The Mabinogion: Meet Wales' monsters and mythical beasts

It is more than 165 years since the first English translation of The Mabinogion - a set of Welsh medieval tales - told of the land's fabled beasts and monsters.

Lady Charlotte Guest's conversion of the 11-story collection, created centuries ago, feature Rhiannon's Birds, the Afanc and a nameless claw.

But what is the meaning and legacy of Wales' fantastical fauna?

Cardiff University's Dr Juliette Wood, a medieval folklore and Celtic tradition specialist, explores some of the magical and sometimes shape-shifting menagerie contained in Britain's first prose literature.

Artwork & Images by Michael Burgess

Video by Philip John