Welcome back to White Rose of Avalon, my Darlings.   For today’s blog post, I am sharing some essential books to read when you are walking a Welsh Celtic or Avalonian Spiritual Path.   In particular, I will discuss books that are primary sources of the folklore that is the backbone of this path, as well as some books that serve as commentary on those earlier sources.

The Mabinogion translated by Sioned Davies

~This is one of the most important books to read on a Welsh Celtic Spiritual Path, as this is the collection of stories that form the backbone of much of this path!   I have specified my favorite translation, but there are many other translations, and you can even find the original Lady Charlotte Guest translation for free online.   It is such an entertaining read, to learn the stories of so many Celtic folkloric figures, and an important read to better understand and deepen into your unique Avalonian or Welsh Celtic Path!

The History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth

~This is one of the earliest texts that laid the foundation of the Arthurian legends, making it a very important text to understand how the legends have evolved!

Vita Merlini by Geoffrey of Monmouth

~This contains the first-ever written reference to Avalon and Morgan le Fay and the Ninefold Sisterhood!   That alone makes it an essential read.

Arthurian Romances by Chretien de Troyes

~This is the collection of Arthurian tales written by Chretien de Troyes while at the Court of Marie de France.   It was the first appearance of Lancelot in the Arthurian canon and went on to influence all subsequent Arthurian legends!

Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory

~This is the most complete collection of Arthurian legends from the late medieval period.   This is a truly impressive collection of stories that is the basis of many later works, given how complete it is! 

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, translated by J.R.R. Tolkien

~This poem from the medieval period tells the story of the Knight Gawain being tested by the Green Knight to prove his worth as a Knight (and even potential heir to Arthur, if you read between the lines)!   It is very important because it shows the evolution of Morgan le Fay and just how powerful she is!

Melusine by Jean d’Arras

~This is the oldest written version of Melusine’s legend.   It blends history with legend, presenting a tale of the Faery Queen who built Lusignan along with the further exploits of her sons!   As is common with Celtic folklore written in the medieval period, there is a heavy emphasis on how the story has been Christianized.   However, we can easily read between the lines to see the more ancient themes alive in the story of Melusine!   As Melusine is an Avalonian Faery Queen (literally being raised in Avalon by her mother), this fits right in on this list.

The Book of Melusine of Lusignan, edited (withtranslations) by Gareth Knight

~Gareth Knight translated several different versions of the Melusine legend, as well as an essay about the legend.   Furthermore, he also included one of his own essays about Melusine, making this a great read to deepen your study of Melusine!

Mabon and the Mysteries of Britain by Caitlin Matthews (re-released as Mabon and the Guardians of Celtic Britain: Hero Myths in the Mabinogion)

~This book serves as an excellent reading companion to the tales of The Mabinogion!   The observations made by Matthews definitely present a deeper understanding of the original stories.

Arthur and the Sovereignty of Britain: King and Goddess in the Mabinogion by Caitlin Matthews (re-released as King Arthur and the Goddess of the Land)

~Another great book that works in conjunction with the one above.   This one is more specifically focused on the relationship between the King and the Sovereignty Goddesses, rather than the Hero Myths.

Ladies of the Lake by Caitlin and John Matthews

~This book is a great one to read when you are looking to further your study of the Faery Queens and Faery Women found in the tales of the Arthurian legends!

The Faery Gates of Avalon by Gareth Knight

~I love this book as one to further deepen into understanding of Chretien de Troyes’ Arthurian Romances.   Knight devotes chapters to each of the Faery Queens present in the stories written by de Troyes, making this an excellent companion for those of us on a Path devoted to the Faery Queens!

The Once and Future Queen: Guinevere in Arthurian Legend by Nicole Evelina

~The final book I think of as essential is this excellent study of how the depiction of Guinevere has evolved over the centuries.   This is the only book I have found that has deep-dived into Guinevere in this way, blending academia with a very sympathetic view of the oft-misunderstood Queen!

~I hope you have enjoyed this look at some books that I find to be essential reading on an Avalonian Spiritual Path.    What other books do you think are important reads?   Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Note on Image: The image at the top of the post is a photo I took of some of these books!

LINK TO AVALONIAN ROSE FAERY MYSTERIES PATREON: patreon.com/AvalonianRoseFaeryMysteries