The Marshes of Morva were a boggy wetland located in the southwest of Prydain. They lay south of the Forest of Idris, west of the River Tevvyn, and north of the Great Avren. The Marshes were surrounded by bleak moors to the north and east, and a fallow plain to the south. They stretched to the horizon of Prdyain's west coast. The Marshes of Morva were home to the three wily enchantresses Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch.
Description
The Marshes were a series of treacherous bogs, stagnant pools, rotting turf, and quicksand mires which sucked at hooves and feet, and swallowed unwary travelers. On low hillocks and spongy ground, meager clumps of stunted trees and thorny furze grew amidst tall grasses, beds of reeds and scrub brush.
Reed-choked chains of half-submerged islands led to patches of firmer ground which rimmed the marshes, but which themselves contained gulleys and ditches. A narrow neck of solid turf lay at the upper reaches of the brackish wetlands; it was here at the end of a long gulley that the enchantresses' cottage sat.
Loons and other marsh birds -- likely ducks, geese and kingfishers -- plied the waters for minnows and other tasty fish, while toads could be heard croaking in faintly human voices from dark ponds.
Cottage of the Three Enchantresses
The domicile of Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch was half-grown into the side of a low mound of earth; its thatched roof resembled a huge bird's nest. The door was crooked and its windows, when not covered by hanging thatch, were nearly opaque with dirt. Small out-buildings -- including stables, a shed and a chicken coop -- clustered around the mound. Inside the cottage was a confused clutter of weapons, pots and kettels, ceramic wear, books, and kitchen wares. A weaving area included a carding board, spinning wheel and loom, on which tangled tapestries with weird, shifting figures and animals could sometimes be seen.
Appearances
The Black Cauldron
Gwystyl of the Fair Folk informed Taran and his Companions that the Cauldron had been taken to Morva. Taran helped his friends navigate the Marshes using the dreams and wisdom imbued in him by the Brooch of Adaon; the greedy, sucking ground of the Marshes swiftly gobbled up the Huntsmen of Annuvin which Arawn had sent to pursue them.
Taran Wanderer
Taran later returned to the Marshes to see if the witches could tell him of his heritage. While given no more than a hint to seek the Mirror of Llunet, Taran was also told that he was the only person in Prydain to have dared the Marshes twice.
Rare Visitors
Among the few others who visited the Marshes and lived to tell the tale are Princess Eilonwy, Fflewddur Fflam, Gurgi, and much earlier, King Morgant of Madoc, who claimed to have gleaned the secret of the Crochan from there, presumably from the three enchantresses.