The Marcher site also has an essay by John Powell on apples in Welsh literature. An extract:
In the Afallennau, a tree (or series of trees) is praised at the start of each verse, before launching into prophecies. Merlin seems to be seeking protection amongst the trees, and perhaps to need their assistance in inspiring his foresights:
Sweet apple-tree with branches sweet,
fruit-bearing, much valued, famed...
...Sweet apple-tree, luxuriant green, with laden branches...
...Sweet apple-tree that grows on the river bank -
...no steward can reach its glistening fruit...
Sweet apple-tree with flowers foxglove pink.
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