Modron, a figure in Welsh tradition, emerges as a prominent maternal archetype. Known as the mother of Mabon ap Modron, her narrative might trace its origins to the Gaulish goddess Matrona. Modron’s depiction as a mother is consistent with the characteristics of Matrona, indicating a potential connection to this earlier deity. This link is further suggested by the shared worship of Matrona and Maponos, a youth god from whom Mabon likely derives, around Hadrian’s Wall. This area’s historical significance possibly influenced the inclusion of Modron and Mabon in Brittonic literature from the Hen Ogledd (Old North) of Britain.
Modron’s story, particularly the abduction of her son Mabon in infancy, shares parallels with Rhiannon from the First Branch of the Mabinogi. This similarity led to speculations, such as by William John Gruffydd, that Modron and Rhiannon might share a common origin. Another intriguing connection arises with Saint Madrun, daughter of Vortimer. Despite the etymological distinctions between the names Modron and Madrun, John T. Koch suggests a narrative link based on their stories’ similarities.
Modron in Welsh Celtic Literature
In Welsh literature, Modron is first mentioned in the poem “Pa Gur yv y Porthaur,”
Mabon, the son of Modron,
Pa gur Arthur and the Porter
The servant of Uthyr Pendragon;
The reference below could be an alternative representation of Mabon, possibly indicating a paternal link to the lightning god Loucetios.
And Mabon, the son of Mellt,
Pa gur Arthur and the Porter
Spotted the grass with blood?
However, Modron’s most significant appearance is in “Culhwch and Olwen,” where the recovery of Mabon, kidnapped when he was three days old, forms a crucial part of the narrative.
Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt not get. Throughout the world there is not a huntsman who can hunt with this dog, except Mabon the son of Modron. He was taken from his mother when three nights old, and it is not known where he now is, nor whether he is living or dead.
Culhwch and Olwen
Modron is portrayed as the mother of twins Owain and Morfudd, fathered by Urien Rheged. This narrative unfolds further in MS Peniarth 147, where Urien encounters an unnamed otherworldly woman at a mysterious ford, leading to the birth of the twins.
In the poem “Cad Goddeu” (The Battle of the Trees), Modron is linked with Euron, potentially an erroneous transcription for Gwron, who might be Modron’s spouse.
I was enchanted by Gwydyon
The Battle of the Trees
The great purifier of the Brython,
Of Eurwys, of Euron,
Of Euron, of Modron.
The Englynion y Beddau (Stanzas of the Graves) also references Modron, tying her to Mabon and enhancing her mythological significance. These varied depictions across Welsh literature paint Modron as a complex figure deeply rooted in Celtic mythology, embodying themes of motherhood, loss, and mystical connections.
The Welsh Triads introduce another dimension to Modron’s story, identifying her father as Afallach and linking her to the mystical island of Avalon.
Three Fair Womb-Burdens of the Island of Britain:
The Welsh Triads
Urien son of Cynfarch and Arawn son of Cynfarch and Lleu son of Cynfarch, by Nefyn daughter of Brychan Brycheiniog their mother;
The second, Owain and Morfudd daughter of Urien and Anarun archbishop of Llydaw, by Modron daughter of Afallach their mother;
The third was Gwrgi and Peredur sons of (E)liffer of the Great Warband, and Arddun their sister, and … (by Efrddyl?), and Cornan their horse and Grey-Skin their cow.