I enjoyed this read as I am interested in the WIld Hunt legends. I had not been familiar with Gwyn Ap Nudd being part of the legend, but have read many other versions of the tale. This book was a fascinating read that I think anyone interested in Celtic folklore/mythology will enjoy.

Pagan Portals: Gwyn ap Nudd by Danu Forest takes an in-depth look at one of the more mysterious of the Welsh Celt deities. There are five chapters, focusing on different aspects to Gwyn, as a seasonal deity, a guardian of the land, and a psychopomp figure. Chapter One briefly introduces Gwyn ap Nudd and contains two guided meditation practises. Chapter Two discusses Annwfn, and elements of faery. There are three meditations in this section. Chapter Three connects legends of Gwyn with ancient star-lore and has a but a single meditation. Chapter Four looks at the stories of the Mabinogion, in regards to Gwyn, and has four meditations, including one to meet Gwyn’s seasonal counterpart of Gwythyr. The last chapter discusses Gwyn’s role as a Lord of the Underworld, and master of the Wild Hunt. There are five exercises in this chapter.

I quite enjoyed this excursion into Welsh lore. Before this, Gwyn was not well-known to me. Arawn, yes, and I had long come to regard Arawn and Gwyn to be different, in terms of working with deity. I worked with Arawn extensively for some time, doing daily meditation/ shamanic journeywork. I did several of the exercises in the book, modifying them to fit my existing style. I hope to revisit them all during a time when I can invest my full attention and devotion. There seemed to be a good balance between the spiritual and historical threads. I particularly enjoyed the discussion of the Mabinogion stories. This is perfect for any looking to increase their repertoire of Welsh lore, or those specifically interested in building a relationship with this most enigmatic deity.

***Many thanks to Netgalley, and John Hunt Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book is really packed with information about a god I wasn't too familiar with before I started reading. It's a book you can really sink your teeth into. Well written !

Another well-written, easy to read installment in the Pagan Portals series. Perfect for pagans and curious non-pagans alike.

I received a much appreciated copy through the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This addition to the Pagan Portals series of Pagan novels brings so much value to the table! Gwyn ap Nudd is a somewhat dark and intriguing God that isn't well-mentioned or researched in most books about Welsh mythology or magick. This brings together research, practice, and educated hypotheses to fill in the blank areas with precision and logic.

Structured beautifully, we hear history, thoughts, direct mentions of Gwyn, as well as practice points for meditation and spiritual connection. The author's voice is thorough and somewhat repetitive in points, but carefully formatted with well-chosen words and passages to supplement. This is a great introduction with detail-oriented information for those who are wanting to learn more about Gwyn, Welsh Gods and Mythology, or Meditation pertaining to this particular subject.

This was a fascinating, educational, and spiritual read that anyone can enjoy.

I knew very little about Gwyn ap Nudd. This book is a good introduction to this specific gods and the lore, mythology and what is to be known about him. A very well researched starting point with interesting exercises.

wyn ap Nudd by Danu Forest from John Hunt publishing is part of the Pagan Portals series. It's a practical well researched history and magical meditation guide. It's written in a clear and understandable manner, well laid out in an easy to follow, logical format.

Each of the chapters conclude with two or more practical exercises to increase the reader's awareness and spiritual growth. These are short practical guides which the reader can apply to his/her own life.

The book begins with an introduction and background. The second - fifth chapters retell and expand on Gwyn ap Nudd in story and song down through the ages, including the Mabinogion and the wild hunt. Each of the chapters includes exercises for further exploration.

The author's voice is soothing and easy to follow.

A quote:

Seek him in the reflections of starlight upon deep still water, and when you hear an owl screech in the night, or see the geese fly overhead on winter evenings … know that he is close. Close your eyes and feel the air on your skin, the promise of things unseen just a breath away.

The author is also a poetess and it shows in her careful gentle use of language. The book is very soothing and enjoyable to read, whatever the reader's belief system and motivation in choosing to read it.

The book is well researched enough to be appropriate support material for readers interested in the early pagan beliefs and oral traditions of the early British Isles as well as those interested in meditation and self exploration and internal spiritual growth.

An interesting and unusual read.

Four stars for the moving and lovely prose.

The "Pagan Portals" series are just what you want in an introduction to a specific topic - clear, concise and chock full of useful information and exercises to put to good use. This book is no exception. The exercises are well-written and the information presented leaves the reader wanting to find out more about this rather dark deity,

A brief, but somewhat weighty history of the pagan god of the underworld and afterlife, this book provides a quick introduction to the history and traditions surrounding Gwyn ap Nudd. I found it interesting, but not as detailed or as in-depth as I would have liked. Still, this book works as a starting place for learning about this sometimes overlooked deity.

I am unable to provide a review at this time. Unfortunately, I DNFed this book in the first 18%. It just didn't hold my attention. I apologize for the inconvenience.

I am quite prepared to believe that I'm the problem with this book but I really couldn't finish reading it - sorry!

I really did want to enjoy and learn from this book as I am really quite interested in the "old gods" but I'm sorry to say that this book did nothing for me. To my befuddled brain, it seemed to jump all over the place and so it confused the heck out of me.