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The Dream of Maxen Wledig

From Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, by M. I. Ebbutt

This legend comes from the Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh tales first written down in the Middle Ages. M. I. Ebbutt retold it in Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, published in the early twentieth century. The story blends history and imagination: the Emperor Maxen Wledig is based on Magnus Maximus, a real Roman emperor who ruled Britain in the fourth century, though the dream and the search are pure legend. Welsh storytellers used this tale to honour the British Princess Helena, who married a Roman emperor. It is also an example of a theme found in many cultures: a lover led by a dream or vision to find the one destined for them. This reader ends at the moment the search begins; the full legend continues with Maxen's journey westward and his eventual discovery of the maiden. This text reflects its era.

Band

Green · Independent readers, earlyTypical starting range: ages 9–11

Length

medium · about 785 words in 6 sections · 3 pictures

Source

Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, M. I. Ebbutt

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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