two parties are too engrossed with each other). Celtic mythology features a full complement of women who play an important role. Rhiannon, Emer, Medb, Nes, and Mac Daa Tho’s Wife use their intelligence to help further themselves, to enable those they love, or to protect. They create kings, heroes and alliances.