Mari Lwyd Physiology

The power to use the abilities of Mari Lwyd. Variation of Christmas Entity.

Also Called[]

Mari Lwyd Mimicry

Capabilities[]

The user either is or can take on the traits/abilities or even transform into Mari Lwyd, a mysterious entity from Welsh folklore that has been a Christmas icon in Welsh culture since the 1800’s. Mari Lwyd is described as resembling a skeletal horse with glowing eyes and dressed in a draping white cloak, sometimes adorned with certain accessories such as ribbons, prayer necklaces or a crown of flowers.

Mari Lwyd is said to prowl the streets during Christmas and New Year’s looking for homes where parties and gatherings with lots of people are being held where it will then knock on their door. Upon answering, Mari Lwyd will request entry to one’s home through song, those who hear this song will be compelled to sing along, Mari Lwyd and the participants argue back and forth in song until Mari Lwyd eventually tricks or convinces them to permit entry.

Upon entering a home, Mari Lwyd will proceed to wreck havoc such as by smashing and kicking things over, scaring children by chasing them around making biting motions, devouring any and all food in sight and generally being a nuisance. The only way to convince Mari Lwyd to leave is to offer it ale or any other kind of alcoholic drink, from which it will gladly accept and leave, sometimes leaving behind gifts for their troubles.

The Mari Lwyd urban legend would eventually inspire a Welsh Christmas tradition in which a party of people will dress up as Mari Lwyd, sometimes accompanied by other Christmas folklore characters such as Sooty Pete and go door to door singing and performing as well as generally reenacting the interaction between Mari Lwyd and home occupants for entertainment purposes.

Applications[]

Associations[]

Known Users[]

The Mare (Home Safety Hotline)
Mari Lwyd (Welsh Christmas Folklore)