Branwen, the Knights and Llanbedr Hall

The eleven stories of the Mabinogion taken together are a  fine example of medieval European literature. The stories are contained in two Welsh collections, the White Book of Rhydderch, recorded about 1300-1325, and the Red Book of Hergest written down  about 1375-1425.

BRANWEN DAUGHTER OF LLYR
Bendigeidfran son of Llyr was crowned king over the Island of the Mighty and made noble with the crown of London. The king of Ireland, Matholwch, came towards the land with thirteen ships from the south of Ireland to ask for the hand of Branwen the daughter of Llyr.
Branwen returned with Matholwch to Ireland, and there was great joy towards her. A son was born to them, Gwern son of Matholwch,.who was given to be fostered in the best place for men in Ireland
However, within three years Branwen had dishonour brought upon her and was ill-treated so she sent a letter, attached to a starling, to her brother Bendigeidfran in Wales telling him of her troubles. There and then the king decided to muster an army from his Island and sail to Ireland to rescue his sister. He left seven knights to take charge of this Island based in the township of Ederirnon, thus the name of Seith Marchawg - seven riders - was given to the township
Much fighting and strife ensued with Bendigeidfran having his head struck off and Branwen dying as a result, as she saw it, of two good Islands laid to waste because of her.

Seith Marchawg - now known as Bryn S M -  is not very far from Llanbedr Hall Estate which is within the path and jurisdiction of the knights, to the coastal area of Wales for the passage to Ireland by sea.
Are the seven knights of the story of Branwen the seven phantom riders of the many sightings witnessed over the years?

                                                                Illustration by Alan Lee