CULHWCK AND OLWEN.
or
the TWRCH TRWYTH
(Translation
by Lady Charlotte Guest)
Kilydd the son of Prince Kelyddon desired a wife as a
helpmate, and the wife that he chose was Goleuddydd, the
daughter of Prince Anlawdd. And after their union, the
people put up prayers that they might have an heir. And
they had a son through the prayers of the people. From the
time of her pregnancy Goleuddydd became wild, and wandered
about, without habitation; but when her delivery was at
hand, her reason came back to her. Then she went to a
mountain where there was a swineherd, keeping a herd of
swine. And through fear of the swine the queen was
delivered. And the swineherd took the boy, and brought him
to the palace; and he was christened, and they called him
Culhwck, because he had been found in a swine's burrow.
Nevertheless the boy was of gentle lineage, and cousin unto
Arthur; and they put him out to nurse.
After this the boy's mother, Goleuddydd, the daughter of
Prince Anlawdd, fell sick. Then she called her husband unto
her, and said to him, "Of this sickness I shall die, and
thou wilt take another wife. Now wives are the gift of the
Lord, but it would be wrong for thee to harm thy son.
Therefore I charge thee that thou take not a wife until
thou see a briar with two blossoms upon my grave." And this
he promised her. Then she besought him to dress her grave
every year, that nothing might grow thereon. So the queen
died. Now the king sent an attendant every morning to see
if anything were growing upon the grave. And at the end of
the seventh year the master neglected that which he had
promised to the queen.
One day the king went to hunt, and he rode to the place of
burial to see the grave, and to know if it were time that
he should take a wife; and the king saw the briar. And when
he saw it, the king took counsel where he should find a
wife. Said one of his counsellors, "I know a wife that will
suit thee well, and she is the wife of King Doged." And
they resolved to go to seek her; and they slew the king,
and brought away his wife and one daughter that she had
along with her. And they conquered the king's lands.
On a certain day, as the lady walked abroad, she came to
the house of an old crone that dwelt in the town, and that
had no tooth in her head. And the queen said to her, "Old
woman, tell me that which I shall ask thee, for the love of
Heaven. Where are the children of the man who has carried
me away by violence?" Said the crone, "He has not
children." Said the queen, "Woe is me, that I should have
come to one who is childless!" Then said the hag, "Thou
needest not lament on account of that, for there is a
prediction that he shall have an heir by thee, and by none
other. Moreover, be not sorrowful, for he has one son."
The lady returned home with joy; and she asked her consort,
"Wherefore hast thou concealed thy children from me?" The
king said, "I will do so no longer." And he sent messengers
for his son, and he was brought to the Court. His
stepmother said unto him, "It were well for thee to have a
wife, and I have a daughter who is sought of every man of
renown in the world." "I am not yet of an age to wed,"
answered the youth. Then she said unto him, "I declare to
thee, that it is thy destiny not to be suited with a wife
until thou obtain Olwen, the daughter of Yspaddaden
Penkawr." And the youth blushed, and the love of the maiden
diffused itself through all his frame, although he had
never seen her. And his father inquired of him, "What has
come over thee my son, and what aileth thee?" "My
stepmother has declared to me that I shall never have a
wife until I obtain Olwen, the daughter of Yspaddaden
Penkawr." "That will be easy for thee," answered his
father. "Arthur is thy cousin. Go, therefore, unto Arthur,
to cut thy hair, and ask this of him as a boon."
And the youth pricked forth upon a steed with head dappled
grey, of four winters old, firm of limb, with shell-formed
hoofs, having a bridle of linked gold on his head, and upon
him a saddle of costly gold. And in the youth's hand were
two spears of silver, sharp, well-tempered, headed with
steel, three ells in length, of an edge to wound the wind,
and cause blood to flow, and swifter than the fall of the
dewdrop from the blade of reed-grass upon the earth when
the dew of June is at the heaviest. A gold-hilted sword was
upon his thigh, the blade of which was of gold, bearing a
cross of inlaid gold of the hue of the lightning of heaven:
his war-horn was of ivory. Before him were two brindled
white-breasted greyhounds, having strong collars of rubies
about their necks, reaching from the shoulder to the ear.
And the one that was on the left side bounded across to the
right side, and the one on the right to the left, and like
two sea-swallows sported around him. And his courser cast
up four sods with his four hoofs, like four swallows in the
air, about his head, now above, now below. About him was a
four-cornered cloth of purple, and an apple of gold was at
each corner, and every one of the apples was of the value
of an hundred kine. And there was precious gold of the
value of three hundred kine upon his shoes, and upon his
stirrups, from his knee to the tip of his toe. And the
blade of grass bent not beneath him, so light was his
courser's tread as he journeyed towards the gate of
Arthur's Palace.
Spoke the youth, "Is there a porter?" "There is; and if
thou holdest not thy peace, small will be thy welcome. I am
Arthur's porter every first day of January. And during
every other part of the year but this, the office is filled
by Huandaw, and Gogigwc, and Llaeskenym, and Pennpingyon,
who goes upon his head to save his feet, neither towards
the sky nor towards the earth, but like a rolling stone
upon the floor of the court." "Open the portal." "I will
not open it." "Wherefore not?" "The knife is in the meat,
and the drink is in the horn, and there is revelry in
Arthur's hall, and none may enter therein but the son of a
king of a privileged country, or a craftsman bringing his
craft. But there will be refreshment for thy dogs, and for
thy horses; and for thee there will be collops cooked and
peppered, and luscious wine and mirthful songs, and food
for fifty men shall be brought unto thee in the guest
chamber, where the stranger and the sons of other countries
eat, who come not unto the precincts of the Palace of
Arthur. Thou wilt fare no worse there than thou wouldest
with Arthur in the Court. A lady shall smooth thy couch,
and shall lull thee with songs; and early to-morrow
morning, when the gate is open for the multitude that came
hither to-day, for thee shall it be opened first, and thou
mayest sit in the place that thou shalt choose in Arthur's
Hall, from the upper end to the lower." Said the youth,
"That I will not do. If thou openest the gate, it is well.
If thou dost not open it, I will bring disgrace upon thy
Lord, and evil report upon thee. And I will set up three
shouts at this very gate, than which none were ever more
deadly, from the top of Pengwaed in Cornwall to the bottom
of Dinsol, in the North, and to Esgair Oervel, in Ireland.
And all the women in this Palace that are pregnant shall
lose their offspring; and such as are not pregnant, their
hearts shall be turned by illness, so that they shall never
bear children from this day forward." "What clamour soever
thou mayest make," said Glewlwyd Gavaelvawr, "against the
laws of Arthur's Palace shalt thou not enter therein, until
I first go and speak with Arthur."
Then Glewlwyd went into the Hall. And Arthur said to him,
"Hast thou news from the gate?"--"Half of my life is past,
and half of thine. I was heretofore in Kaer Se and Asse, in
Sach and Salach, in Lotor and Fotor; and I have been
heretofore in India the Great and India the Lesser; and I
was in the battle of Dau Ynyr, when the twelve hostages
were brought from Llychlyn. And I have also been in Europe,
and in Africa, and in the islands of Corsica, and in Caer
Brythwch, and Brythach, and Verthach; and I was present
when formerly thou didst slay the family of Clis the son of
Merin, and when thou didst slay Mil Du the son of Ducum,
and when thou didst conquer Greece in the East. And I have
been in Caer Oeth and Annoeth, and in Caer Nevenhyr; nine
supreme sovereigns, handsome men, saw we there, but never
did I behold a man of equal dignity with him who is now at
the door of the portal." Then said Arthur, "If walking thou
didst enter in here, return thou running. And every one
that beholds the light, and every one that opens and shuts
the eye, let them shew him respect, and serve him, some
with gold-mounted drinking-horns, others with collops
cooked and peppered, until food and drink can be prepared
for him. It is unbecoming to keep such a man as thou sayest
he is, in the wind and the rain." Said Kai, "By the hand of
my friend, if thou wouldest follow my counsel, thou
wouldest not break through the laws of the Court because of
him." "Not so, blessed Kai. It is an honour to us to be
resorted to, and the greater our courtesy the greater will
be our renown, and our fame, and our glory."
And Glewlwyd came to the gate, and opened the gate before
him; and although all dismounted upon the horse-block at
the gate, yet did he not dismount, but rode in upon his
charger. Then said Culhwck, "Greeting be unto thee,
Sovereign Ruler of this Island; and be this greeting no
less unto the lowest than unto the highest, and be it
equally unto thy guests, and thy warriors, and thy
chieftains--let all partake of it as completely as thyself.
And complete be thy favour, and thy fame, and thy glory,
throughout all this Island." "Greeting unto thee also,"
said Arthur; "sit thou between two of my warriors, and thou
shalt have minstrels before thee, and thou shalt enjoy the
privileges of a king born to a throne, as long as thou
remainest here. And when I dispense my presents to the
visitors and strangers in this Court, they shall be in thy
hand at my commencing." Said the youth, "I came not here to
consume meat and drink; but if I obtain the boon that I
seek, I will requite it thee, and extol thee; and if I have
it not, I will bear forth thy dispraise to the four
quarters of the world, as far as thy renown has extended."
Then said Arthur, "Since thou wilt not remain here,
chieftain, thou shalt receive the boon whatsoever thy
tongue may name, as far as the wind dries, and the rain
moistens, and the sun revolves, and the sea encircles, and
the earth extends; save only my ship; and my mantle; and
Caledvwlch, my sword; and Rhongomyant, my lance; and
Wynebgwrthucher, my shield; and Carnwenhau, my dagger; and
Gwenhwyvar, my wife. By the truth of Heaven, thou shalt
have it cheerfully, name what thou wilt." "I would that
thou bless my hair." "That shall be granted thee."
And Arthur took a golden comb, and scissors, whereof the
loops were of silver, and he combed his hair. And Arthur
inquired of him who he was. "For my heart warms unto thee,
and I know that thou art come of my blood. Tell me,
therefore, who thou art." "I will tell thee, " said the
youth, "I am Culhwck, the son of Kilydd, the son of Prince
Kelyddon, by Goleuddydd, my mother, the daughter of Prince
Anlawdd." "That is true," said Arthur; "thou art my cousin.
Whatsoever boon thou mayest ask, thou shalt receive, be it
what it may that thy tongue shall name." "Pledge the truth
of Heaven and the faith of thy kingdom thereof." "I pledge
it thee, gladly." "I crave of thee then, that thou obtain
for me Olwen, the daughter of Yspaddaden Penkawr; and this
boon I likewise seek at the hands of thy warriors. I seek
it from Kai, and Bedwyr, and Greidawl Galldonyd, and
Gwythyr the son of Greidawl, and Greid the son of Eri, and
Kynddelig Kyvarwydd, and Tathal Twyll Goleu, and Maelwys
the son of Baeddan, and Crychwr the son of Nes, and Cubert
the son of Daere, and Percos the son of Poch, and Lluber
Beuthach, and Corvil Bervach, and Gwynn the son of Nudd,
and Edeyrn the son of Nudd, and Gadwy the son of Geraint,
and Prince Fflewddur Fflam, and Ruawn Pebyr the son of
Dorath, and Bradwen the son of Moren Mynawc, and Moren
Mynawc himself, and Dalldav the son of Kimin Côv, and the
son of Alun Dyved, and the son of Saidi, and the son of
Gwryon, and Uchtryd Ardywad Kad, and Kynwas Curvagyl, and
Gwrhyr Gwarthegvras, and Isperyr Ewingath, and Gallcoyt
Govynynat, and Duach, and Grathach, and Nerthach, the sons
of Gwawrddur Kyrvach (these men came forth from the
confines of hell), and Kilydd Canhastyr, and Canastyr
Kanllaw, and Cors Cant-Ewin, and Esgeir Gulhwch Govynkawn,
and Drustwrn Hayarn, and Glewlwyd Gavaelvawr, and Lloch
Llawwynnyawc, and Aunwas Adeiniawc, and Sinnoch the son of
Seithved, and Gwennwynwyn the son of Naw, and Bedyw the son
of Seithved, and Gobrwy the son of Echel Vorddwyttwll, and
Echel Vorddwyttwll himself, and Mael the son of Roycol, and
Dadweir Dallpenn, and Garwyli the son of Gwythawc Gwyr, and
Gwythawc Gwyr himself, and Gormant the son of Ricca, and
Menw the son of Teirgwaedd, and Digon the son of Alar, and
Selyf the son of Smoit, and Gusg the son of Atheu, and
Nerth the son of Kedarn, and Drudwas the son of Tryffin,
and Twrch the son of Perif, and Twrch the son of Annwas,
and Iona king of France, and Sel the son of Selgi, and
Teregud the son of Iaen, and Sulyen the son of Iaen, and
Bradwen the son of Iaen, and Moren the son of Iaen, and
Siawn the son of Iaen, and Cradawc the son of Iaen. (They
were men of Caerdathal, of Arthur's kindred on his father's
side.) Dirmyg the son of Kaw, and Justic the son of Kaw,
and Etmic the son of Kaw, and Anghawd the son of Kaw, and
Ovan the son of Kaw, and Kelin the son of Kaw, and Connyn
the son of Kaw, and Mabsant the son of Kaw, and Gwyngad the
son of Kaw, and Llwybyr the son of Kaw, and Coth the son of
Kaw, and Meilic the son of Kaw, and Kynwas the son of Kaw,
and Ardwyad the son of Kaw, and Ergyryad the son of Kaw,
and Neb the son of Kaw, and Gilda the son of Kaw, and
Calcas the son of Kaw, and Hueil the son of Kaw (he never
yet made a request at the hand of any Lord). And Samson
Vinsych, and Taliesin the chief of the bards, and
Manawyddan the son of Llyr, and Llary the son of Prince
Kasnar, and Ysperni the son of Fflergant king of Armorica,
and Saranhon, the son of Glythwyr, and Llawr Eilerw, and
Annyanniawc the son of Menw the son of Teirgwaedd, and
Gwynn the son of Nwyvre, and Fflam the son of Nwyvre, and
Geraint the son of Erbin, and Ermid the son of Erbin, and
Dyvel the son of Erbin, and Gwynn the son of Ermid, and
Kyndrwyn the son of Ermid, and Hyveidd Unllenn, and Eiddon
Vawr Vrydic, and Reidwn Arwy, and Gormant the son of Ricca
(Arthur's brother by his mother's side; the Penhynev of
Cornwall was his father), and Llawnrodded Varvawc, and
Nodawl Varyf Twrch, and Berth the son of Kado, and Rheidwn
the son of Beli, and Iscovan Hael, and Iscawin the son of
Panon, and Morvran the son of Tegid (no one struck him in
the battle of Camlan by reason of his ugliness; all thought
he was an auxiliary devil. Hair had he upon him like the
hair of a stag). And Sandde Bryd Angel (no one touched him
with a spear in the battle of Camlan because of his beauty;
all thought he was a ministering angel). And Kynwyl Sant
(the third man that escaped from the battle of Camlan, and
he was the last who parted from Arthur on Hengroen his
horse). And Uchtryd the son of Erim, and Eus the son of
Erim, and Henwas Adeinawg the son of Erim, and Henbedestyr
the son of Erim, and Sgilti Yscawndroed the son of Erim.
(Unto these three men belonged these three qualities,--With
Henbedestyr there was not any one who could keep pace,
either on horseback or on foot; with Henwas Adeinawg, no
four-footed beast could run the distance of an acre, much
less could it go beyond it; and as to Sgilti Yscawndroed,
when he intended to go upon a message for his Lord, he
never sought to find a path, but knowing whither he was to
go, if his way lay through a wood he went along the tops of
the trees. During his whole life, a blade of reed grass
bent not beneath his feet, much less did one ever break, so
lightly did he tread.) Teithi Hên the son of Gwynhan (his
dominions were swallowed up by the sea, and he himself
hardly escaped, and he came to Arthur; and his knife had
this peculiarity, that from the time that he came there no
haft would ever remain upon it, and owing to this a
sickness came over him, and he pined away during the
remainder of his life, and of this he died). And Carneddyr
the son of Govynyon Hên, and Gwenwynwyn the son of Nav
Gyssevin, Arthur's champion, and Llysgadrudd Emys, and
Gwrbothu Hên, (uncles unto Arthur were they, his mother's
brothers). Kulvanawyd the son of Goryon, and Llenlleawg
Wyddel from the headland of Ganion, and Dyvynwal Moel, and
Dunard king of the North, Teirnon Twryf Bliant, and Tegvan
Gloff, and Tegyr Talgellawg, Gwrdinal the son of Ebrei, and
Morgant Hael, Gwystyl the son of Rhun the son of Nwython,
and Llwyddeu the son of Nwython, and Gwydre the son of
Llwyddeu (Gwenabwy the daughter of [Kaw] was his mother,
Hueil his uncle stabbed him, and hatred was between Hueil
and Arthur because of the wound). Drem the son of Dremidyd
(when the gnat arose in the morning with the sun, he could
see it from Gelli Wic in Cornwall, as far off as Pen
Blathaon in North Britain.) And Eidyol the son of Ner, and
Glywyddn Saer (who constructed Ehangwen, Arthur's Hall).
Kynyr Keinvarvawc (when he was told he had a son born he
said to his wife, 'Damsel, if thy son be mine, his heart
will be always cold, and there will be no warmth in his
hands; and he will have another peculiarity, if he is my
son he will always be stubborn; and he will have another
peculiarity, when he carries a burden, whether it be large
or small, no one will be able to see it, either before him
or at his back; and he will have another peculiarity, no
one will be able to resist fire and water so well as he
will; and he will have another peculiarity, there will
never be a servant or an officer equal. to him'). Henwas,
and Henwyneb (an old companion to Arthur). Gwallgoyc
(another; when he came to a town, though there were three
hundred houses in it, if he wanted anything, he would not
let sleep come to the eyes of any one whilst he remained
there). Berwyn, the son of Gerenhir, and Paris king of
France, and Osla Gyllellvawr (who bore a short broad
dagger. When Arthur and his hosts came before a torrent,
they would seek for a narrow place where they might pass
the water, and would lay the sheathed dagger across the
torrent, and it would form a bridge sufficient for the
armies of the three Islands of Britain, and of the three
islands adjacent, with their spoil). Gwyddawg the son of
Menestyr (who slew Kai, and whom Arthur slew, together with
his brothers, to revenge Kai). Garanwyn the son of Kai, and
Amren the son of Bedwyr, and Ely Amyr, and Rheu Rhwyd
Dyrys, and Rhun Rhudwern, and Eli, and Trachmyr (Arthur's
chief huntsmen). And Llwyddeu the son of Kelcoed, and
Hunabwy the son of Gwryon, and Gwynn Godyvron, and Gweir
Datharwenniddawg, and Gweir the son of Cadell the son of
Talaryant, and Gweir Gwrhyd Ennwir, and Gweir Paladyr Hir
(the uncles of Arthur, the brothers of his mother). The
sons of Llwch Llawwynnyawg (from beyond the raging sea).
Llenlleawg Wyddel, and Ardderchawg Prydain. Cas the son of
Saidi, Gwrvan Gwallt Avwyn, and Gwyllennhin the king of
France, and Gwittart the son of Oedd king of Ireland,
Garselit Wyddel, Panawr Pen Bagad, and Ffleudor the son of
Nav, Gwynnhyvar mayor of Cornwall and Devon (the ninth man
that rallied the battle of Camlan). Keli and Kueli, and
Gilla Coes Hydd (he would clear three hundred acres at one
bound: the chief leaper of Ireland was he). Sol, and Gwadyn
Ossol, and Gawdyn Odyeith. (Sol could stand all day upon
one foot . Gwadyn Ossol, if he stood upon the top of the
highest mountain in the world, it would become a level
plain under his feet. Gwadyn Odyeith, the soles of his feet
emitted sparks of fire when they struck upon things hard,
like the heated mass when drawn out of the forge. He
cleared the way for Arthur when he came to any stoppage.)
Hirerwm and Hiratrwm. (The day they went on a visit three
Cantrevs provided for their entertainment, and they feasted
until noon and drank until night, when they went to sleep.
And then they devoured the heads of the vermin through
hunger, as if they had never eaten anything. When they made
a visit they left neither the fat nor the lean, neither the
hot nor the cold, the sour nor the sweet, the fresh nor the
salt, the boiled nor the raw.) Huarwar the son of Aflawn
(who asked Arthur such a boon as would satisfy him. It was
the third great plague of Cornwall when he received it.
None could get a smile from him but when he was satisfied.)
Gware Gwallt Euryn. The two cubs of Gast Rhymi, Gwyddrud
and Gwyddneu Astrus. Sugyn the son of Sugnedydd (who would
suck up the sea on which were three hundred ships, so as to
leave nothing but a dry strand. He was broad-chested).
Rhacymwri, the attendant of Arthur (whatever barn he was
shown, were there the produce of thirty ploughs within it,
he would strike it with an iron flail until the rafters,
the beams, and the boards were no better than the small
oats in the mow upon the floor of the barn). Dygyflwng, and
Anoeth Veidawg. And Hir Eiddyl, and Hir Amreu (they were
two attendants of Arthur). And Gwevyl the son of Gwestad
(on the day that he was sad, he would let one of his lips
drop below his waist, while he turned upon the other like a
cap upon his head). Uchtryd Varyf Draws (who spread his red
untrimmed beard over the eight-and-forty rafters which were
in Arthur's Hall). Elidyr Gyvarwydd. Yskyrdav, the Yscudydd
(two attendants of Gwenhywyvar were they. Their feet were
swift as their thoughts when bearing a message). Brys the
son of Bryssethach (from the Hill of the Black Fernbrake in
North Britain). And Grudlwyn Gorr. Bwlch, and Kyfwlch, and
Sefwlch, the sons of Cleddyf Kyfwlch, the grandsons of
Cleddyf Difwlch. (Their three shields were three gleaming
glitterers; their three spears were three pointed piercers;
their three swords were three griding gashers; Glas,
Glessic, and Gleisad. Their three dogs, Call, Cuall, and
Cavall. Their three horses, Hwyrdyddwd, and Drwgdyddwd, and
Llwyrdyddwg. Their three wives, Och, and Garym, and
Diaspad. Their three grandchildren, Lluched, and Neved, and
Eissiwed. Their three daughters, Drwg, and Gwaeth, and
Gwaethav Oll. Their three handmaids, Eheubryd the daughter
of Kyfwlch, Gorascwrn the daughter of Nerth, Ewaedan the
daughter of Kynvelyn Keudawd Pwyll the half-man). Dwnn
Diessic Unbenn, Eiladyr the son of Pen Llarcau, Kynedyr
Wyllt the son of Hettwn Talaryant, Sawyl Ben Uchel,
Gwalchmai the son of Gwyar, Gwalhaved the son of Gwyar,
Gwrhyr Gwastawd Ieithoedd (to whom all tongues were known),
and Kethcrwm the Priest. Clust the son of Clustveinad
(though he were buried seven cubits beneath the earth, he
would hear the ant fifty miles off rise from her nest in
the morning). Medyr the son of Methredydd (from Gelli Wic
he could, in a twinkling, shoot the wren through the two
legs upon Esgeir Oervel in Ireland). Gwiawn Llygad Cath
(who could cut a haw from the eye of the gnat without
hurting him). Ol the son of Olwydd (seven years before he
was born his father's swine were carried off, and when he
grew up a man he tracked the swine, and brought them back
in seven herds). Bedwini the Bishop (who blessed Arthur's
meat and drink). For the sake of the golden-chained
daughters of this island. For the sake of Gwenhwyvar its
chief lady, and Gwennhwyach her sister, and Rathtyeu the
only daughter of Clemenhill, and Rhelemon the daughter of
Kai, and Tannwen the daughter of Gweir Datharwenîddawg.
Gwenn Alarch the daughter of Kynwyl Canbwch. Eurneid the
daughter of Clydno Eiddin. Eneuawc the daughter of Bedwyr.
Enrydreg the daughter of Tudvathar. Gwennwledyr the
daughter of Gwaledyr Kyrvach. Erddudnid the daughter of
Tryffin. Eurolwen the daughter of Gwdolwyn Gorr. Teleri the
daughter of Peul. Indeg the daughter of Garwy Hir. Morvudd
the daughter of Urien Rheged. Gwenllian Deg the majestic
maiden. Creiddylad the daughter of Lludd Llaw Ereint. (She
was the most splendid maiden in the three Islands of the
mighty, and in the three Islands adjacent, and for her
Gwythyr the son of Greidawl and Gwynn the son of Nudd fight
every first of May until the day of doom.) Ellylw the
daughter of Neol Kynn-Crog (she lived three ages). Essyllt
Vinwen, and Essyllt Vingul." And all these did Culhwck son
of Kilydd adjure to obtain his boon.
Then said Arthur, "Oh! Chieftain, I have never heard of the
maiden of whom thou speakest, nor of her kindred, but I
will gladly send messengers in search of her. Give me time
to seek her." And the youth said, "I will willingly grant
from this night to that at the end of the year to do so."
Then Arthur sent messengers to every land within his
dominions to seek for the maiden; and at the end of the
year Arthur's messengers returned without having gained any
knowledge or intelligence concerning Olwen more than on the
first day. Then said Culhwck, "Every one has received his
boon, and I yet lack mine. I will depart and bear away thy
honour with me." Then said Kai, "Rash chieftain! doest thou
reproach Arthur? Go with us, and we will not part until
thou dost either confess that the maiden exists not in the
world, or until we obtain her." Thereupon Kai rose up. Kai
had this peculiarity, that his breath lasted nine nights
and nine days under water, and he could exist nine nights
and nine days without sleep. A wound from Kai's sword no
physician could heal. Very subtle was Kai. When it pleased
him he could render himself as tall as the highest tree in
the forest. And he had another peculiarity,--so great was
the heat of his nature, that, when it rained hardest,
whatever he carried remained dry for a handbreadth above
and a handbreadth below his hand; and when his companions
were coldest, it was to them as fuel with which to light
their fire.
And Arthur called Bedwyr, who never shrank from any
enterprise upon which Kai was bound. None was equal to him
in swiftness throughout this Island except Arthur and Drych
Ail Kibddar. And although he was one-handed, three warriors
could not shed blood faster than he on the field of battle.
Another property he had; his lance would produce a wound
equal to those of nine opposing lances.
And Arthur called to Kynddelig the Guide, "Go thou upon
this expedition with the chieftain." For as good a guide
was he in a land which he had never seen as he was in his
own.
He called Gwrhyr Gwalstawt Ieithoedd, because he knew all
tongues.
He called Gwalchmai the son of Gwyar, because he never
returned home without achieving the adventure of which he
went in quest. He was the best of footmen and the best of
knights. He was nephew to Arthur, the son of his sister,
and his cousin.
And Arthur called Menw the son of Teirgwaedd, in order that
if they went into a savage country, he might cast a charm
and an illusion over them, so that none might see them
whilst they could see every one.
They journeyed until they came to a vast open plain,
wherein they saw a great castle, which was the fairest of
the castles of the world. And they journeyed that day until
the evening, and when they thought they were nigh to the
castle, they were no nearer to it than they had been in the
morning. And the second and the third day they journeyed,
and even then scarcely could they reach so far. And when
they came before the castle, they beheld a vast flock of
sheep, which was boundless and without an end. And upon the
top of a mound there was a herdsman, keeping the sheep. And
a rug made of skins was upon him; and by his side was a
shaggy mastiff, larger than a steed nine winters old. Never
had he lost even a lamb from his flock, much less a large
sheep. He let no occasion ever pass without doing some hurt
and harm. All the dead trees and bushes in the plain he
burnt with his breath down to the very ground.
Then said Kai, "Gwrhyr Gwalstawt Ieithoedd, go thou and
salute yonder man." "Kai," said he, "I engaged not to go
further than thou thyself." "Let us go then together,"
answered Kai. Said Menw the son of Teirgwaedd, "Fear not to
go thither, for I will cast a spell upon the dog, so that
he shall injure no one." And they went up to the mound
whereon the herdsman was, and they said to him, "How dost
thou fare? O herdsman!" "No less fair be it to you than to
me." "Truly, art thou the chief?" "There is no hurt to
injure me but my own." "Whose are the sheep that thou dost
keep, and to whom does yonder castle belong?" "Stupid are
ye, truly! Through the whole world is it known that this is
the castle of Yspaddaden Penkawr." "And who art thou?" "I
am called Custennin the son of Dyfnedig, and my brother
Yspaddaden Penkawr oppressed me because of my possessions.
And ye also, who are ye?" "We are an embassy from Arthur,
come to seek Olwen the daughter of Yspaddaden Penkawr." "Oh
men! the mercy of Heaven be upon you, do not that for all
the world. None who ever came hither on this quest has
returned alive." And the herdsman rose up. And as he arose,
Culhwck gave unto him a ring of gold. And he sought to put
on the ring, but it was too small for him, so he placed it
in the finger of his glove. And he went home, and gave the
glove to his spouse to keep. And she took the ring from the
glove when it was given her, and she said, "Whence came
this ring, for thou art not wont to have good fortune?" "I
went," said he, "to the sea to seek for fish, and lo, I saw
a corpse borne by the waves. And a fairer corpse than it
did I never behold. And from its finger did I take this
ring." "O man! does the sea permit its dead to wear jewels?
Show me then this body." "O wife, him to whom this ring
belonged thou shalt see here in the evening." "And who is
he?" asked the woman. "Culhwck the son of Kilydd, the son
of Prince Kelyddon, by Goleuddydd the daughter of Prince
Anlawdd, his mother, who is come to seek Olwen as his
wife." And when she heard that, her feelings were divided
between the joy that she had that her nephew, the son of
her sister, was coming to her, and sorrow because she had
never known any one depart alive who had come on that
quest.
And they went forward to the gate of Custennin the
herdsman's dwelling. And when she heard their footsteps
approaching, she ran out with joy to meet them. And Kai
snatched a billet out of the pile. And when she met them
she sought to throw her arms about their necks. And Kai
placed the log between her two hands, and she squeezed it
so that it became a twisted coil. "Oh woman," said Kai, "if
thou hadst squeezed me thus, none could ever again have set
their affections on me. Evil love were this." They entered
into the house, and were served; and soon after they all
went forth to amuse themselves. Then the woman opened a
stone chest that was before the chimney-corner, and out of
it arose a youth with yellow curling hair. Said Gwrhyr, "It
is a pity to hide this youth. I know that it is not his own
crime that is thus visited upon him." "This is but a
remnant," said the woman. "Three-and-twenty of my sons has
Yspaddaden Penkawr slain, and I have no more hope of this
one than of the others." Then said Kai, "Let him come and
be a companion with me, and he shall not be slain unless I
also am slain with him." And they ate. And the woman asked
them, "Upon what errand come you here?" "We come to seek
Olwen for this youth." Then said the woman, "In the name of
Heaven, since no one from the castle hath yet seen you,
return again whence you came." "Heaven is our witness, that
we will not return until we have seen the maiden." Said
Kai, "Does she ever come hither, so that she may be seen?"
"She comes here every Saturday to wash her head, and in the
vessel where she washes, she leaves all her rings, and she
never either comes herself or sends any messengers to fetch
them." "Will she come here if she is sent to?" "Heaven
knows that I will not destroy my soul, nor will I betray
those that trust me; unless you will pledge me your faith
that you will not harm her, I will not send to her." "We
pledge it," said they. So a message was sent, and she came.
The maiden was clothed in a robe of flame-coloured silk,
and about her neck was a collar of ruddy gold, on which
were precious emeralds and rubies. More yellow was her head
than the flower of the broom, and her skin was whiter than
the foam of the wave, and fairer were her hands and her
fingers than the blossoms of the wood anemone amidst the
spray of the meadow fountain. The eye of the trained hawk,
the glance of the three-mewed falcon was not brighter than
hers. Her bosom was more snowy than the breast of the white
swan, her cheek was redder than the reddest roses. Whoso
beheld her was filled with her love. Four white trefoils
sprung up wherever she trod. And therefore was she called
Olwen.
She entered the house, and sat beside Culhwck upon the
foremost bench; and as soon as he saw her he knew her. And
Culhwck said unto her, "Ah! maiden, thou art she whom I
have loved; come away with me, lest they speak evil of thee
and of me. Many a day have I loved thee." "I cannot do
this, for I have pledged my faith to my father not to go
without his counsel, for his life will last only until the
time of my espousals. Whatever is, must be. But I will give
thee advice if thou wilt take it. Go, ask me of my father,
and that which he shall require of thee, grant it, and thou
wilt obtain me; but it thou deny him anything, thou wilt
not obtain me, and it will be well for thee if thou escape
with thy life." "I promise all this, if occasion offer,"
said he.
She returned to her chamber, and they all rose up and
followed her to the castle. And they slew the nine porters
that were at the nine gates in silence. And they slew the
nine watch-dogs without one of them barking. And they went
forward to the hall.
"The greeting of heaven and of man be unto thee, Yspaddaden
Penkawr," said they. "And you, wherefore come you?" "We
come to ask thy daughter Olwen, for Culhwck the son of
Kilydd, the son of Prince Kelyddon." "Where are my pages
and my servants? Raise up the forks beneath my two eyebrows
which have fallen over my eyes, that I may see the fashion
of my son-in-law." And they did so. "Come hither to-morrow,
and you shall have an answer."
They rose to go forth, and Yspaddaden Penkawr seized one of
the three poisoned darts that lay beside him, and threw it
after them. And Bedwyr caught it, and flung it, and pierced
Yspaddaden Penkawr grievously with it through the knee.
Then he said, "A cursed ungentle son-in-law, truly. I shall
ever walk the worse for his rudeness, and shall ever be
without a cure. This poisoned iron pains me like the bite
of a gadfly. Cursed be the smith who forged it, and the
anvil whereon it was wrought! So sharp is it!"
That night also they took up their abode in the house of
Custennin the herdsman. The next day with the dawn, they
arrayed themselves in haste and proceeded to the castle,
and entered the hall, and they said, "Yspaddaden Penkawr,
give us thy daughter in consideration of her dower and her
maiden fee, which we will pay to thee and to her two
kinswomen likewise. And unless thou wilt do so, thou shalt
meet with thy death on her account." Then he said, "Her
four great-grandmothers, and her four great-grandsires are
yet alive, it is needful that I take counsel of them." "Be
it so," answered they, "we will go to meat." As they rose
up, he took the second dart that was beside him, and cast
it after them. And Menw the son of Gwaedd caught it, and
flung it back at him, and wounded him in the centre of the
breast, so that it came out at the small of his back. "A
cursed ungentle son-in-law, truly," said he, "the hard iron
pains me like the bite of a horse-leech. Cursed be the
hearth whereon it was heated, and the smith who formed it!
So sharp is it! Henceforth, whenever I go up a hill, I
shall have a scant in my breath, and a pain in my chest,
and I shall often loathe my food." And they went to meat.
And the third day they returned to the palace. And
Yspaddaden Penkawr said to them, "Shoot not at me again
unless you desire death. Where are my attendants? Lift up
the forks of my eyebrows which have fallen over my
eyeballs, that I may see the fashion of my son-in-law."
Then they arose, and, as they did so, Yspaddaden Penkawr
took the third poisoned dart and cast it at them. And
Culhwck caught it and threw it vigorously, and wounded him
through the eyeball, so that the dart came out at the back
of his head. "A cursed ungentle son-in-law, truly! As long
as I remain alive, my eyesight will be the worse. Whenever
I go against the wind, my eyes will water; and peradventure
my head will burn, and I shall have a giddiness every new
moon. Cursed be the fire in which it was forged. Like the
bite of a mad dog is the stroke of this poisoned iron." And
they went to meat.
And the next day they came again to the palace, and they
said, "Shoot not at us any more, unless thou desirest such
hurt, and harm, and torture as thou now hast, and even
more." "Give me thy daughter, and if thou wilt not give
her, thou shalt receive thy death because of her." "Where
is he that seeks my daughter? Come hither where I may see
thee." And they placed him a chair face to face with him.
Said Yspaddaden Penkawr, "Is it thou that seekest my
daughter?" "It is I," answered Culhwck. "I must have thy
pledge that thou wilt not do towards me otherwise than is
just, and when I have gotten that which I shall name, my
daughter thou shalt have." "I promise thee that willingly,"
said Culhwck, "name what thou wilt." "I will do so," said
he.
"Seest thou yonder vast hill?" "I see it." "I require that
it be rooted up, and that the grubbings be burned for
manure on the face of the land, and that it be ploughed and
sown in one day, and in one day that the grain ripen. And
of that wheat I intend to make food and liquor fit for the
wedding of thee and my daughter. And all this I require
done in one day."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though this be easy for thee, there is yet that which will
not be so. No husbandman can till or prepare this land, so
wild is it, except Amaethon the son of Don, and he will not
come with thee by his own free will, and thou wilt not be
able to compel him.
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Govannon the son of Don to come to the headland to
rid the iron, he will do no work of his own good will
except for a lawful king, and thou wilt not be able to
compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get; the two dun oxen of Gwlwlyd, both yoked together,
to plough the wild land yonder stoutly. He will not give
them of his own free will, and thou wilt not be able to
compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get; the yellow and the brindled bull yoked together do
I require."
"It will be easy for me to compass this."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get; the two horned oxen, one of which is beyond, and
the other this side of the peaked mountain, yoked together
in the same plough. And these are Nynniaw and Peibaw, whom
God turned into oxen on account of their sins."
"It will be easy for me to compass this."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Seest thou yonder red tilled ground?"
"I see it."
"When first I met the mother of this maiden, nine bushels
of flax were sown therein, and none has yet sprung up,
neither white nor black; and I have the measure by me
still. I require to have the flax to sow in the new land
under, that when it grows up it may make a white wimple,
for my daughter's head, on the day of thy wedding."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou gets this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Honey that is nine times sweeter than the honey of
the virgin swarm, without scum and bees, do I require to
make bragget for the feast."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"The vessel of Llwyr the son of Llwyryon, which is of the
utmost value. There is no other vessel in the world that
can hold this drink. Of his free will thou wilt not get it,
and thou canst not compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. The basket of Gwyddneu Garanhir, if the whole
world should come together, thrice nine men at a time, the
meat that each of them desired would be found within it. I
require to eat therefrom on the night that my daughter
becomes thy bride. He will give it to no one of his own
free will, and thou canst not compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. The horn of Gwlgawd Gododin to serve us with
liquor that night. He will not give it of his own free
will, and thou wilt not be able to compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. The harp of Teirtu to play to us that night. When
a man desires that it should play, it does so of itself,
and when he desires that it should cease, it ceases. And
this he will not give of his own free will, and thou wilt
not be able to compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. The cauldron of Diwrnach Wyddel, the steward of
Odgar the son of Aedd, king of Ireland, to boil the meat
for thy marriage feast."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. It is needful for me to wash my head, and shave my
beard, and I require the tusk of Yskithyrwyn Benbaedd to
shave myself withal, neither shall I profit by its use if
it be not plucked alive out of his head."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. There is no one in the world that can pluck it out
of his head except Odgar the son of Aedd, king of Ireland."
"It will be easy for me to compass this."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. I will not trust any one to keep the tusk except
Gado of North Britain. Now the threescore Cantrevs of North
Britain are under his sway, and of his own free will he
will not come out of his kingdom, and thou wilt not be able
to compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. I must spread out my hair in order to shave it,
and it will never be spread out unless I have the blood of
the jet black sorceress, the daughter of the pure white
sorceress, from Pen Nant Govid, on the confines of Hell."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. I will not have the blood unless I have it warm,
and no vessels will keep warm the liquid that is put
therein except the bottles of Gwyddolwyn Gorr, which
preserve the heat of the liquor that is put into them in
the east, until they arrive at the west. And he will not
give them of his own free will, and thou wilt not be able
to compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Some will desire fresh milk, and it will not be
possible to have fresh milk for all, unless we have the
bottles of Rhinnon Rhin Barnawd, wherein no liquor ever
turns sour. And he will not give them of his own free will,
and thou wilt not be able to compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Throughout the world there is not a comb or
scissors with which I can arrange my hair, on account of
its rankness, except the comb and scissors that are between
the two ears of Twrch Trwyth, the son of Prince Tared. He
will not give them of his own free will, and thou wilt not
be able to compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. It will not be possible to hunt Twrch Trwyth
without Drudwyn the whelp of Greid, the son of Eri."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Throughout the world there is not a leash that can
hold him, except the leash of Cwrs Cant Ewin."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Throughout the world there is no collar that will
hold the leash except the collar of Canhastyr Canllaw."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. The chain of Kilydd Canhastyr to fasten the collar
to the leash."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Throughout the world there is not a huntsman who
can hunt with this dog, except Mabon the son of Modron. He
was taken from his mother when three nights old, and it is
not known where he now is, nor whether he is living or
dead."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Gwynn Mygdwn, the horse of Gweddw, that is as
swift as the wave, to carry Mabon the son of Modron to hunt
the boar Trwyth. He will not give him of his own free will,
and thou wilt not be able to compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Thou wilt not get Mabon, for it is not known where
he is, unless thou find Eidoel, his kinsman in blood, the
son of Aer. For it would be useless to seek for him. He is
his cousin."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Garselit the Gwyddelian is the chief huntsman of
Ireland; the Twrch Trwyth can never be hunted without him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. A leash made from the beard of Dissull Varvawc,
for that is the only one that can hold those two cubs. And
the leash will be of no avail unless it be plucked from his
beard while he is alive, and twitched out with wooden
tweezers. While he lives he will not suffer this to be done
to him, and the leash will be of no use should he be dead,
because it will be brittle."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Throughout the world there is no huntsman that can
hold those two whelps except Kynedyr Wyllt, the son of
Hettwn Glafyrawc; he is nine times more wild than the
wildest beast upon the mountains. Him wilt thou never get,
neither wilt thou ever get my daughter."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. It is not possible to hunt the boar Trwyth without
Gwynn the son of Nudd, whom God has placed over the brood
of devils in Annwn, lest they should destroy the present
race. He will never be spared thence."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. There is not a horse in the world that can carry
Gwynn to hunt the Twrch Trwyth, except Du, the horse of Mor
of Oerveddawg."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Until Gilennhin the king of France shall come, the
Twrch Trwyth cannot be hunted. It will be unseemly for him
to leave his kingdom for thy sake, and he will never come
hither."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. The Twrch Trwyth can never be hunted without the
son of Alun Dyved; he is well skilled in letting loose the
dogs."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. The Twrch Trwyth cannot be hunted unless thou get
Aned and Aethlem. They are as swift as the gale of wind,
and they were never let loose upon a beast that they did
not kill him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get; Arthur and his companions to hunt the Twrch
Trwyth. He is a mighty man, and he will not come for thee,
neither wilt thou be able to compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this there is yet that which thou wilt not
get. The Twrch Trwyth cannot be hunted unless thou get
Bwlch, and Kyfwlch [and Sefwlch], the grandsons of Cleddyf
Difwlch. Their three shields are three gleaming glitterers
Their three spears are three pointed piercers. Their three
swords are three griding gashers, Glas, Glessic, and
Clersag. Their three dogs, Call, Cuall, and Cavall. Their
three horses, Hwyrdydwg, and Drwgdydwg, and Llwyrdydwg.
Their three wives, Och, and Garam, and Diaspad. Their three
grandchildren, Lluched, and Vyned, and Eissiwed. Their
three daughters, Drwg, and Gwaeth, and Gwaethav Oll. Their
three handmaids [Eheubryd, the daughter of Kyfwlch;
Gorasgwrn, the daughter of Nerth; and Gwaedan, the daughter
of Kynvelyn]. These three men shall sound the horn, and all
the others shall shout, so that all will think that the sky
is falling to the earth."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. The sword of Gwrnach the Giant; he will never be
slain except therewith. O his own free will he will not
give it, either for a price or as a gift, and thou wilt
never be able to compel him."
"It will be easy for me to compass this, although thou
mayest think that it will not be easy."
"Though thou get this, there is yet that which thou wilt
not get. Difficulties shalt thou meet with, and nights
without sleep, in seeking this, and if thou obtain it not,
neither shalt thou obtain my daughter."
"Horses shall I have, and chivalry; and my lord and kinsman
Arthur will obtain for me all these things. And I shall
gain thy daughter, and thou shalt lose thy life."
"Go forward. And thou shalt not be chargeable for food or
raiment for my daughter while thou art seeking these
things; and when thou hast compassed all these marvels,
thou shalt have my daughter for thy wife."
All that day they journeyed until the evening, and then
they beheld a vast castle, which was the largest in the
world. And lo, a black man, huger than three of the men of
this world, came out from the castle. And they spoke unto
him, "Whence comest thou, O man?" "From the castle which
you see yonder." "Whose castle is that?" asked they.
"Stupid are ye truly, O men. There is no one in the world
that does not know to whom this castle belongs. It is the
castle of Gwrnach the Giant." "What treatment is there for
guests and strangers that alight in that castle?" "Oh!
Chieftain, Heaven protect thee. No guest ever returned
thence alive, and no one may enter therein unless he brings
with him his craft."
Then they proceeded towards the gate. Said Gwrhyr Gwalstawd
Ieithoedd, "Is there a porter?" "There is. And thou, if thy
tongue be not mute in thy head, wherefore dost thou call?"
"Open the gate." "I will not open it." "Wherefore wilt thou
not?" "The knife is in the meat, and the drink is in the
horn, and there is revelry in the hall of Gwrnach the
Giant, and except for a craftsman who brings his craft, the
gate will not be opened to-night." "Verily, porter," then
said Kai, "my craft bring I with me." "What is thy craft?"
"The best burnisher of swords am I in the world." "I will
go and tell this unto Gwrnach the Giant, and I will bring
thee an answer."
So the porter went in, and Gwrnach said to him, "Hast thou
any news from the gate?" "I have. There is a party at the
door of the gate who desire to come in." "Didst thou
inquire of them if they possessed any art?" "I did
inquire," said he, "and one told me that he was well
skilled in the burnishing of swords." "We have need of him
then. For some time have I sought for some one to polish my
sword, and could find no one. Let this man enter, since he
brings with him his craft." The porter thereupon returned
and opened the gate. And Kai went in by himself, and he
saluted Gwrnach the Giant. And a chair was placed for him
opposite to Gwrnach. And Gwrnach said to him, "Oh man! is
it true that is reported of thee that thou knowest how to
burnish swords?" "I know full well how to do so," answered
Kai. Then was the sword of Gwrnach brought to him. And Kai
took a blue whetstone from under his arm, and asked him
whether he would have it burnished white or blue. "Do with
it as it seems good to thee, and as though wouldest if it
were thine own." Then Kai polished one half of the blade
and put it in his hand. "Will this please thee?" asked he.
"I would rather than all that is in my dominions that the
whole of it were like unto this. It is a marvel to me that
such a man as thou should be without a companion." "Oh!
noble sir, I have a companion, albeit he is not skilled in
this art." "Who may he be?" "Let the porter go forth and I
will tell him whereby he may know him. The head of his
lance will leave its shaft, and draw blood from the wind,
and will descend upon its shaft again." Then the gate was
opened, and Bedwyr entered. And Kai said, "Bedwyr is very
skilful, although he knows not this art."
And there was much discourse among those who were without,
because that Kai and Bedwyr had gone in. And a young man
who was with them, the only son of Custennin the herdsman,
got in also. And he caused all his companions to keep close
to him as he passed the three wards, and until he came into
the midst of the castle. And his companions said unto the
son of Custennin, "Thou hast done this! Thou art the best
of all men." And thenceforth he was called Goreu, the son
of Custennin. Then they dispersed to their lodgings, that
they might slay those who lodged therein, unknown to the
Giant.
The sword was now polished, and Kai gave it unto the hand
of Gwrnach the Giant, to see if he were pleased with his
work. And the Giant said, "The work is good, I am content
therewith." Said Kai, "It is thy scabbard that hath rusted
thy sword, give it to me that I may take out the wooden
sides of it and put in new ones." And he took the scabbard
from him, and the sword in the other hand. And he came and
stood over against the Giant, as if he would have put the
sword into the scabbard; and with it he struck at the head
of the Giant, and cut off his head at one blow. Then they
despoiled the castle, and took from it what goods and
jewels they would. And again on the same day, at the
beginning of the year, they came to Arthur's Court, bearing
with them the sword of Gwrnach the Giant.
Now, when they told Arthur how they had sped, Arthur said,
"Which of these marvels will it be best for us to seek
first?" "It will be best," said they, "to seek Mabon the
son of Modron; and he will not be found unless we first
find Eidoel, the son of Aer, his kinsman." Then Arthur rose
up, and the warriors of the Islands of Britain with him, to
seek for Eidoel; and they proceeded until they came before
the Castle of Glivi, where Eidoel was imprisoned. Glivi
stood on the summit of his castle, and he said, "Arthur,
what requirest thou of me, since nothing remains to me in
this fortress, and I have neither joy nor pleasure in it;
neither wheat nor oats? Seek not therefore to do me harm."
Said Arthur, "Not to injure thee came I hither, but to seek
for the prisoner that is with thee." "I will give thee my
prisoner, though I had not thought to give him up to any
one; and therewith shalt thou have my support and my aid."
His followers said unto Arthur, "Lord, go thou home, thou
canst not proceed with thy host in quest of such small
adventures as these." Then said Arthur, "It were well for
thee, Gwrhyr Gwalstawd Ieithoedd, to go upon this quest,
for thou knowest all languages, and art familiar with those
of the birds and the beasts. Thou, Eidoel, oughtest
likewise to go with my men in search of thy cousin. And as
for you, Kai and Bedwyr, I have hope of whatever adventure
ye are in quest of, that ye will achieve it. Achieve ye
this adventure for me."
They went forward until they came to the Ousel of Cilgwri.
And Gwrhyr adjured her for the sake of Heaven, saying,
"Tell me if thou knowest aught of Mabon the son of Modron,
who was taken when three nights old from between his mother
and the wall." And the Ousel answered, "When I first came
here, there was a smith's anvil in this place, and I was
then a young bird; and from that time no work has been done
upon it, save the pecking of my beak every evening, and now
there is not so much as the size of a nut remaining
thereof; yet the vengeance of Heaven be upon me, if during
all that time I have ever heard of the man for whom you
inquire. Nevertheless I will do that which is right, and
that which it is fitting that I should do for an embassy
from Arthur. There is a race of animals who were formed
before me, and I will be your guide to them."
So they proceeded to the place where was the Stag of
Redynvre. "Stag of Redynvre, behold we are come to thee, an
embassy from Arthur, for we have not heard of any animal
older than thou. Say, knowest thou aught of Mabon the son
of Modron, who was taken from his mother when three nights
old?" The Stag said, "When I first came hither, there was a
plain all around me, without any trees save one oak
sapling, which grew up to be an oak with an hundred
branches. And that oak has since perished, so that now
nothing remains of it but the withered stump; and from that
day to this I have been here, yet have I never heard of the
man for whom you inquire. Nevertheless, being an embassy
from Arthur, I will be your guide to the place where there
is an animal which was formed before I was."
So they proceeded to the place where was the Owl of Cwm
Cawlwyd. "Owl of Cwm Cawlwyd, here is an embassy from
Arthur; knowest thou aught of Mabon the son of Modron, who
was taken after three nights from his mother?" "If I knew I
would tell you. When first I came hither, the wide valley
you see was a wooded glen. And a race of men came and
rooted it up. And there grew there a second wood; and this
wood is the third. My wings, are they not withered stumps?
Yet all this time, even until to-day, I have never heard of
the man for whom you inquire. Nevertheless, I will be the
guide of Arthur's embassy until you come to the place where
is the oldest animal in this world, and the one that has
travelled most, the Eagle of Gwern Abwy."
Gwrhyr said, "Eagle of Gwern Abwy, we have come to thee an
embassy from Arthur, to ask thee if thou knowest aught of
Mabon the son of Modron, who was taken from his mother when
he was three nights old." The Eagle said, "I have been here
for a great space of time, and when I first came hither
there was a rock here, from the top of which I pecked at
the stars every evening; and now it is not so much as a
span high. From that day to this I have been here, and I
have never heard of the man for whom you inquire, except
once when I went in search of food as far as Llyn Llyw. And
when I came there, I struck my talons into a salmon,
thinking he would serve me as food for a long time. But he
drew me into the deep, and I was scarcely able to escape
from him. After that I went with my whole kindred to attack
him, and to try to destroy him, but he sent messengers, and
made peace with me; and came and besought me to take fifty
fish spears out of his back. Unless he know something of
him whom you seek, I cannot tell who may. However, I will
guide you to the place where he is.
So they went thither; and the Eagle said, "Salmon of Llyn
Llyw, I have come to thee with an embassy from Arthur, to
ask thee if thou knowest aught concerning Mabon the son of
Modron, who was taken away at three nights old from his
mother." "As much as I know I will tell thee. With every
tide I go along the river upwards, until I come near to the
walls of Gloucester, and there have I found such wrong as I
never found elsewhere; and to the end that ye may give
credence thereto, let one of you go thither upon each of my
two shoulders." So Kai and Gwrhyr Gwalstawd Ieithoedd went
upon the two shoulders of the salmon, and they proceeded
until they came unto the wall of the prison, and they heard
a great wailing and lamenting from the dungeon. Said
Gwrhyr, "Who is it that laments in this house of stone?"
"Alas, there is reason enough for whoever is here to
lament. It is Mabon the son of Modron who is here
imprisoned; and no imprisonment was ever so grievous as
mine, neither that of Lludd Llaw Ereint, nor that of Greid
the son of Eri." "Hast thou hope of being released for gold
or for silver, or for any gifts of wealth, or through
battle and fighting?" "By fighting will whatever I may gain
be obtained."
Then they went thence, and returned to Arthur, and they
told him where Mabon the son of Modron was imprisoned. And
Arthur summoned the warriors of the Island, and they
journeyed as far as Gloucester, to the place where Mabon
was in prison. Kai and Bedwyr went upon the shoulders of
the fish, whilst the warriors of Arthur attacked the
castle. And Kai broke through the wall into the dungeon,
and brought away the prisoner upon his back, whilst the
fight was going on between the warriors. And Arthur
returned home, and Mabon with him at liberty.
Said Arthur, "Which of the marvels will it be best for us
now to seek first?" "It will be best to seek for the two
cubs of Gast Rhymhi." "Is it known," asked Arthur, "where
she is!" "She is in Aber Deu Gleddyf," said one. Then
Arthur went to the house of Tringad, in Aber Cleddyf, and
he inquired of him whether he had heard of her there. "In
what form may she be?" "She is in the form of a she-wolf,"
said he; "and with her there are two cubs." "She has often
slain my herds, and she is there below in a cave in Aber
Cleddyf."
So Arthur went in his ship Prydwen by sea, and the others
went by land, to hunt her. And they surrounded her and her
two cubs, and God did change them again for Arthur into
their own form. And the host of Arthur dispersed themselves
into parties of one and two.
On a certain day, as Gwythyr the son of Greidawl was
walking over a mountain, he heard a wailing and a grievous
cry. And when he heard it, he sprang forward, and went
towards it. And when he came there, he drew his sword, and
smote off an ant-hill close to the earth, whereby it
escaped being burned in the fire. And the ants said to him,
"Receive from us the blessing of heaven, and that which no
man can give we will give thee." Then they fetched the nine
bushels of flax-seed which Yspaddaden Penkawr had required
of Culhwck, and they brought the full measure without
lacking any, except one flax-seed, and that the lame
pismire brought in before night.
As Kai and Bedwyr sat on a beacon carn on the summit of
Plinlimmon, in the highest wind that ever was in the world,
they looked around them, and saw a great smoke towards the
south, afar off, which did not bend with the wind. Then
said Kai, "By the hand of my friend, behold, yonder is the
fire of a robber!" Then they hastened towards the smoke,
and they came so near to it, that they could see Dillus
Varvawc scorching a wild boar. "Behold, yonder is the
greatest robber that ever fled from Arthur," said Bedwyr
unto Kai. "Dost thou know him?" "I do know him," answered
Kai, "he is Dillus Varvawc, and no leash in the world will
be able to hold Drudwyn, the cub of Greid the son of Eri,
save a leash made from the beard of him thou seest yonder.
And even that will be useless, unless his beard be plucked
alive with wooden tweezers; for if dead, it will be
brittle." "What thinkest thou that we should do concerning
this?" said Bedwyr. "Let us suffer him," said Kai, "to eat
as much as he will of the meat, and after that he will fall
asleep." And during that time they employed themselves in
making the wooden tweezers. And when Kai knew certainly
that he was asleep, he made a pit under his feet, the
largest in the world, and he struck him a violent plow, and
squeezed him into the pit. And there they twitched out his
beard completely with the wooden tweezers; and after that
they slew him altogether.
And from thence they both went to Gelli Wic, in Cornwall,
and took the leash made of Dillus Varvawc's beard with
them, and they gave it into Arthur's hand. Then Arthur
composed this Englyn--
Kai made a leash
Of Dillus son of Eurei's beard.
Were he alive, thy death he'd be.
And thereupon Kai was wroth, so that the warriors of the
Island could scarcely make peace between Kai and Arthur.
And thenceforth, neither in Arthur's troubles, nor for the
slaying of his men, would Kai come forward to his aid for
ever after.
Said Arthur, "Which of the marvels is it best for us now to
seek?" "It is best for us to seek Drudwyn, the cub of Greid
the son of Eri."
A little while before this, Creiddylad the daughter of Llud
Llaw Ereint, and Gwythyr the son of Greidawl, were
betrothed. And before she had become his bride, Gwn ap Nudd
came and carried her away by force; and Gwythyr the son of
Greidawl gathered his host together, and went to fight with
Gwyn ap Nudd. But Gwyn overcame him, and captured Greid the
son of Eri, and Glinneu the son of Taran, and Gwrgwst
Ledlwm, and Dynvarth his son. And he captured Penn the son
of Nethawg, and Nwython, and Kyledyr Wyllt his son. And
they slew Nwython, and took out his heart, and constrained
Kyledyr to eat the heart of his father. And therefrom
Kyledyr became mad. When Arthur heard of this, he went to
the North, and summoned Gwyn ap Nudd before him, and set
free the nobles whom he had put in prison, and made peace
between Gwyn ap Nudd and Gwythyr the son of Greidawl. And
this was the peace that was made:--that the maiden should
remain in her father's house, without advantage to either
of them, and that Gwyn ap Nudd and Gwythyr the son of
Greidawl should fight for her every first of May, from
thenceforth until the day of doom, and that whichever of
them should then be conqueror should have the maiden.
And when Arthur had thus reconciled these chieftains, he
obtained Mygdwn, Gweddw's horse, and the leash of Cwrs Cant
Ewin.
And after that Arthur went into Armorica, and with him
Mabon the son of Mellt, and Gware Gwallt Euryn, to seek the
two dogs of Glythmyr Ledewic. And when he had got them, he
went to the West of Ireland, in search of Gwrgi Severi; and
Odgar the son of Aedd king of Ireland, went with him. And
thence went Arthur into the North, and captured Kyledyr
Wyllt; and he went after Yskithyrwyn Benbaedd. And Mabon
the son of Mellt came with the two dogs of Glythmyr Ledewic
in his hand, and Drudwyn, the cub of Greid the son of Eri.
And Arthur went himself to the chase, leading his own dog
Cavall. And Kaw, of North Britain, mounted Arthur's mare
Llamrei, and was first in the attack. Then Kaw, of North
Britain, wielded a mighty axe, and absolutely daring he
came valiantly up to the boar, and clave his head in twain.
And Kaw took away the tusk. Now the boar was not slain by
the dogs that Yspaddaden had mentioned, but by Cavall,
Arthur's own dog.
And after Yskithyrwyn Penbaedd was killed, Arthur and his
host departed to Gelli Wic in Cornwall. And thence he sent
Menw the son of Teirgwaedd to see if the precious things
were between the two ears of Twrch Trwyth, since it were
useless to encounter him if they were not there. Albeit it
was certain where he was, for he had laid waste the third
part of Ireland. And Menw went to seek for him, and he met
with him in Ireland, in Esgeir Oervel. And Menw took the
form of a bird; and he descended upon the top of his lair,
and strove to snatch away one of the precious things from
him, but he carried away nothing but one of his bristles.
And the boar rose up angrily and shook himself so that some
of his venom fell upon Menw, and he was never well from
that day forward.
After this Arthur sent an embassy to Odgar, the son of Aedd
king of Ireland, to ask for the Cauldron of Diwrnach
Wyddel, his purveyor. And Odgar commanded him to give it.
But Diwrnach said, "Heaven is my witness, if it would avail
him anything even to look at it, he should not do so." And
the embassy of Arthur returned from Ireland with this
denial. And Arthur set forward with a small retinue, and
entered into Prydwen, his ship, and went over to Ireland.
And they proceeded into the house of Diwrnach Wyddel. And
the hosts of Odgar saw their strength. When they had eaten
and drunk as much as they desired, Arthur demanded to have
the cauldron. And he answered, "If I would have given it to
any one, I would have given it at the word of Odgar king of
Ireland."
When he had given them this denial, Bedwyr arose and seized
hold of the cauldron, and placed it upon the back of
Hygwyd, Arthur's servant, who was brother, by the mother's
side, to Arthur's servant, Cachamwri. His office was always
to carry Arthur's cauldron, and to place fire under it. And
Llenlleawg Wyddel seized Caledvwlch, and brandished it. And
they slew Diwrnach Wyddel and his company. Then came the
Irish and fought with them. And when he had put them to
flight, Arthur with his men went forward to the ship,
carrying away the cauldron full of Irish money. And he
disembarked at the house of Llwydden the son of Kelcoed, at
Porth Kerddin in Dyved. And there is the measure of the
cauldron.
Then Arthur summoned unto him all the warriors that were in
the three Islands of Britain, and in the three Islands
adjacent, and all that were in France and in Armorica, in
Normandy and in the Summer Country, and all that were
chosen footmen and valiant horsemen. And with all these he
went into Ireland. And in Ireland there was great fear and
terror concerning him. And when Arthur had landed in the
country, there came unto him the saints of Ireland and
besought his protection. And he granted his protection unto
them, and they gave him their blessing. Then the men of
Ireland came unto Arthur, and brought him provisions. And
Arthur went as far as Esgeir Oervel in Ireland, to the
place where the Boar Trwyth was with his seven young pigs.
And the dogs were let loose upon him from all sides. That
day until evening the Irish fought with him, nevertheless
he laid waste the fifth part of Ireland. And on the day
following the household of Arthur fought with him, and they
were worsted by him and got no advantage. And the third day
Arthur himself encountered him, and he fought with him nine
nights and nine days without so much as killing even one
little pig. The warriors inquired of Arthur what was the
origin of that swine; and he told them that he was once a
king, and that God had transformed him into a swine for his
sins.
Then Arthur sent Gwrhyr Gwalstawt Ieithoedd, to endeavour
to speak with him. And Gwrhyr assumed the form of a bird,
and alighted upon the top of the lair, where he was with
the seven young pigs. And Gwrhyr Gwalstawt Ieithoedd asked
him, "By him who turned you into this form, if you can
speak, let some one of you, I beseech you, come and talk
with Arthur." Grugyn Gwrych Ereint made answer to him. (Now
his bristles were like silver wire, and whether he went
through the wood or through the plain, he was to be traced
by the glittering of his bristles.) And this was the answer
that Grugyn made, "By him who turned us into this form, we
will not do so, and we will not speak with Arthur. That we
have been transformed thus is enough for us to suffer,
without your coming here to fight with us." "I will tell
you. Arthur comes but to fight for the comb, and the razor,
and the scissors, which are between the two ears of Twrch
Trwyth." Said Grugyn, "Except he first take his life, he
will never have those precious things. And to-morrow
morning we will rise up hence, and we will go into Arthur's
country, and there will we do all the mischief that we
can."
So they set forth through the sea towards Wales. And Arthur
and his hosts, and his horses and his dogs, entered
Prydwen, that they might encounter them without delay.
Twrch Trwyth landed in Porth Cleis in Dyved, and Arthur
came to Mynyw. The next day it was told to Arthur that they
had gone by, and he overtook them as they were killing the
cattle of Kynnwas Kwrr y Vagyl, having slain all that were
at Aber Gleddyf, of man and beast, before the coming of
Arthur.
Now when Arthur approached, Twrch Trwyth went on as far as
Preseleu, and Arthur and his hosts followed him thither,
and Arthur sent men to hunt him; Eli and Trachmyr, leading
Drutwyn the whelp of Greid the son of Eri, and Gwarthegyd
the son of Kaw, in another quarter, with the two dogs of
Glythmyr Ledewig, and Bedwyr leading Cavall, Arthur's own
dog. And all the warriors ranged themselves around the
Nyver. And there came there the three sons of Cleddyf
Divwlch, men who had gained much fame at the slaying of
Yskithyrwyn Penbaedd; and they went on from Glyn Nyver, and
came to Cwm Kerwyn.
And there Twrch Trwyth made a stand, and slew four of
Arthur's champions, Gwarthegyd the son of Kaw, and Tarawc
of Allt Clwyd, and Rheidwn the son of Eli Atver, and
Iscovan Hael. And after he had slain these men, he made a
second stand in the same place. And there he slew Gwydre
the son of Arthur, and Garselit Wyddel, and Glew the son of
Ysgawd, and Iscawyn the son of Panon; and there he himself
was wounded.
And the next morning before it was day, some of the men
came up with him. And he slew Huandaw, and Gogigwr, and
Penpingon, three attendants upon Glewlwyd Gavaelvawr, so
that Heaven knows, he had not an attendant remaining,
excepting only Llaesgevyn, a man from whom no one ever
derived any good. And together with these, he slew many of
the men of that country, and Gwlydyn Saer, Arthur's chief
Architect.
Then Arthur overtook him at Pelumyawc, and there he slew
Madawc the son of Teithyon, and Gwyn the son of Tringad,
the son of Neved, and Eiryawn Penllorau. Thence he went to
Aberteivi, where he made another stand, and where he slew
Kyflas the son of Kynan, and Gwilenhin king of France. Then
he went as far as Glyn Ystu, and there the men and the dogs
lost him.
Then Arthur summoned unto him Gwyn ab Nudd, and he asked
him if he knew aught of Twrch Trwyth. And he said that he
did not.
And all the huntsmen went to hunt the swine as far as
Dyffryn Llychwr. And Grugyn Gwallt Ereint, and Llwydawg
Govynnyad closed with them and killed all the huntsmen, so
that there escaped but one man only. And Arthur and his
hosts came to the place where Grugyn and Llwydawg were. And
there he let loose the whole of the dogs upon them, and
with the shout and barking that was set up, Twrch Trwyth
came to their assistance.
And from the time that they came across the Irish sea,
Arthur had never got sight of him until then. So he set men
and dogs upon him, and thereupon he started off and went to
Mynydd Amanw. And there one of his young pigs was killed.
Then they set upon him life for life, and Twrch Llawin was
slain, and then there was slain another of the swine, Gwys
was his name. After that he went on to Dyffryn Amanw, and
there Banw and Bennwig were killed. Of all his pigs there
went with him alive from that place none save Grugyn Gwallt
Ereint, and Llwydawg Govynnyad.
Thence he went on to Llwch Ewin, and Arthur overtook him
there, and he made a stand. And there he slew Echel
Forddwytwll, and Garwyli the son of Gwyddawg Gwyr, and many
men and dogs likewise. And thence they went to Llwch Tawy.
Grugyn Gwrych Ereint parted from them there, and went to
Din Tywi. And thence he proceeded to Ceredigiawn, and Eli
and Trachmyr with him, and a multitude likewise. Then he
came to Garth Gregyn, and there Llwydawg Govynnyad fought
in the midst of them, and slew Rhudvyw Rhys and many others
with him. Then Llwydawg went thence to Ystrad Yw, and there
the men of Armorica met him, and there he slew Hirpeissawg
the king of Armorica, and Llygatrudd Emys, and Gwrbothu,
Arthur's uncles, his mother's brothers, and there was he
himself slain.
Twrch Trwyth went from there to between Tawy and Euyas, and
Arthur summoned all Cornwall and Devon unto him, to the
estuary of the Severn, and he said to the warriors of this
Island, "Twrch Trwyth has slain many of my men, but, by the
valour of warriors, while I live he shall not go into
Cornwall. And I will not follow him any longer, but I will
oppose him life to life. Do ye as ye will." And he resolved
that he would send a body of knights, with the dogs of the
Island, as far as Euyas, who should return thence to the
Severn, and that tried warriors should traverse the Island,
and force him into the Severn. And Mabon the son of Modron,
came up with him at the Severn, upon Gwynn Mygddon, the
horse of Gweddw, and Goreu the son of Custennin, and Menw
the son of Teirgwaedd; this was betwixt Llyn Lliwan and
Aber Gwy. And Arthur fell upon him together with the
champions of Britain. And Osla Kyllellvawr drew near, and
Manawyddan the son of Llyr, and Kacmwri the servant of
Arthur, and Gwyngelli, and they seized hold of him,
catching him first by his feet, and plunged him in the
Severn, so that it overwhelmed him. On the one side, Mabon
the son of Modron spurred his steed and snatched his razor
from him, and Kyledyr Wyllt came up with him on the other
side, upon another steed, in the Severn, and took from him
the scissors. But before they could obtain the comb, he had
regained the ground with his feet, and from the moment that
he reached the shore, neither dog, nor man, nor horse could
overtake him until he came to Cornwall. If they had had
trouble in getting the jewels from him, much more had they
in seeking to save the two men from being drowned. Kacmwri,
as they drew him forth, was dragged by two millstones into
the deep. And as Osla Kyllellvawr was running after the
boar, his knife had dropped out of the sheath, and he had
lost it, and after that, the sheath became full of water,
and its weight drew him down into the deep, as they were
drawing him forth.
Then Arthur and his hosts proceeded until they overtook the
boar in Cornwall, and the trouble which they had met with
before was mere play to what they encountered in seeking
the comb. But from one difficulty to another, the comb was
at length obtained. And then he was hunted from Cornwall,
and driven straight forward into the deep sea. And
thenceforth it was never known whither he went; and Aned
and Aethlem with him. Then went Arthur to Gelliwic, in
Cornwall, to anoint himself, and to rest from his fatigues.
Said Arthur, "Is there any one of the marvels yet
unobtained?" Said one of his men, "There is--the blood of
the witch Orddu, the daughter of the witch Orwen, of Penn
Nant Govid, on the confines of Hell." Arthur set forth
towards the North, and came to the place where was the
witch's cave. And Gwyn ab Nudd, and Gwythyr the son of
Greidawl, counselled him to send Kacmwri, and Hygwyd his
brother to fight with the witch. As they entered the cave,
the witch seized upon them, and she caught Hygwyd by the
hair of his head, and threw him on the floor beneath her.
And Kacmwri caught her by the hair of her head, and dragged
her to the earth from off Hygwyd, but she turned again upon
them both, and drove them both out with kicks and with
cuffs.
And Arthur was wroth at seeing his two attendants almost
slain, and he sought to enter the cave; but Gwyn and
Gwythyr said unto him, "It would not be fitting or seemly
for us to see thee squabbling with a hag. Let Hiramreu and
Hireidil go to the cave." So they went. But if great was
the trouble of the first two that went, much greater was
that of these two. And heaven knows that not one of the
four could move from the spot, until they placed them all
upon Llamrei, Arthur's mare. And then Arthur rushed to the
door of the cave, and at the door he struck at the witch,
with Carnwennan his dagger, and clove her in twain, so that
she fell in two parts. And Kaw, of North Britain, took the
blood of the witch and kept it.
Then Culhwck set forward, and Goreu, the son of Custennin,
with him, and as many as wished ill to Yspaddaden Penkawr.
And they took the marvels with them to his court. And Kaw
of North Britain came and shaved his beard, skin, and flesh
clean off to the very bone from ear to ear. "Art thou
shaved, man?" said Culhwck. "I am shaved," answered he. "Is
thy daughter mine now?" "She is thine," said he, "but
therefor needest thou not thank me, but Arthur who hath
accomplished this for thee. By my free will thou shouldest
never have had her, for with her I lose my life." Then
Goreu, the son of Custennin, seized him by the hair of his
head, and dragged him after him to the keep, and cut off
his head and placed it on a stake on the citadel. Then they
took possession of his castle, and of his treasures.
And that night Olwen because Culhwck's bride, and she
continued to be his wife as long as she lived. And the
hosts of Arthur dispersed themselves, each man to his own
country. And thus did Culhwck obtain Olwen, the daughter of
Yspaddaden Penkawr.