> [[hall-a]]. "Gwŷr y Gogledd? Some Icelandic Analogues to Branwen Ferch Lŷr". Cambrian Medieval Celtic Studies, 42 (Winter 2001), 27-50. [pdf](https://www.alarichall.org.uk/branwen.pdf) [academia](https://www.academia.edu/821594/Gw%C5%B7r-y-Gogledd-Some-Icelandic-Analogues-to-Branwen-Ferch-L%C5%B7r) [pdf](a/a-hall2001.pdf) ## Abstract This article seeks to situate this most popular of the Four Branches of the Mabinogi in a medieval literary context other than the Celtic and folkloric ones through which the Four Branches are usually approached. Previous arguments for Germanic influence on Branwen Ferch Lŷr are criticised. However, observing growing evidence for Scandinavian cultural involvement in early medieval Wales, the article argues for the likelihood of mutual influence between Branwen and Scandinavian literatures by expounding a dense group of similarities between Branwen and the Old Icelandic Hrólfs saga kraka. The literary ramifications of this association are pursued, and are intended to stand whether or not a direct connection between Welsh and Norse texts is accepted. The character and behaviour of Efnisien, who is the character who causes most of Branwen's plot developments, have hitherto been considered inconsistent and perplexing by critics. Here, his character and role is approached by comparing him with the Scandinavian literary figure of the Óðinn-hero, with whom he shares most of his characteristics. The medieval cultural and literary context which this reading provides shows Efnisien's actions and character to be focused and internally logical. Branwen emerges in consequence as a more tighly and effectively constructed narrative, while interesting implications are raised for the history of the Scandinavians in Wales, and for critical approaches to medieval Welsh literature.