Bran the Blessed - The Giant King
The giant king whose severed head continued to speak, protecting Britain.
Bran the Blessed was so large no house could contain him. After his death, his head was buried facing France to protect Britain. His hospitality, his magical cauldron of rebirth, and his continuing protection teach that true kings serve even beyond death.
Let my head be buried facing the enemies of this land; I will protect you still.
Bran represents the Celtic concept of the king's sacred duty to protect even after death.
Second Branch of the Mabinogi
Written about in
- What Celtic tradition says about grief
Bran asked for his severed head to be buried facing the enemies of Britain, and the tale has it speaking and keeping his company for years afterwards. The dead are given a role here, not only remembrance — a person's protection is allowed to outlast their body.