Once upon a time, Matilda was a beautiful, irreverent Norman lady who loved hunting so much that she proclaimed that if there was no hunting in heaven, she’d rather not go. Apparently, there is no hunting in heaven—after she died, Matilda became a leader of the Wild Hunt. She travels with Arawn and his hounds, but sometimes she takes the dogs out by herself.

The story is sometimes told as a pious warning, but within may be a reminder that many of the Normans who accompanied William the Conqueror were still Pagan. Matilda still rides and hunts, which is what she loves to do. Annwn, the Afterlife with which she is affiliated, is a paradise, not a hell.

ALSO KNOWN AS:

Mallt-y-Nos

ORIGIN:

Wales

SEE ALSO:

• Hounds of Annwn
• Arawn
• Wild Hunt
• Welsh Mythology

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by: Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.