Caradog ap Bran

Caradog ap Bran

Lesserwell-documentedMedieval Welsh literatureMabinogi traditionWelsh triadic memory (Trioedd)BritainWalesIreland (narrative context)
Origin

Caradog ap Bran appears in medieval Welsh narrative as a son of Bran (Bendigeidfran), a member of the Llŷr family. In the Second Branch of the Mabinogi (Branwen ferch Llŷr) a council leaves seven men, with Caradog given seniority, to defend Britain while Bran leads an expedition to Ireland. His identity is also preserved in triadic lists and genealogies that incorporate him into the legendary dynastic memory of Britain.

Appearance

No specific physical description of Caradog is preserved in the supplied sources; he is attested only by his patronymic identity (son of Bran) and his social rank as a senior chieftain among the seven left to defend Britain.

Abilities

Caradog's role in the tradition is chiefly mortal, social, and martial: he is a senior war-leader entrusted with the defence of Britain. The narrative records no supernatural powers or magical skills for him. His notable behaviour in the tale is loyal leadership and despair: after Caswallawn murders his men (using an invisibility cloak in the narrative), Caradog 'breaks his heart in despair' and dies of grief.

Weaknesses & Wards

Weaknesses

  • condition
    mortal grief and despair

Wards

None recorded.

Entity Network
BBranwenCACaradog ap Bran
related
Related Entities
Branwen
Greater

Branwen

Major character in Welsh mythology and daughter of Llŷr, a sea god. (Note: - Power tier should be Primordial (as she is a sea god's daughter and a central figure in a major mythological narrative). - Appearance: Add note that physical description is not provided. - Abilities)

Community Record

Sources
  1. [1]
    Caradog ap Bran - Wikipedia. Wikipedia contributors, 'Caradog ap Bran,' Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.wiki
  2. [2]
    Caradog ap Bran - Wikidata. Wikidata entry Q1035330 for Caradog ap Bran.other
  3. [3]
    Ancestry of Eudaf Hen (Early British Kingdoms). Early British Kingdoms: genealogical summaries including figures of the Mabinogi.other
  4. [4]
    The North Britain Triads (AncientTexts / Mary Jones versions). The Triads (Drioedd Ynys Prydein) as presented at AncientTexts; Triad attestations naming Caradog among Chief Defenders and among those who 'broke their hearts.'literary
  5. [5]
    Triads (Mary Jones reproduction). Reproduction of the North Britain Triads (Drioedd Ynys Prydein).literary
  6. [6]
    TuleyRoots - Caradog Ap Bran. Genealogical entry for Caradog ap Bran.other
  7. [7]
    Caradog AP BRAN King Of Siluria (Mostyn collection). Summary entry referencing Caradog ap Bran in heraldic/genealogical context.other
  8. [8]
    Triads from Drioedd Ynys Prydien (KingArthur.justwizard). Online presentation of the Welsh Triads including references to Caradog.literary
well-documented