Arawn (aka Aroun) is the ruler of Annwn, the Otherworld, and is associated with hunting, shape-shifting, and magic. Arawn is known for his fairness, wisdom, and honor, and he plays a prominent role in the Welsh tales collected in the "Mabinogion," particularly in the story of "Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed."
What is Annwn?
Our story starts in Annwn (pronounced Ah-noon) the Welsh Otherworld—a mystical realm that exists beyond the mortal plane. The understanding of Annwn varies depending on the source, but it is generally considered a place of beauty, abundance, and as an afterlife for souls.
The middle Welsh term used during the Middle Ages translates more to deep or underworld which may reflect the Christian influence of hell. Unlike hell, it is not a place of punishment but rather a continuation of existence in a different form.
Annwn is often portrayed as an idyllic paradise, a land of eternal youth and plenty. It is a place where there is no sickness, aging, or death, and it is filled with lush landscapes, bountiful harvests, and unending feasts. In this sense, Annwn represents an idealized version of the natural world, untouched by the hardships of mortal life.
Annwn is ruled by Arawn, the god of the underworld, and is inhabited by other powerful beings, spirits, and magical creatures. It is a place where the boundaries between the mortal and the divine blur, allowing for encounters with supernatural forces.
Annwn is often portrayed as an idyllic paradise.
Some versions of the legend of Mabinogion, mention that Arawn had an queen although we don't know much about her.
Arawn is known for his fairness, wisdom, and honor, and he plays a prominent role in the Welsh tales collected in the stories
Mabinogion
These classic Welsh stories were written during the Middle Ages between 1350–1410. They contain pre-Christian Celtic mythology woven in with Christian stories and popular legends of the time including Robin Hood. You can read the translation in the Gutenberg project which is known for striving towards accuracy.
Arawn
As a magician, Arawn possesses profound knowledge of the magical arts, particularly those associated with the underworld and the forces of nature. His magical abilities allow him to control and manipulate the elements.
Araun's ability to shapeshift is one of his most intriguing aspects. Shapeshifting is a common motif in Celtic mythology, symbolizing a deep connection to the natural world and the fluid boundaries between human and animal, mortal and divine.
Araun’s roles as a magician and shapeshifter symbolize his deep connection to the mysteries of the universe and the hidden knowledge of the otherworld. He is a guardian of the unknown, a figure who can move seamlessly between different states of being.
For modern practitioners who revere him, these aspects of his character might be invoked in rituals or meditations that focus on transformation, the balance of opposites, or the exploration of hidden knowledge. Araun’s magic and shapeshifting abilities make him a guide for those seeking to understand the deeper mysteries of existence.
An expression from Medieval Cardigan, Wales, says Long is the day and long is the night, and long is the waiting of Araun. Time passes differently than in the mortal world.
Altars and Offerings
Create an altar dedicated to Arawn, decorated with symbols of death and the underworld, such as bones, skulls, or black candles. Offerings might include food, drink, or objects symbolic of the natural world and the cycle of life and death.
You can use the correspondences below to make an altar for Arawn.
Arawns Correspondences
Symbolic Meaning: Justice
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Ruling Element: Earth
Season: Fall
Animals/Mythological Creatures: Dogs, horses stag
Birds: geese
Plants: Cedar tree, Ivy
Crystals: carnelian, obsidian
Herbs & Scents: sage, pine
Color: black, red, white
Day: Samhain, Beltane
Tarot: Death (XIII)
Deities: Cernunnos
Arawn is often compared with the Gaulish god Cernunnos
Arawns Animals
Many scholars associate Arawn with the Gaulish god Cernunnos who is referred to as the Lord of the Animals or the Lord of Wild Things.
Horses
In Celtic mythology, horses are often seen as noble and powerful creatures, symbolizing strength, freedom, and the ability to travel between worlds. Arawn, as the ruler of Annwn, is sometimes depicted as riding a majestic horse. Horses are a connection to the otherworldly realm and a symbol of travel.
Unicorns
Other aspects of Arawn that were interesting to me was that he was also sometimes referred to as a magician and is “the guardian of the magical animals within his kingdom, among those “The Unicorn”.
You can check out my fun family activity book on Unicorns below.
Hounds And The Cŵn Annwn
Arawn is most famously connected with a pack of supernatural hounds known as the Cŵn Annwn. These spectral dogs are described as white with red ears and are believed to be fierce hunters. In Welsh folklore, they are often associated with the Wild Hunt, a ghostly procession that roams the skies, particularly during the winter months.
The Cŵn Annwn are seen as harbingers of death or omens of the otherworld, reflecting Arawn’s role as the ruler of Annwn and his dominion over life and death. It is probable that this is an image influenced by Christianity to correspond with the vision of hell. He is often compared to Hades, Pluto, and the Christian Satan but we must try to look deeper at what the ancients saw.
The association with dogs is a symbol of loyalty, protection, and guidance. These are traits we can strive for. Is Araun speaking to you? Perhaps you need his protection and guidance. Give him respect and loyalty and he will speak to you.
Check out my YouTube channel for videos on pagan deities
Ways To Connect with Arawn
Connect With Nature
I know I say this over and over. but get out in nature, particularly in places that feel liminal or sacred, such as forests, caves, or ancient burial sites.
Meditation and Journeying
Some practitioners engage in meditative practices or guided journeying to connect with Arawn and the realm of Annwn. These practices often involve seeking wisdom or guidance from the deity, particularly regarding life transitions or understanding the mysteries of death.
Speak Up For Justice
Araun is the pinnacle of trust and loyalty, qualities that a leader require. He is concerned with justice and keeping our word. Honor him by doing something for another person. Speak up about a social justice issue. Know that your word is a bond.
His diplomacy and earnest friendship with mortals allows us to transcend the veil and seek his guidance and wisdom.
Rituals and Festivals
Arawn is honored during Samhain, a festival when the veil between the worlds is believed to be thin. Rituals could involve calling upon Arawn for protection, guidance for the spirits of the dead, or honoring ancestors.
How Do We Know About Arawn?
So how do we learn and know about Arawn? Ancient Welsh people had no written language. Sometimes it's hard to know how the ancestors were practicing and worshiping. There stories were influenced by their Roman and Christian conquerors. So we have glimpses into their world but not the whole picture. Archaeology helps to give us some clues on their lives.
Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire in 311 AD after the conversion of Emperor Constantine. By the time the Roman legions withdrew in the 5th century, Christianity was likely the dominant religion in Wales.
During the 6th and 7th centuries, Roman and Celtic missionaries continued to convert the country, and Wales became a stronghold of the Celtic church. I do find it interesting that even after becoming Christian the Welsh put their own spin on the church.
Much of what we know of the Welsh pantheon comes from a set of books called the Mabinogion. These early Welsh stories were written between 1050–1310 CE during the Medieval period. Original recorders and writers of this oral history were most likely monks or noble persons.
We need to note that these were Christians. One interesting tidbit is that one of the modern publications was made by a woman. Lady Charlotte Elizabeth Guest published a bilingual edition in 1838. She was a pioneering force in education during the time.
All this is to say because Arawn is described in two stories in the Mabinogion. One story centers on Pwiff, Prince of Dived. So Pwiff, goes out hunting one day and encounters a pack of supernatural hounds belonging to Araun who had cornered a stag. Pwiff drives away Araun's hounds and allows his own dogs to take down the stag they were hunting.
This act offends Araun, but instead of punishing Pwiff directly, Araun confronts him in a disguised form and proposes a challenge. Araun suggests that Pwiff and he exchange appearances and kingdoms for a year and a day. During this time, Pwiff must defeat Araun’s enemy, Hafgin, who seeks to usurp Araun's throne in Ah-noon. He instructs Pwiff to strike Hafgin only once, as a second blow would undo the victory.
Pwiff agrees, and the two exchange appearances. Pwiff rules Annwn in Arawn's place, successfully defeating Hafgin as instructed. Meanwhile, Arawn, in Pwiffs form, rules Dyfed with wisdom and restraint. Neither ruler takes advantage of the other's position, and after the agreed time, they switch back to their original forms.
The story highlights themes of honor, loyalty, and the testing of character. It also introduces Araun as a powerful and wise ruler of the otherworld, who values fairness and upholds his word. The tale underscores the fluid boundaries between the mortal world and the otherworld, a recurring theme in Celtic mythology.
Author, Ameya, is the founder of CPH, an eclectic pagan and green witch. Check out our resources page.
