This is the English translation of the Seithenin poem Seithenin from the the Llyfr Du Caerfyrddin (Black Book of Carmarthen). It is rendered as close as possible to the original using my font, Mabinogi Celtic which is free for anyone to download and install. This poem represents one of the oldest written versions of the drowning of Cantre'r Gwaelod legend (also known as the Drowning of Gwyddneu's realm).

The Drowning of Gwyddno's Realm (Seithennin)

Seithennin, stand outside
and view the churning sea
Gwyddno's realm in covered

Accursed be the maiden
who released it after feast —
pourer of the sea's harsh well

Accursed is the maiden
who loosed it after battle's cease
pourer of the sea's barren well

Mererid's cry from the fortress' ramparts
to God was it directed
Great death is common on the heels of pride

Mererid's cry from the fortress' ramparts on this day
to God her entreaty
Repentance is common on the heels of pride

Mererid's cry is what stirs me tonight
and it will not facilitate any success for me
A fall is common on the heels of pride

Mererid's cry from the back of an fine auburn steed
Generous God created it
A state of need is common on the heels of pride

Mererid's cry is what compels me tonight
away from my room.
A distant death is common on the heels of pride

Seithennin's grave: sublime his thoughts
between Caer Genedr and the shore
such a glorious leader [was he]



Follow these links for the original version of the poem and the modern Welsh version of the poem.




The poem given above are transcribed directly from the Llyfr Du Caerfyrddin (Black Book of Carmarthen), with reference to Blodeugerdd Barddas o'r Bedwaredd Ganrif ar Ddeg edited by Dafydd Johnston and to AHO Jarman's diplomatic edition of the text. Letters or words obviously missing from the text are enclosed in square brackets [ ] and letters or words that are either superfluous to the metre or which are erroniously copied in the original are indicated in italic text.