Storytelling on a not so starry night

REPORT: Friends of Rhiwbina Library talk - Stories of the Stars: an evening storytelling event for grown-ups   

What did our ancestors see when they looked up? How did they make meaning of the constellations above them, the night skies, and the shapes of light that pinpricked the darkness? 

In celebration of Wales Dark Skies Week, award-winning storyteller Tamar Williams presented legends of the stars on a wet and windy evening at Rhiwbina Library (Friday 20 February), delving into some of the oldest stories of the night sky from Greek and Welsh mythology. 

The event was part of Cysur y Sêr, a Wales-wide heritage project run by Adverse Camber, supported by Arts Council Wales and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Tamar is a professional storyteller working in the Welsh oral tradition. She tells stories in both Welsh and English, working with a wide repertoire of Celtic mythology, legends, and folktales, alongside stories from all over the world.

Her talk at Rhiwbina Library certainly showcased her talents, seamlessly moving between languages and mythologies, revisiting tales of the stars and the skies. As she said "When we look up we see the same as those who came before us, compared to everything else around us that has changed. We are used to a world of light but we, and animals too, need the darkness".

We heard the tale of Yr Afanc, the monstrous creature of the Blue Lake/Glas Llyn in Eryri defeated by Anwen, the village girl, who sang to draw the monster from the depths, and by Hu Gadarn the herdsmen who, with his powerful oxen, dragged it to its death. Hence the link to the constellations The Plough and Taurus the bull.

From Greece, Tamar relayed the story of Cretan Princess Ariadne wooed, then abandoned, by Theseus, following his defeat of her brother the Minotaur, and her eventual marriage to the god Dionysus. The constellation of the Corona Borealis is thought to represent the crown given by Dionysus to Ariadne and set by her in the heavens.

These were just two of the fascinating stories told by Tamar, whose engaging and enthusiastic performance had the audience enthralled and on the edge of their seats.

Compared to the codified myths of Greece and Rome, Welsh mythology is fragmented or, sadly, lost but, as Tamar explained, it is hoped efforts will now begin to piece together the jigsaw of oral and written Welsh stories.

Tamar's website has more information about her role as a freelance storyteller for over a decade, delivering workshops and performances in schools, community settings, theatres, and festivals with a range of audiences. www.tamarelunedwilliams.com

This talk was organised by the Friends of Rhiwbina Library, as part of their ongoing series. Online tickets are available from the Friends of Rhiwbina Library ticketing page and further information about upcoming Rhiwbina events can be found on our events calendar.

Report by Lynne Schofield

Photos by Lynne Schofield and Helen Byrne