The cauldron is one of the oldest Celtic symbols and one that has come down to us over the centuries in various forms. The best known story of the cauldron comes from Wales and is about the great bard Taliesin and his birth.
The goddess Cerridwen had a magical cauldron, which was stirred by a boy named Gwion. One day Gwion burned his hand on the cauldron and put his hand to his mouth. As soon as his lips touched her burned hand, he was transformed by the magic of the cauldron and acquired all the knowledge of the world in a single instant.
Cerridwen was furious that a mere servant had taken this knowledge and pursued Gwion, who now had the power to change form. Gwion turned into a hare and ran out the door. Cerridwen, being a powerful goddess, also had the power to change shapes and transformed into a hound to chase the hare. Before she could catch him, Gwion dived into a river and turned into a fish. Cerridwen then became an otter and set off behind him again. So Gwion turned into a bird and took to the sky, after which Cerridwen became a ferocious eagle. Gwion, realizing that no animal form could provide safety, tried a different strategy. Seeing a pile of wheat, she turned into a tiny grain and fell into the pile of wheat. Cerridwen, however, in her eagle form managed to find him. By turning into a hen, she devoured the grain, ending the chase.
The story doesn’t end there, though. Nine months later, Cerridwen gave birth to a son. Knowing this was Gwion, reborn, has sworn to destroy it once again. She couldn’t bring herself to do it, though. Instead she put the baby in a leather sack and threw him into the river. The bag was found by a boy named Elffin, who claimed the baby had a glowing forehead, which translates to Taliesin. Taliesin began his life by reciting brilliant poetry and became the greatest bard in the world.
Taliesin’s story continues from here, of course, but the point here is to focus on the meaning of Cerridwen’s cauldron and how it relates to Taliesin. The cauldron is a symbol of death and reborn. It may be related to the Holy Grail of Arthurian legend. We can also see traits common to Taliesin’s birth with the biblical figure Moses, also found floating in a river.
We could also compare Gwion’s “theft” of knowledge with Prometheus, who was punished by the gods for bringing mankind the gift of fire. Cerridwen, although she is a wise and powerful goddess, is also jealous and protective of her magical cauldron. However, we can also see that she is necessary and instrumental in the process, as she gives birth to Taliesin and allows him to live.
The cauldron is one of the deepest Celtic symbols with many esoteric meanings. At the most basic level, the point of this and similar stories seems to be that in order to gain knowledge or understanding it is necessary to “die” or at least give up your former form, such as Gwion, which first transforms into various animals and finally into the great Taliesin.
Handcrafted by Artists
MoonPie Reborns® offers a wide variety of unique and exclusive collectible dolls, including many Lifelike Reborn baby dolls, Newborn Toddlers, Sleeping Reborns, Girls Baby Dolls, Boys Silicon Babies, each of which is crafted with great craftsmanship and unrivaled quality.
With a dizzying collection of baby dolls, children’s dolls, smile baby dolls, you’re sure to find a doll that will capture your heart. Get ready to experience beautiful creations, exquisite details and expertly tailored clothing when you shop our unique gallery of collectible reborn baby dolls. Plus, for the little doll lovers in your life, we also have dolls designed for kids that are sure to inspire hours of playful fun. There are so many dolls for you to choose, which will surely warm your heart. Which one will have a forever home with you?
Make With Love
When you meet our reborn baby dolls for the first time, you’ll be amazed at how real they are! Our amazing lifelike silicone dolls are handcrafted from our exclusive authentic silicone, giving each caress a “giving” feeling.
Handcrafted from soft vinyl, our newborn dolls also capture sweet details, from the cute little face to the tiny wrinkles on the fingers and toes that are sure to break hearts. Each treasured bundle of joy will complement your doll collection and come in just the right size and weight to feel so life-like when you hold them in your arms. Offering many darlings to love, including African American dolls, these sweethearts are waiting to be discovered! Don’t wait – buy now!