First the worst, second the best

[goldenhand]

Did anyone else sing that at school? (Sorry Blackbird *ducks*)

Many thanks for starting these boards, I too am looking forward to the chance to talk about Brythonic things. My name is Angharad, I usually go under the name of Angharad Goldenhand, who is a shadowy figure from Welsh myth - she appears in the boon list of Culhwch ac Olwen. The name always appealed to me.

I'm lucky to make my living as a professional harpist, so I'm looking forward to some good musical discussions. Perhaps in time we'll be able to post music up on the website?

Blessings,

Angharad

[blackwitch]

Angharad is such a pretty name!!! what does it mean? what is Culhwych ac Olwen? how lovely to be a harpist, i've always wantd to play an instruemnt but we never had the money when i was growing up. my son can play the gidtar now.

BB Moira

[Blackbird]

yes ;D

First the worst
second the best
third the dirty donkey
fourth the golden eagle
fifth the one with nothing on
sixth the one who sings the song.

There was probably more, but thankfully, it has gone from memory.

Moira, Culhwch and Olwen is one of the stories in the Mabinogion collection. It's available in many translations online and is well worth reading if you're keen to learn more about Brythonic lore. There is a wealth of stuff contained within those stories.

I'll let Angharad answer on the subject of her name

Blackbird

[goldenhand]

We had a slightly different version - third was 'the one with a hairy chest' and fourth was the dirty donkey, so that we had seven rather than six.

Why do I remember that??? ;D

Moira, Angharad means 'my dear' or 'my darling'. It's a traditional Welsh name.

Yes, you do need money to buy a harp - but many manufacturers will now rent them out. If you decide to keep the harp, some of them will knock the money you've paid in rental off the price. And some harp teachers have beginners harps that they will lend to students.

Something like the recorder is a good instrument to learn. Banish thoughts of infant school squeakings from your mind - recorders are really beautiful when they're played well. And getting a basic instrument to begin on will not set you back much.

Blessings,

Angharad

[silverhawk]

I also use panpipes - slightly difficult to get started on, but once you get the hang, they do sound beautiful!