My brother, the Fisher King

Everyone speaks of this Fisher King as if they knew something about him. I would like to tell you the story of an actual Fisher King that I grew up and lived beside for my whole life. His name was Bendigeid Vran and he was my brother.

When the terrible king of Ireland, Matholwch, came to our island to take my hand in marriage, Bran did not interfere, as he knew that my betrothal was necessary for peace in our lands. But when I was in trouble, the first person I thought of was my dear brother Bran. I sent for him and he came to rescue me at once. It was he who held me back from throwing myself into the fire after my son and it was he who I owed my life to.

Bran exhibits many of the qualities of the so called Fisher King. He was wounded in the foot and when he died, his land collapsed into ruin and waste. His head was ordered by Bran himself to be cut off and brought to his home. And he possessed a magic cauldron unlike any that you have ever laid your eyes upon, capable of delivering enormous wealth in food and drink, as well as having the power to bring back a man from the dead without his speech. Do you not believe what I speak? If you were to have met him yourself he would be a many feet taller than any of the men in your villages. He was twice as tall as myself and large in build as well. People called him a giant and praised his strength and just nature of ruling.

I believe my brother was the Fisher King. It was his injury and inevitable death that was the cause of the destruction of my home and land. May his soul rest in peace.