Annwfn

Annwfn is a term from Welsh mythology and folklore, often translated as "The Otherworld," "The Land Beneath the Waves," or "The Land of the Deep." It is generally understood as a supernatural realm, a parallel world inhabited by various mythical beings. Descriptions of Annwfn are varied and sometimes contradictory, reflecting its ancient and complex origins within Welsh tradition.

In some accounts, Annwfn is a place of both wonder and peril, a realm accessible through specific locations or under certain conditions. It is often associated with the dead, the fairies (Tylwyth Teg), and other supernatural entities. The Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh prose tales, features Annwfn prominently in several stories, most notably in the tale of "Pwyll, Prince of Dyfed," where Pwyll journeys to Annwfn and encounters its lord, Arawn.

The concept of Annwfn has been interpreted by scholars as representing an ancient Celtic Otherworld, a spiritual dimension distinct from the mortal realm. Its exact nature and location are subject to ongoing debate, with some theories suggesting it is a subterranean world, while others place it beneath the sea or in a mystical, ethereal space. The exact inhabitants and characteristics of Annwfn can vary depending on the specific text or tradition being referenced.