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Elizabeth A.Sackler Center for Feminist Art

Arianhrod

Mythic, worshipped in Wales, exact dates uncertain

The correct spelling of this name is ARIANRHOD.

Arianrhod, whose name means “silver wheel,” is a major character in The Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh stories that was written down between 1060 and 1200. She is one of the descendants of Don, the mother goddess. The king, Math, when not at war, required a virgin on which to rest his feet, so when one of his foot-holders was raped Arianrhod replaced her. In a test of her virginity, she stepped over the king’s magic rod and immediately gave birth to a young boy and a blob, who grew up to be Lleu Llaw Gyffes, a well-known character from Welsh mythology.

Judy Chicago (American, b. 1939). <em>The Dinner Party</em> (Heritage Floor; detail), 1974–79. Porcelain with rainbow and gold luster, 48 x 48 x 48 ft. (14.6 x 14.6 x 14.6 m). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © Judy Chicago. Photograph by Jook Leung Photography
Judy Chicago (American, b. 1939). The Dinner Party (Heritage Floor; detail), 1974–79. Porcelain with rainbow and gold luster, 48 x 48 x 48 ft. (14.6 x 14.6 x 14.6 m). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © Judy Chicago. Photograph by Jook Leung Photography

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