Post by lorna on Jul 10, 2014 17:10:29 GMT -1
In relation to my earlier post about Gwyn ap Nudd and the spirits of Annwn, this is a poem I wrote a couple of months back exploring some of the more troubling aspects of his mythos. My considerations led me to the question of whether there is a place for theodicy within my beliefs. As I don't assume the gods are good, or that they should have to justify themselves to humans, I decided that there isn't. After all, none of us are perfect... However I do believe striving for a joint understanding is important. What are your opinions and experiences in regard to this?
No Theodicy
Gwyn ap Nudd, they say you delight
in the crashing of spears in the underworld.
Gwyn ap Nudd, they say you hold the wrath
of the demons of Annwn within your soul.
Gwyn ap Nudd, they say you stole
the most majestic of maidens to your underground home.
Gwyn ap Nudd, they say you ripped out
Nwython’s heart and fed it still beating to his own damn son.
Gwyn ap Nudd, they say you are a fallen god.
~
Is this rumour and hearsay or does myth hold truth?
Well then you are terrible, yet I fain to judge
for you cast no shame upon the troubled souls
you gather together in your golden halls.
Why you wrest the battle dead
from the killing fields and horror of slaughter
and rescue those wandering the limbo-lands
of fear and depression I still have no answer.
I see you surrounded by a cloud of mist
with a hound at your side making plans for the future.
As your visions pass I cannot guess them
but know they are won from the weight of the worlds.
Though I examine and question the ways of the gods
I make no excuses for you or my path.
I love my life and adore your mysteries.
This is no theodicy.
No Theodicy
Gwyn ap Nudd, they say you delight
in the crashing of spears in the underworld.
Gwyn ap Nudd, they say you hold the wrath
of the demons of Annwn within your soul.
Gwyn ap Nudd, they say you stole
the most majestic of maidens to your underground home.
Gwyn ap Nudd, they say you ripped out
Nwython’s heart and fed it still beating to his own damn son.
Gwyn ap Nudd, they say you are a fallen god.
~
Is this rumour and hearsay or does myth hold truth?
Well then you are terrible, yet I fain to judge
for you cast no shame upon the troubled souls
you gather together in your golden halls.
Why you wrest the battle dead
from the killing fields and horror of slaughter
and rescue those wandering the limbo-lands
of fear and depression I still have no answer.
I see you surrounded by a cloud of mist
with a hound at your side making plans for the future.
As your visions pass I cannot guess them
but know they are won from the weight of the worlds.
Though I examine and question the ways of the gods
I make no excuses for you or my path.
I love my life and adore your mysteries.
This is no theodicy.