Contents Figures Tables Acknowledgments PART I: THE FOUR BRANCHES AND FRACTALS Chapter 1: Introduction Mathematics and the Mabinogion Set Studying Fractal Narrative Structure The Structure of This Book Chapter 2: Introducing the Mabinogion Set Linear and Non-Linear Narratives The Non-Linearity of Medieval Welsh Narratives The Topology of Textual Fractals PART II: FRACTAL STRUCTURES IN THE FOUR BRANCHES OF THE MABINOGI Chapter 3: The First Branch of the Mabinogi (Pwyll) First Branch Episode I First Branch Episode II First Branch Episode III Chapter 4: The Second Branch of the Mabinogi (Branwen) Second Branch Episode I Second Branch Episode II Second Branch Episode III Chapter 5: The Third Branch of the Mabinogi (Manawydan) Third Branch Episode I Third Branch Episode II Third Branch Episode III Chapter 6: The Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi (Math) Fourth Branch Episode I Fourth Branch Episode II Fourth Branch Episode III PART III: SPEAKING ABOUT MATH. AND MATH Chapter 7: Why Four Branches? The Immanent Whole Triads and Tetrads Questions of Unity Is the Fourth Branch Special? Chapter 8: The Mabinogion Set, Orality and Memory Oral Composition? Oral Performance A Question of Memory Chapter 9: Conclusions. Triads Everywhere The Law of Three and Numerical Patterns in Other Narrative Traditions What Topological Analysis Tells Us Whither now? Abbreviations Bibliography Manuscripts Primary sources Secondary Sources.