The deity introduced in the branch are Branwen and Bendigeidfran. Pryderi is mentioned in the story, as well as two other gods that we meet in the later branches: Taliesin and Manawyddan.
Llyr is not really discussed, other than to tell us that he is the father of Branwen, Bran, and Manawyddan. Llyr is an ancient Welsh Sea God, or possibly the sea himself.

Bendigeid Vran –
(aka “Bendigeidfran” or “Bran the Blessed”) was a giant, and son of the sea god. He was also a King of the ‘Isle of the Mighty’ which is an appellate of England.

Bran is one of the ancient guardians of Britain, and known for his wise counsel.

Branwen –
In this story, Branwen represents the Goddess of Sovereignty. Her totem is the starling. She is a goddess of Love, in the sense of agape – selfless love.

Manawyddan –
Also a Sea God. He will figure prominently in the Third Branch of the Story.

There are four magical artifacts mentioned in this Branch:

• The Cauldron of Renovation (one of Cerridwyn’s cauldrons)
• The Birds of Rhiannon
• The Leather Bag, which we first saw in Branch One, which will expand to hold anything you put into it.
• The Cloak of Invisibility

Summary –
Bendigeid Vran is a giant, and is King of England. In the first part of the story, the King of Ireland (Matholwch) sends ships to England to request a marriage between himself and Branwen, daughter of Llyr, who is said to be the most beautiful woman in the world.

A marriage contract is arranged between the two men, but during the wedding feast, Mathowlwch’s horses are attacked which causes insult to the visiting King.

Vran attempts to make restitution, but when the newly married couple return to Ireland, there is no peace. So Matholwch imprisons Branwen, and forces her to work as a cook in the castle.

Branwen is held prisoner for three years, during which time she raises a Starling in secret and trains him to carry a message to her brother in London.

Vran receives the message, raises an army, and goes to rescue his sister. Unfortunately, the battle doesn’t go very well, and only 7 men survive the battle. Vran receives a poison dart, and instructs his men to sever his head and take it back to London for burial.

along the way home, Branwen dies of a broken heart and the small company of seven men (and the head of Vran) fall under the spell of the Birds of Rhiannon.