cauldron

cauldron. The cauldron was widely used in the Celtic nations from ancient to medieval times, as abundant archaeological and literary evidence testifies. The best-known surviving cauldron from ancient times is the ornately decorated silver one possibly made in Gaul and found at Gundestrup, Denmark, for which it is now named. It may be a Rosetta Stone for interpreting both mythology and literature; see GUNDESTRUP CAULDRON. Cauldrons were used for domestic and sacrificial as well as other ritual purposes. At the same time it is clear that the cauldron was a prestige possession and restricted for the most part to the homes of the rich. It could symbolize both plenty and the powers of resuscitation, and could have implied powers over fertility. The ruler of the Otherworld characteristically has a cauldron in his role as dispenser of feasts. The Bruidne or feasting-halls of Ireland were equipped with inexhaustible cauldrons. Not surprisingly, then, many commentators have seen links between the cauldron of Celtic tradition and the Arthurian Grail.

There are many famous cauldrons in Celtic narrative. The cauldron of the Dagda was one of the treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann. The cauldron of Gwigawd was one of the treasures of Britain. The Partholonians of Brea had the first cauldron in Ireland. Cúchulainn twice brought magic cauldrons back from Scotland. Ceridwen had a cauldron of inspiration or wisdom from which Gwion Bach tasted before he became Taliesin. A cauldron of regeneration attracts much attention in Branwen, the second branch of the Welsh Mabinogi. Bendigeidfran obtains it mysteriously in Ireland, and gives it to Matholwch in compensation for the mischief of Efnisien. Other cauldrons belonged to Diwrnach of Ireland in the Welsh story of Culhwch ac Olwen; Arawn, king of Annwfn; and the historical king of early Scotland (Fifeshire), Eochaid Buide.