How Culhwch Won Olwen

The longest story of The Mabinogion and perhaps one of the most important works in Arthurian legend. Many knights of Arthur's Court are referenced in an incredibly long list, many of which are given large roles in the story. Though Arthur and his knights take up a significant portion of the story time, it begins, and ends, with Arthur's cousin, Culhwch. The young man is cursed by his step-mother when he refuses to marry her daughter; a curse to never marry any except for Olwen, daughter of the dreaded giant Ysbaddaden Bencawr. With the advice of his father, Culhwch sets off to request Arthur's help, as one of his kin. Arthur agrees to a group of six men; the intelligent Cai, the handsome Bedwyr, Cynddylig Gyfarwydd the guide, Gwrhyr Gwalstawd Ieithoedd, who could speak all languages, Gwalchmai, Arthur's nephew, and Menw, the spell-caster. The men find Custennin and his family living in fear of Custennin's brother, who had usurped his lands, Ysbaddaden himself. Ysbaddaden had murdered all of Custennin's sons, save one, Gorau, who had been hidden away. Olwen meet with them, but feared that Culhwch was only giving himself over to death, as all other suitors had been slain by her father. Yet, the knights proved themselves capable of protecting themselves from Ysbaddaden's cruelty; yet the giant set a series of impossible tasks that Culhwch would have to complete before he could agree to the wedding. Culhwch obtained the help of Arthur and his entire court in completing these seemingly impossible tasks.
Cai and Bedwyr trick and slay Wrnach Gawr to claim his sword. Gwrhyr Gwalstawd Ieithoedd leads a group in search of Mabon after they rescue Mabon's cousin Eiodel, by speaking with the Oldest Animals, culminating with the Salmon of Llyn Lliw, who guides them to Caerloyw where Mabon is prisoner. Cai and Bedwyr ride the giant salmon to the castle, where Cai smashes through the wall to set Mabon free. Arthur confronts the she-wolf, Rhymi, who is then turned back into her human form by thee grace of God to aid Arthur, after which Gwythyr, who talks to animals as well as all human languages, rescues ants from a fire and then agree to help gather the flax that Ysbaddaden desired, which could not be gathered by human hands. Upon Pumlumon, Cai and Bedwyr encounter Dillius Farfog and forcibly claim his beard hair to help fashion a leash for the hounds they needed to hunt the most dangerous of tasks. However, after Cai killed Farfog, Arthur made a jibe over it, which made Cai sulk and refuse to partake in future adventures, thus leaving the tale. The grand hunting dogs they needed could only be controlled with adequate leashes and collars. Arthur obtained one of these leashes after he was able to settle a dispute in the North between Gwythyr son of Greidol and Gwyn son of Nudd, who fought over a woman named Creiddylad. After travelling between Brittany, Ireland and the North, they were ready to hunt the boar named Ysgithrwyn Pen Baedd. The boar was taken down by Cafall, Arthur's dog, while Caw took possession of the tusk for Ysbaddaden.
Menw travelled to Esgair Oerfel to spy their most dangerous of tasks - the mighty boar Twrch Trwyth. The boar poisoned Menw, who was forever ill afterwards. Arthur went to get the Cauldron of Diwrnach Wyddel, though Diwrnach Wyddel refused to give it over. They took the cauldron and killed Diwrnach Wyddel, bringing the ire of the Irish, forcing them to quickly return to Wales. However, Arthur would soon return to Ireland to challenge the great boar, after summoning a massive host of men from across the Three Islands of Britain, her Three Adjacent Islands, France, Brittany, Normandy and Gwlad yr Haf. The huge host descended upon Esgair Oerfel, where they battled with Twrch Trwyth and his seven fellow boars. Arthur revealed that this boar was once a human king, but transformed for his sins by God. The boar had laid waste to Ireland and now with Arthur's intervention, Twrch Trwyth would teach him a lesson by laying waste to Arthur's own lands. The boars crossed the Irish Sea and ravaged Wales, slaying many of Arthur's knights, including his own son Gwydre. A long chase across the land ensues, using those favoured hunting dogs they had acquired. The smaller boars are eventually killed, with Twrch Trwyth still standing. He is forced into the Aber Hafren, where Mabon and Cyledyr Wyllt were able to retrieve the treasures of the razor and the shears from the boar's head. After escaping the river, the boar caused destruction and mayhem in Cornwall before they finally retrieved the comb, the last treasure, and forced the boar into the sea. With that, only the last task remained, to fetch the blood of the Very Black Witch, who lived in Pennant Gofid, the uplands of hell. There, she defeated, and almost killed, Cacamwri and his brother Hygwydd, and Hir Amren and Hir Eiddil, before Arthur marched in himself and used his knife, Carnwennan, to draw blood, gathered by Caw.
All this done, Culhwch returned to Ysbaddadan and was able to claim Olwen as his wife. The evil giant is executed by Gorau, who then becomes the new lord of the land, while Olwen remained Culhwch's only wife for the rest of his life.
== The Mabinogion ==
=== Goleuddydd and Ysbaddaden Bencawr ===
Cilydd, son of Celyddon Wledig ("Wledig" meaning "lord" and "Celyddon" referring to Caledonia, an area of south-west ScotlandPage 259, Explanatory Notes, ), wished for a wife that would birth him a son of standing equal to himself. He married Goleuddydd, daughter of Anlawdd Wledig, and after their first night consummating the marriage, the people of the land prayed they would have an heir. Though their prayers were answered, Goleuddydd went mad from the day she became pregnant and would not go within any dwelling. She unexpectedly gave birth to her son when she saw the sight of pigs and the swineherd took the boy to the court, where he was baptised and named as Culhwch because he was found in the pig-pen (this is an attempt to explain his name, which is "hwch" meaning pig and "cul" means sty, though during the period "cul" more likely meant "slim". Culhwch may have tradition inherited from the Celtic God MoccusPage 260, Explanatory Notes, ). Yet, he was of noble descent, cousin to Arthur, and was sent to live with foster-parents. But when the boy was sent away, the mother fell gravely ill. She summoned her husband and requested that he not seek a new wife until he witnesses a two-headed briar on her grave, to which he agreed. However, she then summoned her chaplain and asked that he clean her grave every year, so that nothing would grow on it. After her death, the king sent a servant to check the grave every day for signs of growth. Only after seven years did the chaplain neglect his task and the king himself discovered, finally, that the briar had finally grown and he was free to wed againPage 179, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . 
His counsellors suggested that Cilydd marry the wife of King Doged, believing she would suit the king well. Thus they set forth and slew King Doged, took his lands and possession of his wife and daughter. Sometime after, the new queen ventured out and discovered an old hag that lived near the village. She asked the hag whether her abductor had any other children. The hag did explain that the king was destined to have an heir, which may well be born by the queen herself, but that the king did have a son already. The queen asked Cilydd of his son and he summoned Culhwch to court. The queen immediately declares to Culhwch that he should be married and she spoke that she had the greatest daughter that any man could wish for. Culhwch says that he is too young to marry yet. So the queen, displeased by this response, lays a destiny upon him that he would never know a woman until he had been with Olwen, daughter of the fearsome giant Ysbaddaden Bencawr (his name meaning "white track". The author attempts to later explain this name as "ysbaddad" means "hawthorn" and "pencawr" means "chief giant".) - a certain death task. All at once, Culhwch feels a burning love for this young woman he had never met. He told his father of this and Cilydd believes it will be easy for Culhwch to get Olwen. First he tells Culhwch to travel to Arthur, his cousin, to have his hair trimmed (this was a symbolic act of the period to recognise a blood-relationship) and claim his gift (which he is entitled to once accepted formally into the family by his lord). Thus, Culhwch set out for Arthur's court upon a strong, grey horse and a golden saddle. He carried a large battle-axe and a sword whose blade was gold. He also had a gold shield with a rim of ivory. Along with the horse, he had two other animalsPage 180, How Culhwch Won Olwen, - two greyhounds with collars of red gold. The pair would run left-to-right, sweeping back and forth. He wore a large, four-cornered cloak of purple with ruby-gold in each cornerPage 181, How Culhwch Won Olwen, (the original passage here was written rhythmically for the oral nature that the work was intended to be).
=== Meeting King Arthur ===
When he arrived at the court, he asked a man if there was a gatekeeper and the man said Culhwch was liable to lose his head for he was speaking directly to the gatekeeper now, his name being Glewlwyd Gafaelfawr. He clarified that he was the gatekeeper every first day of January, but usually has deputies for the rest of the days; Huandaw, Gogigwr, Llaesgymyn and Penpingion, who he insults as being a rolling stone on the court floor. When the boy asks to pass, the gatekeeper refuses as the feast has already begun. He does offer consolation, however, that he and his animals would be well tended to, including a great deal of food in the hostel and a woman to sleep with. Culhwch would have to wait until tomorrow when the doors are opened again, whereabout he could choose to freely join the court. Culhwch, however, refuses this compromise and threatens that he shall give the gatekeeper a bad name if he should not open the door immediately. He would call out so loud that he could be heard even from atop of Pen Pengwaedd in far off Cornwall, or the bottom of Dinsol in the North or even Esgair Oerfel in Ireland. His call would be so loud that all the pregnant women in the city would miscarry, and those not pregnant would become incapable of conception. Glewlwyd states that he cannot allow Culhwch to enter without at least gaining permission from Arthur himself, so he leaves Culhwch at the gate and enters the court. There he gives a speech, listing the many places he has visited - Caer Se and Asse, Sach and Salach, Lotor and Ffotor - India the Great, India the Lesser - the battle of the two Ynyrs when twelve hostages were taken from Norway - Europe, Africa, Corsica - Caer Brythwch, Brythach and Nerthach - he was present when Arthur slew the warband of Gleis, son of Merin - when Arthur killed Mil Du, son of Dugum - when Arthur conquered Greece - Caer Oeth, Anoeth, Caer Nefenhyr Nawdant - and finally summarises all of this that he has never seen such a handsome man in all those places as the man who is currently at the gate. Arthur thinks it is shocking that such a man as this should be left at the gate and wants Glewlwyd, but Cai argues that the laws of the court should not be broken on the account of this stranger. He uses the oath 'by the hand of my friend' as he does thisPage 182, How Culhwch Won Olwen, (the oath is unique to Cai and possibly a reference to his friend Bedwyr having lost his handPage 261, Explanatory Notes, ). Arthur disagrees with Cai, arguing that nobles gain fame and prestige from gifting and kindness to those that askPage 183, How Culhwch Won Olwen, .
Glewlwyd returned to the gate to allow Culhwch inside, but rather than use the mounting-block to dismount, he rode his horse through. He greets Arthur by wishing that all sides of his house be of equal standing, both to nobles and their retinue and that this grace apply to all lands under Arthur. Arthur bids the young man welcome and that he should share as heir-apparent to the kingdom, including the bounty of Arthur. Culhwch, however, proclaims that he has not come to take from Arthur, but only to claim his rightful gift - but adds that he would denounce Arthur should the king refuse. Arthur exclaims that he should give the young chieftain anything he desires, barring those which Arthur cannot part with, namely his ship (named Prydwen) his mantle (named Gwen and one of the Thirteen Treasures of the Island of Britain, an invisibility cloak), his sword, named Caledfwlch (written as "Caliburnus" by Geoffrey Monmouth, becoming Excalibur in English), his spear, named Rhongomyniad (Striking-spear), his shield, named Wynebgwrthucher (Evening-face), his dagger, named Carnwennan (Little White Haft), and his wife, Gwenhwyfar. Thus, Culhwch requested that his hair be cut and Arthur agreed to do so, using a golden comb. This request alerts Arthur that the young man is his own blood and asks who he is and it is revealed they are cousins. Culhwch then requests Arthur's aid in winning Olwen and invokes the names of Arthur's warriorsPage 184, How Culhwch Won Olwen, .
=== Arthur's Entourage ===
==== Men ====
Thus follows an incredibly long list of names, all followers of Arthur. Some are likely fabricated exclusively for this text, while others are likely characters of other known adventures all brought under the umbrella of Arthur. Some of the characters are included in other chapters of The Mabinogion itself (such as Geraint, from Geraint son of Erbin, or Fflewddwr Flame from Rhonabwy's Dream) Following is a table listing the names and the translations from Sioned Davies' edition of The Mabinogion; Press "expand" to view.
Welsh 	Translation and/or Notes
Cai 	
Bedwyr 	
Greidol Gallddofydd 	
Gwythyr son of Greidol 	
Graid son of Eri 	
Cynddylig Gyfarwydd 	Cynddylig the Guide
Tathal Twyll Golau 	Tathal of Manifest Treachery
Maelwys son of Baeddan 	Name of Irish origins.
Cynchwr son of Nes 	Name of Irish origins.
Cubert son of Daere 	Name of Irish origins.
Ffercos son of Poch 	Name of Irish origins.
Lluber Beuthach 	Name of Irish origins.
Corfil Berfac 	Name of Irish origins.
Gwyn son of Esni 	
Gwyn son of Nwyfre 	
Gwyn son of Nudd 	
Edern son of Nudd 	
Cadwy son of Geraint 	
Fflewddwr Fflam Wledig 	Ruler Fflewddwr Flame. One of the Three Chieftains of Arthur's Court, holding the title of gwledig (lord or ruler), which may be a mistake as in Rhonabwy's Dream he holds no title.
Rhuawn Bebyr son of Dorath 	Rhuawn the Radiant son of Dorath
Bradwen son of Moren Mynog 	
Moren Mynog 	
Dalldaf son of Cimin Cof 	
Alun Dyfed 	
Son of Saidi 	
Son of Gwryon 	
Uchdryd Ardwyad Cad 	Uchdryd Battle-Sustainer
Cynwas Cwryfagl 	Cynwas Pointed-Staff
Gwrhyr Gwarthegfras 	Gwrhyr Fat-Cattle
Isberyr Ewingath 	Isberyr Cat-Claw
Gallgoid Gofyniad 	Gallgoid the Killer
Duach and Brathach and Nerthach, Sons of Gwawrddydd Cyrfach	Black and Stab and Strength, sons of Gwawrddydd the Hunchback. From the uplands of hell did these men come.
Cilydd Canhastyr 	Cilydd Hundred-holds
Canhastyr Can Llaw 	Hundred-holds Hundred-hands
Cors Cant Ewin 	Cors Hundred Claws
Esgair Gulhwch Gofyncawn 	
Drwstwrn Haearn 	Drwst Iron-Fist
Glewlwyd Gafaelfawr 	Glewlwyd Mighty-grasp
Lloch Llaw-wyniog 	Lloch of the Striking Hand
Anwas Edeiniog 	Anwas the Winged
Sinnoch son of Seithfed 	Sinnoch son of Seventh
Wadu son of Seithfed 	Wadu son of Seventh
Naw son of Seithfed 	Nine son of Seventh
Gwenwynwyn son of Naw son of Seithfed 	Gwenwynwyn son of Nine son of Seventh
Bedyw son of Seithfed 	Bedyw son of Seventh
Gobrwy son of Echel Forddwyd Twll 	Gobrwy son of Echel Mighty-thigh
Echel Forddwyd Twll 	Echel Mighty-thigh
Mael son of Roycol 	
Dadwair Dallben 	Dadwair Blind-head
Garwyli son of Gwythog Gwyr 	
Gwythog Gwyr 	
Gormant son of Rica 	
Menw son of Teirgwaedd 	Menw son of Three Cries
Digon son of Alar 	Enough son of Surfeit
Selyf son of Sinoid 	
Gusg son of Achen 	
Nerth son of Cadarn 	Strength son of Might
Drudwas son of Tryffin 	
Twrch son of Perif 	
Twrch son of Anwas 	
Iona, king of France 	
Sel son of Selgi 	
Teregud son of Iaen 	
Sulien son of Iaen 	
Bradwen son of Iaen 	
Moren son of Iaen 	
Siawn son of Iaen 	
Caradog son of Iaen 	Sons of Iaen were men of Caer Dathyl, Arthur's family from his father's side.
Dirmyg son of Caw 	Contempt son of Caw
Iustig son of Caw 	
Edwyg son of Caw 	Fame son of Caw
Angawdd son of Caw 	
Gofan son of Caw 	
Celyn son of Caw 	
Conyn son of Caw 	Stalk son of Caw
Mabsant son of Caw 	
Gwyngad son of Caw 	
Llwybyr son of Caw 	Path son of Caw
Coch son of Caw 	Red son of Caw
Meilyg son of Caw 	
Cynwal son of Caw 	
Ardwyad son of Caw 	Sustainer son of Caw
Ergyriad son of Caw 	
Neb son of Caw 	Someone son of Caw
Gildas son of Caw 	Gildas, the sixth-century saintGildas article, Wikipedia..
Calcas son of Caw 	
Huail son of Caw 	He never submitted to a lord's control.
Samson Finsych 	Samson Dry-lip. He is also listed as a son of Caw in the genealogies, also a known saintSamson of Dol article, Wikipedia. and founder of the cathedral of DolDol Cathedral article, Wikipedia. in Brittany.
Taliesin Ben Beirdd 	Taliesin Chief of Bards
Manawydan son of Llŷr 	
Llary son of Casnar Wledig 	
Sberin son of Flergant, king of Brittany 	Alan IVAlan IV, Duke of Brittany article, Wikipedia., or Alan Fyrgan, Duke of Brittany from 1072-1112 in reality. In the narrative his war-band was disloyal and he went to fight at Camlan alone.
Saranhon son of Glythfyr 	
Llawr son of Erw 	
Anynnog son of Menw Teirg-waedd 	Anynnog son of Menw Three-cries
Gwyn son of Nwyfre 	
Fflam son of Hwyfre 	Flame son of Hwyfre
Geraint son of Erbin 	
Ermid son of Erbin 	
Dywel son of Erbin 	
Gwyn son of Ermid 	
Cyndrwyn son of Ermid 	
Hyfaidd Unllen 	Hyfaidd One-Mantle
Eiddon Fawrfrydig 	Eiddon the Magnanimous
Rheiddwn Arwy 	
Gormant son of Rica 	Arthur's brother on his mother's side, his father the chief elder of Cornwall.
Llawnrodded Farfog 	Llawnrodded the Bearded
Nodawl Farf Trwch 	Nodawl Cut-Beard
Berth son of Cado 	
Rheiddwn son of Beli 	
Isgofan Hael 	Isgofan the Generous
Ysgawyn son of Banon 	
Morfran son of Tegid 	Great Raven son of Tegid. No man laid his weapon in him at Camlan because he was so ugly everyone thought him to be a demon - he had hair on him like a stag. His story is contained in The Tale of Taliesin, the final chapter of the Mabinogion that only appears in some editions.
Sandde Pryd Angel 	Sandde Angel Face. No one laid his spear in him at Camlan because he was so beautiful everyone thought he was an angel.
Cynwyl Sant 	Cynwyl the Saint. One of the Three Who Escaped from Camlan, last to part from Arthur upon his horse Hengroen (Meaning Old Skin).
Uchdryd son of Erim 	
Eus son of Erim 	
Henwas Edeiniog son of Erim 	Old Servant the Winged son of Erim. He has a magical quality that means no four-legged animal could keep up with him across one acre, nor beyond.
Henbeddestyr son of Erim 	Old Walker son of Erim. He has a magical quality that means he has never found any other man able to keep up with him, either on horseback or on foot.
Sgilti Sgafndroed son of Erim 	Sgilti Lightfoot son of Erim. He has a magical quality that means he can walk on the treetops and upon reeds, which never buckle under his weight, so he would never take the roads to lands he knew of, but travelled over forests and mountains.
Teithi Hen son of Gwynnan 	Teithi the Old son of Gwynnan. His kingdom was overrun by the sea and escaped to Arthur's Court. His knife had a magical attribute, ever since he came to the land of Arthur, the knife could not tolerate any handle upon it. This would eventually cause him distress and sickness - which would lead to his ultimate death.
Carnedyr son of Gofnion Hen 	Carnedyr son of Gofnion the Old.
Gwenwynwyn son of Naf 	Arthur's foremost champion.
Llygadrudd Emys 	The Red-Eyed Stallion. Arthur's uncle, his mother's brother.
Gwrfoddw Hen 	Gwrfoddw the Old. Arthur's uncle, his mother's brother.
Culfanawyd son of Goryon 	
Llenlleog Wyddel 	Irishman from the headland of Gamon. (possibly a reference to WexfordWexford article, Wikipedia.)
Dyfnwal Moel 	Dyfnwal the Bald. Mentioned in the genealogies as 'man of the north' and is given credit for measuring Britain from the headland of Blathaon in Pictland to the headland of Penwith in Cornwall.
Dunarth 	King of the North.
Teyrnon Twrf Liant 	Teyrnon Roar of the Flood-tide.
Tegfan Gloff 	Tegfan the Lame.
Tegyr Talgellog 	
Gwrddywal son of Efrei 	
Morgant Hael 	Morgant the Generous.
Gwystyl son of Nwython 	Hostage son of Nwython.
Llwydeu son of Nwython 	
Gwydre son of Llwydeu 	
Rhun son of Nwython 	
Llwydeu son of Nwython 	His mother is Gwenabwy, daughter of Caw. Huail, his uncle, stabbed him, causing injury, which prompted hatred between Huail and Arthur.
Drem son of Dremidydd 	Sight son of Seer. He had the supernatural ability to see details at great distances - able to see a fly rise as far away as Pen Blathaon in Pictland from Celli Wig in Cornwall.
Eidoel son of Ner and Glwyddyn Saer 	Eidoel son of Ner and Glwyddyn the Craftsman. The architect of Arthur's hall named Ehangwen (meaning 'spacious and fair').
Cynyr Ceinfarfog 	Cynyr Fair Beard. Cai is said to be his son, to which he said to Cai's mother than if any part of himself be in Cai then the son's heart will always be cold and no warmth in his hands. When Cynyr carries a load, it will be invisible, whether carried before him or behind him. He can also withstand the power of both water and fire, and there will be no other officer like him.
Henwas 	"Old Servant".
Hen Wyneb 	"Old Face".
Hengydymaith 	"Old Friend".
Gallgoig 	"Gallgoig another". Whatever town he visited would always posses three houses in it and while he wanted anything, no man in the town could sleep.
Berwyn son of Cyrenyr 	
Peris 	King of France, and this is why the capital city is named Paris, according to this account.
Osla Gyllellfawr 	"Osla Big Knife". Who possessed the dagger Bronllafn Ferllydan (Breat-Blade Short Broad). When Arthur's retinue would seek to cross a body of water, the dagger could be held over the water and it would become a bridge to cross, with enough space for all men of the Three Islands of Britain and her Three Adjacent Islands, and all their booty.
Gwyddog son of Menestyr 	Son of "Cupbearer". Who would eventually kill Cai, and in turn would be killed by Arthur, along with his brothers, in revenge by Arthur.
Garanwyn son of Cai 	"Long Shank" son of Cai.
Amren son of Bedwyr 	
Eli 	
Myr 	
Rheu Rhwyddyrys 	
Rhun Rhuddwern 	
Trachmyr 	Arthur's chief huntsman.
Llwydeu son of Cilcoed 	
Huabwy son of Gwyron 	
Gwyn Godyfron 	
Gwair Dathar Weinidog 	"Gwair Bird Servant".
Gwair son of Cadellin Tal Arian 	Son of "Cadellin Silver-Brow".
Gwair Gwrhyd Enwir 	"Gwair False Valour". Arthur's uncle, his mother's brother. Son of Llwch Llaw-wyniog (Llwch of the Striking Hand) from beyond the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Gwair Gwyn Baladr 	"Gwair White Spear". Arthur's uncle, his mother's brother. Son of Llwch Llaw-wyniog (Llwch of the Striking Hand) from beyond the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Llenlleog Wyddel 	"Llenlleog the Irishman".
Ardderchog Prydain 	"Exalted One of Prydain".
Cas son of Saidi 	
Gwrfan Gwallt Afwyn 	"Gwrfan Fair Hair".
Gwilenhin 	King of France.
Gwitardd son of Aedd 	King of Ireland.
Garselyd Wyddel 	"Garselyd the Irishman".
Panawr Penbagad 	"Panawr Head of the Host".
Atlendor son of Naf 	
Gwyn Hyfar 	"Gwyn the Wrathful". Overseer of Cornwall and Devon - one of the nine who plotted the battle of Camlan.
Celli 	
Cuelli 	
Gilla Goeshydd 	"Gilla Stag-Leg". The chief leaper of Ireland, able to leap several fields in a single bound.
Sol 	"Heel". He could stand all day on one leg.
Gwadn Osol 	"Sole" of "Heel". If he stood upon a mountain, it would become a level plain under his feet.
Gwadn Oddaith 	"Blazing Soles". The soles of his feet would spark brilliantly like hot metal drawn from the forge - he would clear the path for Arthur's host.
Hir Erwm 	With such great hunger, "Tall Erwm" and "Tall Atrwm" would seize three cantrefs to satisfy their needs and would feast till noon and drink all night. When they went to sleep, they would bite the heads off insects for food, as though they had never eaten. They never left a single scrap at the table, no matter if it were raw.
Hir Atrwm 	With such great hunger, "Tall Erwm" and "Tall Atrwm" would seize three cantrefs to satisfy their needs and would feast till noon and drink all night. When they went to sleep, they would bite the heads off insects for food, as though they had never eaten. They never left a single scrap at the table, no matter if it were raw.
Huarwar son of Halwn 	As his gift from Arthur, he requested his fill. Until he was given his fill, one of the Three Mighty Plagues of Cornwall and Devon struck and he never smiled until he was full.
Gwarae Gwallt Eurin 	Gwararae Golden Hair. Equated to Gwri Wallt Euryn (Gwri Golden Hair) from the First Branch of the Mabinogi.
Gwyddrud 	The two whelps of the bitch Rhymhi.
Gwydden Astrus 	"Gwydden the Cunning". The two whelps of the bitch Rhymhi.
Sugn son of Sugnedydd 	"Suck" son of "Sucker". He could suck up the sea where there were three-hundred ships until it was nothing but a beach. He had red-breast fever.
Cacamwri 	Arthur's servant who could wield an iron flail to thrash an entire barn full of wares until those wares were as fine dust as the corn-sheaves on the floorboards.
Llwng 	"Gulp".
Dygyflwng 	"Swallow".
Annoeth Feiddog 	"Foolish the Bold".
Hir Eiddil 	"Weak the Tall". Arthur's Servant.
Hir Amren 	"Amren the Tall". Arthur's Servant.
Gwefl son of Gwastad 	"Lip" son of "Placid". When he became sad, his bottom lip would droop to his navel and his upper lip would become a hood.
Uchdryd Farf Draws 	"Uchdryd Cross Beard". Who could fling his bushy red beard across fifty rafters in Arthur's hall.
Elidir Gyfarwydd 	"Elidir the Guide".
Ysgyrdaf 	Gwenhwyfar's servant. They were as fleet on their feet as were their thoughts.
Ysgudydd 	Gwenhwyfar's servant. They were as fleet on their feet as were their thoughts.
Brys son of Brysethach 	From the black fernland in Prydain. May be mistaken for Prydyn, meaning Pictland.
Gruddlwyn Gorr 	"Gruddlwyn the Dwarf".
Bwlch son of Cleddyf Cyfwlch 	"Breach/gap". Grandson of Cleddyf Difwlch (Sword Unbreached). The three sons had glittering shields, stabbing spears, keen swords. He has a hound called Glas (Grey/Silver) and a steed called Call (Shrewd). His wife is Hwyr Ddyddwg (Late Bearer). Och (Alas) his grandchild. Lluched (Flashof Lightning) his daughter. Drwg (Bad) his maidservant.
Cyfwlch son of Cleddyf Cyfwlch 	"Perfect/Complete". Grandson of Cleddyf Difwlch. The three sons had glittering shields, stabbing spears, keen swords. He has a hound called Glesig and a steed called Cuall (Foolish/Speedy). His wife is Drwg Ddyddwg (Evil Bearer). Garym (Scream) his grandchild. Neued (Desire) his daughter. Gwaeth (Worse) his maidservant.
Syfwlch son of Cleddyf Cyfwlch 	Grandson of Cleddyf Difwlch. The three sons had glittering shields, stabbing spears, keen swords. He has a hound called Gleisiad (Salmon) and a steed called Cafall (from the Latin 'caballus' and is the name of Arthur's dog). His wife is Llwyr Ddyddwg (Complete Bearer). Diasbad (Shriek) his grandchild. Eisiwed (Need) his daughter. Gwaethaf Oll (Worst of All) his maidservant.
Eheubryd son of Cyfwlch 	
Gorasgwrn son of Nerth 	"Big Bone" son of "Strength".
Gwaeddan son of Cynfeln Ceudog 	
Pwyll Hanner Dyn 	"Pwyll Half-Man". This is Pwyll from the First Branch of the Mabinogi, whose name means "wisdom". The epithet may be a consequence of his lack of sense from his adventure in that tale.
Dwn Diesig Unben 	"Dwn Vigorous Chieftain".
Eiladar son of Pen Llarcan 	
Cynedyr Wyllt son of Hetwn Tal Arian 	"Cynedyr the Wild" son of "Hetwn Silver-Brow". He is later said to be son of Hetwn Glafyriog (the Leprous).
Sawyl Pen Uchel 	"Sawyl High Head". One of the Three Arrogant Men of the Island of Britain.
Gwlachmai son of Gwyar 	As in Gawain.
Gwalhafed son of Gwyar 	
Gwrhyr Gwalstawd Ieithoedd 	"Gwrhyr Interpreter of Languages". He knows all languages.
Cethdrwm Offeiriad 	"Cethdrwm the Priest".
Clust son of Clustfeiniad 	"Ear" son of "Hearer". If he were buried in the earth, he could hear an ant stirring from sleep fifty miles away.
Medyr son of Methredydd 	"Aim" son of "Aimer". Who could shoot a starling through its legs all the way from Celli Wig to Esgair Oerfel in Ireland.
Gwaiawn Llygad Cath 	"Gwaiawn Cat Eye". Who could cut the membrane of a gnat's eye without harming the eye.
Ôl son of Olwydd 	"Track" son of "Tracker". Seven years before he was born, his father's pigs were stolen. When he became a man, he tracked down the pigs and brought them home in seven herds.
Bedwini the Bishop 	His job was to bless Arthur's food and drink. The "Chief of Bishops" and he appears in Rhonabwy's Dream.
==== Women ====
Following the list of men comes a shorter list of the women who fall directly under Arthur. Press "expand" to view.
Welsh 	Translation and/or Notes
Gwenhwyfar 	Chief queen of Britain.
Gwenhwyfach 	Gwenhwyfar's sister. In the triads, Gwenhwyfach slaps her sister, which results in the Battle of Camlan with the Three Sinister Hard Slaps of the Island of Britain.
Rathtien 	Only daughter of Clememyl.
Celemon daughter of Cai 	
Tangwen daughter of Gwair Dathar Winidog	Daughter of "Gwair Bird Servant".
Gwenalarch daughter of Cynwal Canhwch 	"White Swan" daughter of "Cynwal Hundred-Hogs".
Eurneid daughter of Clydno Eidin 	Clydno means "distinguished fame" and he was one of the leaders of Hen Ogledd (the Old North).
Eneuog daughter of Bedwyr 	
Enrhydreg daughter of Tuduathar 	
Gwenwledyr daughter of Gwaredur Cyrfach 	Daughter of "Gwaredur the Hunchback".
Erdudfyl daughter of Tryffin 	
Eurolwyn daughter of Gwddolwyn Gorr 	"Golden Wheel" daughter of "Gwddolwyn the Dwarf".
Teleri daughter of Peul 	
Indeg daughter of Garwy Hir 	Daughter of "Garwy the Tall". She was one of Arthur's three concubines.
Morfudd daughter of Urien Rheged 	Twin to Owain. Her lover was Cynon son of Clydno. Owain was the protagonist of The Lady of the Well.
Gwenllian Deg 	"Gwenllian the Fair". The magnanimous maiden.
Creiddylad daughter of Lludd Llaw Eraint	Daughter of "Lludd Silver Hand". The most majestic maiden in Britain and the adjacent islands. Gwythyr, son of Greidol, and Gwyn, son of Nudd, fight each May day forever until the Day of Judgement - which happens later in the chapter.
Ellyl daughter of Neol Cŷn Crog 	Daughter of "Neol Hang-cock". Cŷn can mean "chisel" or "wedge" but also a euphemism for penis, which is how it is used here. She lived for three generations.
Esyllt Fynwen 	"Esyllt Fair Neck".
Esyllt Fyngul 	"Esyllt Slender Neck".
=== The Six Knights ===
After this extravagant invocation of names, Arthur concedes that he has never heard of the maiden Olwen, but he would search for her and Culhwch gives a time limit on one year. However, even after a year has lapsed, Arthur's scouts haven't been able to locate Olwen and Culhwch vowed he would leave the court dejected and taking Arthur's honour with him. Cai, however, believes Culhwch lays too much insult on Arthur and is determined that Culhwch would remain with them until either Olwen is found or Culhwch admits that Olwen never existed in the first place. Therefore, Cai will join Culhwch on his quest to find the maiden. Cai has the supernatural ability to hold his breath for nine days, even underwater. Any wound from Cai's sword could not be healed by any physician. He was intelligent. He could change his size to that of the tallest tree if he wished. He had great internal body heat, so much so that anything he held in his hand would remain completely dry, even during the heaviest rainfall. He could act as kindling for a fire if his companions were coldPage 189, How Culhwch Won Olwen, .
Bedwyr also joined the cause. No one was so handsome as Bedwyr in the entire land, save for Arthur himself and Drych son of Cibddar (Drych means "aspect" or "mirror". He is one of the Three Enchanters of the Island of Britain). Bedwyr was one-handed, but no warrior could draw blood on a battlefield as fast as he. His spear could only thrust once, but had nine counter-thrusts in it. Next came Cynddylig Gyfarwydd, who Arthur tasked to operate as guide to the group, and Gwrhyr Gwalstawd Ieithoedd, who could speak all languagesPage 190, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . 
Gwalchmai, son of Gwyar, made the fifth member. He is Arthur's nephew, his sister's son, and his cousin. He was amongst the very best of knights, best on foot and on horseback. Arthur then recruited Menw, son of Teirgwaedd, who would be able to cast a spell, should they enter pagan lands, so that none could see them, but they could see everyone. This made up the six knights for the quest.
The six men travelled until they reached a expansive field in which stood the tallest fort in the world. They marched towards the fort until evening, yet they were still so far from its gates. They had to march for three days across the field before they finally reached the gigantic structure. As they finally neared, they saw a shepherd with an unenclosed flock of sheep and an old mastiff that was larger than a stallion. No soldier had ever passed the dog unharmed. Cai tries to convince Gwrhyr Gwalstawd Ieithoedd to speak to the shepherd, but he promised to only go wherever Cai himself went and wants to go together. Menw, however, decides he will cast a spell on the dog so it will not harm anyone. So, as a group, they approach the shepherd and ask whose sheep he tends. The shepherd calls them stupid for their ignorance and that this is the fort of Ysbaddaden Bencawr. The man introduces himself as Custennin son of Mynwyedig and explains that because of his wife, his brother, who is Ysbaddaden Bencawr, has ruined him. They explained they were seeking Olwen, and the shepherd pitied them for none lived who sought that lady. Culhwch gave the shepherd a gold ring, but the ring did not fit the man's finger, so he placed it on one of his gloves and took it home to his wife. His wife wanted to know where he got such a treasure and he claimed it washed up on the hand of a dead man with the tide. His wife doubted him and wanted him to show her the corpse, but he said that the corpse would arrive soon - the dead man being Culhwch son of Cilydd, son of Celyddon Wledig, by Goleuddydd, daughter of Anlawdd Wledig. The wife was happy to learn that her nephew, for she was sister of Goleuddydd, had come to her, but saddened, because no man ever lived through such a questPage 191, How Culhwch Won Olwen, .
When she heard the six men approaching from outside, she rushed out and tried to embrace Cai. But he held a log before him and she grabbed it and twisted it such that it became nothing but a twisted branch. Cai was horrified that she might have done this to him, as he rebukes that he would never be able to make love again after being so roughly treated. When they were all settled inside, the wife opened a coffer to release a gold-haired youth, which unsettled Gwrhyr that the boy should be hidden so. She laments that this is her last living son, as Ysbaddaden Bencawr has killed the rest. So she keeps him hidden, though she holds little hope that he will not be slain also. In response to this, Cai vouches that he shall protect the boy, or die trying. After this, she wishes to know why they have come and Cai further explains that they seek Olwen as bride for Culhwch, but the woman pleads that they should turn back. She tells them that Olwen attends the abode to wash her hair every Saturday and leaves her rings in the bowl. She is reluctant to help the knights summon Olwen, but decides to help them on the promise that they intend Olwen no harm. When Olwen eventually arrived, she wore flame-red silk dress, a torque of gold around her neck and precious pearls and red jewels. She had bright yellow hair, pale white skin, and nothing had a fairer eye than hers. She possessed red cheeks and everyone fell in love wither. Wherever she walked, four white clovers would spring from the earth behind herPage 192, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . She sat between the high seat and Culhwch and he immediately confessed his love for her and how he recognised her. When he asked her to come away with him, she refused as she stated she had promised she would stay with her father as he would only live until she took herself a husband. She does advise him to thus go to her father and ask for her, but if her father should feel cause for doubt in Culhwch's intentions, then she would not go with him and he would be fortunate to leave alivePage 193, How Culhwch Won Olwen, .
=== Ysbaddaden Bencawr and the Impossible Tasks ===
==== Attacking the Giant ====
The group of knights approach the giant's castle. They silently slew the guardsmen at all nine gates, as well as the guard dogs that never even made a sound before they were all assassinated. Once inside, they reached the main hall where they found Ysbaddaden Bencawr himself and Culhwch made his intentions for Olwen known. The giant asked them to use the forks to raise his eyelids so that he could properly see this would-be son-in-law, which they did and he asked them to return on the morrow. However, just as they rose to leave, the giant suddenly grabbed a poisoned stone spear and threw it after them. Bedwyr caught the spear in-flight and tossed it straight back at the giant, where upon it pierced him through the kneecap. The giant cried out and cursed the knights and even the smith that created the very weapon itself. The knights departed, and stayed at the house of Custennin, but returned to the fort the next day. This time, it was made as a demand - give Olwen to Culhwch, in exchange for her dowry and her maiden-fee to him, or this would be the death of him. This time, Ysbaddaden claimed that Olwen's four great-grandmothers and grand-fathers are still alive and must be consulted with before any such arrangement could be made. Once again, as they started to leave, the giant grabbed a stone spear and threw it after them. This time it was Menw, son of Teirgwaedd, who caught it and threw it back - this time, piercing through his chest and out the small of his back. The giant cursed them, and the son-in-law, again, along with the smith and even the very forge the weapon was crafted in. One the third day, the knights declared that Ysbaddaden had best not attempt to attack them again, or else bring death upon himself. The giant wished to have his eyelids open again, but as soon as they stood up to help, the giant struck with a third thrown spear. Culhwch himself caught it this time and, as he longed to do, threw it back, piercing the eyeball so that it stuck out the back of the nape of his neck. Yet again, the giant cursed them and all the pain and suffering he shall now go through as a result of this injury. They finally returned on the fourth day and Culhwch was asked to sit before the giantPage 194, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . 
==== Impossible Tasks: Prepare the Wedding ====
The giant asks that he would be completely honest with him and perform a task in order to prove himself. The giant then sets Culhwch a seemingly impossible task. To uproot a thicket and burn it to ash. He must use those cinders and sow them into the ground and plough so that it will grow and ripen by the very next morning, so that it could be used in the food and drink for the wedding. Culhwch, however, declares that the giant may think this impossible, but he believes it shall be an easy task to accomplish. The giant further adds that there is no ploughman who can plough that land save for Amaethon son of Dôn ("Divine Ploughman"Page 269, Explanatory Notes, ) and that he would not willingly do this, nor could Culhwch force him. Once again, Culhwch declares this would also be easy to do, despite the giant's belief. The giant adds to the complexity again, stating there is no one who would create such a plough needed save for Gofannon, also son of Dôn, and that he would not help, nor could be forced. Culhwch continues to brag that this would be easy to do, regardless of what his father-in-law would think. The giant adds once again, that he would need to special oxen to pull the plough and only those of Gwlwlydd Winau would do, but he would not give them willingly and would not be forced. The two oxen are named Melyn Gwanwyn ("Yellow Spring") and Ych Brych ("Speckled Ox") (who appear in the Triad the Three Principal Oxen of the Island of Britain). One of the two is from the far side of Mynydd Bannog (meaning "Horned Mountain" referring to a mountain in Scotland, with the far side meaning Pictland. Possibly related to Bannock Burn today) and the other from this side, but both must be brought together under one plough. He elaborates that the two oxen are actually Nyniaw and Peibiaw (two rival giants who warred each other, but were both killed by Rhitta Gawr of Snowdonia according to tales), who were turned into oxen by God for their sins. Culhwch asserts that he will also easily get these oxen, despite Ysbaddaden Bencawr's belief in its impossibilityPage 195, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . Thus, the giant adds further to the task - he remarks that when he first met the mother of Olwen, flax seed was sown in the red earth and neither black nor white flax has yet grown from it. He wants Culhwch to produce white flax from red earth so that it could be used to fashion a veil for Olwen. Culhwch believes this will be easily done, despite the giant's view. Ysbaddaden Bencawr adds that he must gather honey sweeter than that of the first swarm of bees in Britain could produce, without drones and without the bees, all to create a drink of honey and ale called bragget. Culhwch attests this shall be easy to do, despite the giant's viewPage 196, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . 
==== Impossible Tasks: Gathering Treasures ====
In order to hold such a strong drink, only the cup of Llwyr son of Llwyrion would do (one of several 'vessels of plenty' reminiscent of the Cornucopia, as with several vessels that follow in this passage), according to the giant, but he would not give the cup willingly, nor could Culhwch force him. The hamper of Gwyddnau Garan Hir (one of the Thirteen Treasures of the Island of Britain, Gwyddnau Garan Hir, meaning "Long Shank", is associated with the story of Taliesin) would allow anyone to find whatever food they wished within it, just as they prefer it. Yet he would not give it willingly, nor could it be forced. The horn of Gwlgawd Gododdin (the steward to Mynyddog, leader of Gododdin) to be used to pour the drinks of the feast, which also would not be given willingly, nor could be forced. The harp of Teirtu should be gotten, as it will play itself the tune a man desires and silence when wished. This would not be given, and could not be forcibly taken. The giant then wants the birds of Rhiannon (from the First Branch of the Mabinogion), capable of waking the dead and lulling men to sleep. But they would not be given and could not be forcibly taken. The cauldron of Diwrnach Wyddel, steward of Odgar son of Aedd, king of Ireland, to boil food for guests of the wedding (another of the Thirteen Treasures of the Island of Britain). As the giant wished to shave his beard and head, he wants the tusk of Ysgithrwyn Pen Baedd (the "White Tusk Chief of Boars"Page 270, Explanatory Notes, ) to shave with. He claims it would be useless if it is not plucked from his head while he is still alive. But none could possibly pull it from his head, save for Odgar son of Aedd, the King of Ireland, himself. But the giant will not trust any to keep the tusk safe but Caw of Prydyn (one of the Three Families of Saints), whose sixty cantrefs are under his control. He would not leave Prydyn willingly, nor could Culhwch force him. Ysbaddaden Bencawr must dress his beard before it could be shaved. It will not straighten without the blood of the Very Black Witch, daughter of the Very White Witch, from Pennant Gofid ("Valley of Grief") in the uplands of hell. However, the blood must be kept warm and only one vessel in the world could keep such blood warm - bottles of Gwyddolwyn Gorr ("Gorr" meaning "dwarf"), which keeps liquids warm when placed in them from the east and cool only when the west is reached. He will not give them willingly, nor could he be forced. There would be no way of getting enough milk for all of the guests without bottles of Rhynnon Ryn Barfog (Rhynnon Stiff Beard), as no liquid within them will ever turn sour. He would not give them willingly, and could not be forced. Ysbaddaden Bencawr adds that his hair and beard cannot be dressed by any standard comb or shearsPage 197, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . 
==== Impossible Tasks: Hunting Twrch Tryth ====
Only those that lie between the ears of Twrch Tryth (a mythical boar, a king who had been turned into the animal. The story of hunting this boar exist outside of How Culwch Won Olwen and exists in both Welsh and Irish lore) son of Taredd Wledig would work, and he would not give them willingly, nor could they be forced. The giant furthers that Culhwch could not hunt Twrch Tryth without the whelp of Graid son of Eri, named Drudwyn ("Fierce White"). There is no leash that could hold Drudwyn, save for the leash of Cors Cant Ewin. There is no collar that could hold that leash, except for the collar of Canhastyr Can Llaw. He would also need the chain of Cilydd Canhastyr to hold the collar and leash (Cors Cant Ewin, Canhastyr Can Llaw and Cilydd Canhastyr are members of Arthur's Court). But there is no huntsman in the world that could hunt with such a dog, except for Mabon son of Modron (Mabon derives from the celtic god Maponos, son of Matrona ((Modron in Welsh)), who the Romans equated to Apollo. In the triads, he is one of the Three Exalted Prisoners of the Island of Britain), who was just three nights old when he was taken from his mother. No one knows where he is, or even if he lives. Mabon would need a great steed to hunt, specifically Gwyn Myngddwn ("White Dark Mane", one of the Three Bestowed Horses of the Island of Britain, together with the hoses of Gwalchmai and Cai), the steed of Gweddw, would be needed, but Gweddw would not give it willingly, nor could be forced. But as none knows how to find Mabon, first Culhwch would need Eidoel son of Aer, Mabon's first cousin who would be tireless in the search. To hunt Twrch Trwyth, Ireland's chief huntsman, Garselyd Wyddel, would also be neededPage 198, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . Another leash would be needed from the beard of Dillus Farfog (Dillus the BeardedPage 271, Explanatory Notes, ), which would be of no use unless taken from him when he is alive, because it would be too brittle if he is dead. This leash would be need for two other whelps (it is unclear who these two dogs are in the original writing, though probably it refers to the two pups of Rhymhi, who they seek out later in the story). None could hold those two whelps save for Cynedyr Wyllt (Cynedyr the Wild, who is listed as the son of "Tal Arian" elsewhere) son of Hetwn Glafyriog (Hetwn the leprous), who the giant believes to be nine times wilder than any beast of the mountain. Twrch Trwyth will not be hunted until Gwyn son of Nudd (brother of Edern, he is associated with hellhounds, premonitions of death, and a leader of the Otherworld) is found, but God has put the spirit of the demons of Annwfn in him. Gwyn would need a worthy steed and only Du (one of the Three Horses Who Carried the Three Horse-Burdens. His full name is Du y Moroedd ((the "Black of the Seas")) and belongs to Elidir Mwynfawr in the triads), the steed of Moro Oerfeddog, would do. The hunt could not begin without Gwilenhin (William, possibly a reference to William the Conqueror), the King of France, and it would not be proper for him to leave his kingdom. The hunt could not succeed without a good unleasher of hounds, so they would need the son of Alun Dyfed. He would be best served with the hounds Aned and Aethlem, two who have never been unleashed on a beast they did not kill. Additionally, the giant states that Culhwch would need Arthur's help, a powerful man who would not accompany Culhwch - because, the giant claims, Arthur is under his controlPage 199, How Culhwch Won Olwen, (though, it would seem, by events, this is probably a lie). 
Needed would be three warriors; Bwlch, Cyfwlch and Syfwlch. They are sons of Cilydd Cyfwlch, grandsons of Cleddyf Difwlch. They possess, each, a glittering shield, spears and keen swords. Each has a hound, them being named Glas, Glesig and Gleisiad, as well as three steeds named Call, Cuall and Cafall. Their wives as Hwyr Ddyddwg, Drwg Ddyddwg and Llwyr Ddyddwg. Each also has a witch to their service, them being Och, Garym and Diasbad. With their wives, they have daughters Lluched, Neued and Eisiwed. And three maidservants, Drwg, Gwaeth and Gwaethaf Oll. Should these men blow their horns, then those before them would shriek with such horror they would not care if the very sky fell upon them. Twrch Trwyth can only be killed with a special sword belonging to Wrnach Gawr, who would not give it willingly, nor could it be forced from himPage 200, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . 
Finally, Ysbaddaden Bencawr tells Culhwch that he shall have no sleep at night while seeking these things and that he shall fail in the tasks and never have his daughter. Yet all these things Culhwch proclaims he shall get easily, despite what the giant thinks. He shall go to his lord, Arthur, for aid and the tasks shall be done and Culhwch will win Olwen and the giant will be dead.
=== The Adventure ===
==== Obtaining the Sword of Wrnach Gawr ====
The group, then, marched until the evening and came to a large mortar fort from which a giant, bigger than three men, approached them. When they ask who the fort belongs to, the man calls them stupid for their ignorance - it is the fort of Wrnach Gawr (Wrnach the Giant). No one is permitted to enter unless he is a craftsman, yet he leads them to the gate nonetheless. Gwrhyr Gwalstawd Ieithoedd asks if there is a gatekeeper and it turns out to be the man himself, but he will not open it unless there is a craftsman bearing his craft. Cai claims he has a craft, that he is the best furbisher of swords. The giant goes within to ask his lord and Wrnach permits Cai, alone, to enter so that he might furbish his blade. Cai is welcomed and given the blade, at which the knight gets out his whetstone. He asks Wrnach the Giant if he wishes the sword to be blue-bladed or white-bladedPage 201, How Culhwch Won Olwen, (the colour affects its value, with white being higher than blue. Blue may be the colour acquired during the tempering process, while the white-blade may be polished and burnished afterwards, thus increasing its valuePage 272, Explanatory Notes, ). Wrnach allows Cai to choose the manner that he would prefer for his own blade. When the sword is done, Wrnach admires it greatly and wishes all in the land were as capable as he. Wrnach then laments that Cai should be travelling alone, with no companion, to which Cai asserts he does, beyond the gate. Thus Cia's close friend Bedwyr was permitted entry. Cai described Bedwyr's magical spear as having a tip that detaches, slashes the wind itself and drawing blood, before landing back upon the tip of the the spear-pole. Cai went to the gate, where Bedwyr was called upon, much to the frustrations of the others who lingered outside. However, a boy, the son of Custennin, scurried in after Cai and Bedwyr, who addressed the boy as 'the best of men', thus earning him the name Gorau, meaning 'best'. The three men proceeded to the lodgings, where they killed those without the giant's knowingPage 202, How Culwch Won Olwen, . 
This deadly task done, Cai returned to the giant with the sword fully burnished and complete. Cai displayed the sword for approval, and the giant admired his handiwork greatly. Cai explained that the sword was becoming damaged by the sheath itself and that he could amend the sheath's wood to prevent further damage. The giant handed over the sheath and Cai lifted the sword as though he were going to place it within its sheath, but instead he swiftly struck it down to lop off the giant's head and left him dead. They burnt the fort and plundered the treasure they desired and within a year they had returned to Arthur's court holding the Sword of Wrnach Gawr (this is where the text of the White Book ends). 
==== Eidoel, Mabon and the Oldest Animals ====
Once returned to Arthur, the king asked which of these quests to undertake first. It was decided that reaching Mabon, son of Modron, but as none know where he is, they would need to seek out Mabon's first-cousin, Eidoel. Arthur's retinue went in search of Eidoel, where they eventually found him prisoner of Gwili, whose fort was positioned in poor lands. Gwili, from atop the walls of his castle, asked Arthur his business, given that he had little wealth, food or goods to be taken and his affairs bad enough without having to fight Arthur too. Arthur, however, insisted he wasn't there to deprive Gwili of anything but a single prisoner. Gwili easily agreed to release Eidoel to Arthur and to even lend Arthur his support. This prompted the men to request that Arthur return home and leave these trivial quests to his knights. Arthur agreed and set the task of finding Mabon to several knights. He chose Gwrhyr Gwalstawd Ieithoedd as he knows all languages of the world and can even speak to some of the birds and beasts of the land. With him would naturally go Eidoel, to lead them to his cousin. With them he also sent Cai and BedwyrPage 203. How Culwch Won Olwen, . 
The small group eventually came across the Blackbird of Cilgwri (Cilgwri is probably reference to the Wirral in north-west England. This section of the story is the 'oldest animals' motif, with several other versions of similar tale found both in Welsh texts and abroad). Gwrhyr asked her if she knew of Mabon, but she only said that the lands off Cilgwri are empty, with only a single unused anvil there that has been used by none since she arrived in the land. However, she knows of an animal older, created before herself, and would help them find the Stag of Rhedynfre (Rhedynfre means 'Fernhill', possibly Farndon in Cheshire, not faar from the Wirral). He tells them that in the land was once a single oak sapling that grew tall, but has long fallen and nothing but a stump remains. In all that time, he has never seen the one they seek. However, he will guide them to an animal even older than himself. He took them to the Owl of Cwm Cawlyd (most likely somewhere between Capal Curig and Llanrwst in Gwynedd). The owl told them that once the valley they were in had contained a great forest, but a race of men arrived and destroyed it. Since then, this is the third forest to have grown in the valley, yet in all that time he has never seen Mabon. However, he agreed he would take them to the oldest animal in the entire world, the Eagle of Gwernabwy (probably a place in Aberdaron, also in Gwynedd). The eagle told them that once he had a great rock, from which he would peck at the very stars in the sky, but now the whole rock had eroded with time, leaving barely a stump. In all that time, he had never seen the man they seek in these lands. He explains that he once flew to the lands of Llyn Lliw (located somewhere along the Severn Estuary), where he spied a giant salmon he thought would be a good meal, but when he attacked it, it dragged him into the depths of the water. Other eagles came to rescue him and they made peace with the salmon, and the giant fish even asked the eagle for help to remove over fifty tridents stuck in its back. The eagle said that such a creature may have answers for them and he would guide them to the salmon. The eagle spoke to the Salmon of Llyn Lliw and asked of MabonPage 204, How Culwch Won Olwen, . The salmon tells them how he swims to the wall of Caerloyw, where he has never seen so much wickedness in his long life. He asks two of them to ride upon his back and he would show them this evilPage 205, How Culwch Won Olwen, . 
Thus, Cai and Gwrhyr ride the salmon to Caerloyw where they hear lamentations from within. They call out to the stranger, who tells them that he is a prisoner here and none so painfully as he, not even the famous incarcerations of Lludd Llaw Eraint (Lludd Silver Hand, father of Creiddylad) nor Graid son of Eri (reference to the Three Exalted Prisoners of the Island of Britain, though only Mabon is found in all versions) could compare in suffering. He reveals himself to be Mabon, so the two knights return to the group and they travel back to Arthur to report the circumstances. Arthur's army thus marched on Caerloyw, though Cai and Bedwyr rode upon the back of the Salmon of Llyn Lliw. Cai tore open a hole in the wall of the castle to free Mabon, who rode with them to freedom and to join Arthur's court. 
==== The Cave of Rhymi and the Slaying of Dillius Farfog ====
Thus, with the Sword of Wrnach Gawr got and Mabon secured, Arthur asked his comrades which of the tasks should be tackled next and it was decided to fetch the whelps of the bitch Rhymi, found at Aber Daugleddyf (Daugleddyf is the estuary point of the two Rivers CleddauPage 273, Explanatory Notes, with 'aber' meaning 'river'). Arthur soon arrived at the house of Tringad in Aber Cleddyf (the river, coming from the estuary) and asked for news of Rhymi and the form she takes. Tringad explains that she has her two whelps and takes the form of a she-wolf, using a cave in Aber Cleddyf as a home. Arthur uses his personal ship, Prydwen (meaning 'fair form') to sail the rivers, while others search on land until they finally find Rhymi and the whelps. God, for Arthur's sake, transforms Rhymi and the whelps back into human form and to be taken by Arthur. The retinue thus disbanded. One of the knights, Gwythyr, son of Greidol, was trekking over a mountain when he heard a strange wailing coming from an anthill. He cut the anthill at the base and rescued it from a fire. The grateful ants assisted in gathering the flax seed that Ysbaddaden Bencawr had demanded, deeming no man could gatherPage 206, How Culwch Won Olwen, . 
Meanwhile, Cai and Bedwyr were climbing across the Pumlumon mountain range, on Garn Gwylathr (Pumlumon is a name still used now, but Garn Gwylathr is not. The mountain range consists of several peaks, one of which must once have been "Garn Gwylathr") when then espied a fire and determined it to be the work of a roaming warrior. They rushed forth to find Dillius Farfog, son of Efrai, one of the strongest warriors in the land, a man that fled from Arthur's domain, and the very man whose beard hair could be used to fashion a leash capable of holding Drudwyn, the whelp of Graid son of Eri. He cannot be slain, else the hair would become too brittle to be of use. Cai plotted that they should wait for Dillius to finish his meat and fall asleep, then they would tackle the task. They fashioned the wooden tweezers and, when he slept, they dug a large hole. Then, they dragged Dillius into the hole and held him down while plucking the hair from his beard. Once they had the hair, they slew the warrior in thee hole outright. The pair returned to Celli Wig in Cornwall with the newly fashioned leash for Drudwyn. In response, Arthur constructed a short englyn, in which he jokes that Cai would surely be killed if Dillius were now alive. The satirical jibe wounded Cai's pride and he sulked, thus ignoring Arthur and all future endeavours of his former close friend. No amount of efforts from others could sway Cai to forgive the jestPage 207, How Culhwch Won Olwen, (Arthur would be one of the Three Frivolous Bards of the Island of Britain). 
==== Travelling to The North and Brittany ====
Some time before these events, Creiddylad, daughter of Llud Llaw Eraint, went off with Gwythyr, son of Greidol, but before he could sleep with his beloved, Gwyn, son of Nudd, arrived and took her by force. In response, Gwythyr raised an army to battle against Gwyn, but Gwyn won the battle and took hostages, including; Graid, son of Eri; Glinneu, son of Taran (Taran means "thunder"); Gwrgwst Ledlwm and Dyfnarth (probably meant to be the same as "Dunarth", king of the north, from the court list earlier) his son; Pen, son of Nethog; Nwython and Cyledyr Wyllt his son. Gwyn killed Nwython, took out his heart and forced Cyledyr to eat his own father's heart. As a result of this, Cyledyr went mad. Upon hearing of these events, Arthur travelled to The North to have his men freed. He determined that the maiden, Creiddylad, should return to her father's house and remain there, to be claimed by neither man. However, every May Day, the two men would fight from thence forth until Judgement Day and whoever bested the other on Judgement Day would finally be permitted to claim the lady. In this way, peace was enforced. As a result, Arthur was bestowed Myngddwn, steed of Gweddw, and the leash of Cors Cant Ewin. 
Following this, the next task was to seek out the two dogs of Glythfyr Ledewig. Arthur travelled to Brittany with Mabon, son of Mallt (Mabon, son of Lightning), and Gware Gwallt Euryn. After getting these dogs, Arthur travelled then to west Ireland to seek out Gwrgi Seferi (Gwrgi means 'man hound'Page 274, How Culhwch Won Olwen, ) and Odgar, son of Aedd, the king of Ireland. Then Arthur went to the North and caught Cyledyr Wyllt and then went after Ysgithrwyn Pen Baedd. Here, Mabon went with the two dogs of Glythfyr Ledewig and Drudwyn, the whelp of Graid, son of Eri. Arthur joined the hunt with his own hound, Cafall. Caw of Prydyn rode Llamrei (Meaning 'Grey' or 'Swift Leaper'. It was most common for warhorses of the Europe to be stallions, so it is unusual that Arthur's horse is a marePage 274, How Culhwch Won Olwen, ), Arthur's mare, and helped to keep the boar at bay. Caw, armed with an axe, attacked the boar and split its head open. Caw took possession of the tusk of the beast, which Ysbaddaden wished to use to shave his beard and would only trust Caw to hold. Yet, it was not the two dogs that Ysbaddaden claimed were needed to hunt the boar, it was Cafall, Arthur's dog, that was able to bring down the creaturePage 208, How Culhwch Won Olwen, (despite the wording, these two dogs were not actually specified in the list given by Ysbadddaden as a requirement for hunting this boar, Ysgithrwyn Pen Baedd). 
==== Affairs in Ireland ====
After retrieving the tusk of Ysgithrywwn Pen Baedd, Arthur returned to Celli Wig. He sent Menw, son of Teirgwaedd, to seek out Twrch Trwyth, the great boar, to ensure that the boar truly had the treasures upon its head that Ysbaddaden demanded. Menw transformed himself into a bird and travelled to Ireland, where he discovered that the beast had destroyed one-third of the land. Menw caught up to the monster at Esgair Oerfel. Rather than return to Arthur with news, Menw attempted to get the treasures from the boar's head himself. However, enraged, Twrch Trwyth shook himself and struck Menw with his poison, leaving Menw forever afflicted thereafter. 
At the same time, Arthur also sent Odgar, son of Aedd, to Ireland to ask for the Cauldron of Diwrnach Wyddel. Diwrnach Wyddel refused to even allow Arthur to look upon the cauldron. With no as the response, Arthur took a small force of knights with him aboard Prydwen and travelled to Ireland to the land of Diwrnach Wyddel to again request the cauldron, but only to receieve the same answer. At this response, Bedwyr took it upon himself to act and he lifted the cauldron and placed it upon the back of Arthur's personal servant, Hygwydd - brother, by mother only, to Cacamwri, another servant of Arthur. Then Llenlleog Wyddel grabbed Caledfwlch (Excalibur), Arthur's blade, and used it to slay Diwrnach Wyddel and his entire rentinue. News of this spread and the hosts of Ireland soon marched on Arthur's group. The battle resulted in the Irish forces fleeing, but Arthur's retinue had to leave Ireland quickly upon the closest ship, full of Irish loot. They landed at the house of Llwydeu, son of Cilcoed, at Porth Cerddin, in DyfedPage 209, How Culhwch Won Olwen, ('Cerddin' meaning 'rowan tree' and 'porth' meaning 'port'. Possibly Pwll Crochan). 
==== The Rampage of Twrch Trwyth ====
Arthur then gathered together a every warrior from the Three Islands of Britain and her Three Adjacent Islands, and from France and Brittany and Normandy, and Gwlad yr Haf (meaning the 'Summer Country', referring to the south-west lands of Britain, including Cornwall. The name survives in the county of Somerset), as well as every great hound and steed. With this mighty host, Arthur descended upon Ireland, where the Saints came to ask Arthur for protection, which he gave and they, in turn, blessed his armies. The people of Ireland came to pay him tribute before the great host marched on Esgair Oerfel to confront the mighty Twrch Trwyth. The boar was also with seven smaller pigs. The first attack was fronted by hounds, led by the Irish, but by the end of the day, the boar laid waste to a fifth of Ireland. The next day, Arthur's own retinue fought, but were driven to harm by the beasts. Arthur himself went forth on the third day and then battled with the beasts for nine days and nights, but only managed to kill one of the piglets before retiring. When back at camp, Arthur explained to his retinue that Twrch Trwyth was once a powerful king but was turned into this fearsome monster for his sins by God. 
As they had been unable to do even damage to the boar-king, Arthur sent Gwrhyr Gwalstawd Ieithoedd, who could talk to beasts, to converse with Twrch Trwyth. Grugyn Gwrych Eraint (Grugyn Silver-bristle, also referred to as "Grugyn Gwallt Eraint" meaning "silver hair"), one of the smaller boars, whose bristles were like wings of silver and could be seen by the glistening of his bristles at a distance, refused that any of them should communicate with Arthur after the grievence God placed upon them, let along being also bothered by Arthur. Gwrhyr insisted that Arthur would not leave without the comb, razor and shears that lie upon the head of Twrch Trwyth. Grugyn replied that those treasures would not be taken so long as Twrch Trwyth lives and that tomorrow the boars would go to Arthur's own lands and deal great destruction there in retaliation. So, the boars swam to Wales and Arthur caught glimpses of them as he sailed aboard Prydwen. They landed at Porth Clais (as in Porthclais) in Dyfed. Arthur reached Mynyw (the old name for St Davids) that night, but by morning he was told that the boars had passed by them during the night. Arthur caught up with the beast killing cattle of Cynwas Cwryfagyl, after he had already killed the humans, at Daugleddyf. As soon as Arthur arrived, the boar raced ahead to Preseli. Arthur continued to chase and once there, gave the order to hunt with the hounds; Eli, Trachymyr and Drudwyn. Gwarthedgydd (meaning "cattle-radier"), son of Caw, was on the flank with his own dogs of Glythfyr Ledewig, and Bedwyr held Cafall, Arthur's own dog. Arthur arranged them on the banks of the Nyfer (Nevern valley). Three sons of Cleddyf Difwlch arrived, men who had praise for their part in killing Ysgithrwyn Pen Baedd. But the boar set off from Glyn Nyfer and went to Cwm Cerwyn (the Serwyn Valley), where a battle then ensued, in which the monster slew four of Arthur's knights; Gwarthegydd, son of Caw, Tarog Allt Clwyd (Tarog of the Rock of the Clyde), Rheiddwn, son of Beli Adfer, and Isgofan Hael. The beast stood and waited before more knights approached, and he slew them too; Gwydre, son of Arthur himself, Garselyd Wyddel, Glew, son of Ysgod, and Isgawyn, son of Panon. However, this attack left Twrch Trwyth wounded. The next day, more men caught up with the boars, but were also killed; Huandaw, Gogigwr, Penpingion, the three servants of Glewlwyd Gafaelfawr, leaving him with no servant left save for Llaesgymyn, a man of no use to anyone. The battle also resulted in the deaths of many of the country men in this land, as well as Gwlyddyn Saer, Arthur's chief craftsman. The beast continued its rampage across the land, but Arthur caught up with him in Peuliniog (the land between Naberth and CarmarthenPage 275, How Culhwch Won Olwen, ), but the beast slew yet more knights; Madog, son of Teithion, Gwyn son of Tringad who is son of Neued, and Eiriawn Penlloran. From there, the beast went to Aber Tywi, where he further killed; Cynlas, son of Cynan, and even Gwilenhin, the king of France. Twrch Trwyth went on to Glyn Ystun (wooded area east of Llwchwr), but it was there that the hound lost the tracks of the boarsPage 210, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . 
Arthur then summoned Gwyn son of Nudd, to ask if he knew anything of Twrch Trwyth that could help, but he did not. Hunters went out to hunt down all the pigs as far as Dyffryn Llychwr. Two of the smaller boars, Grugyn Gwallt Eraint and Llwydog Gofyniad, attacked the hunters and slew all but one of them, who reported to Arthur. The king went after the two piglets and unleashed the hounds upon them, and the cacophony drew the attention of Twrch Trwyth himself to come and defend his piglets. They set upon him, taking their battle as far as Mynydd Amanw, where one of the smaller pigs was finally killed. Another two, Twrch Llawin and Gwys, were then also killed. From there the battle went to Dyffryn Amanw, where the pigs Banw and Benwig were killed. Only Grugyn Gwallt Eraint and Llwydog Gofyniad remained with their boar-king now. However, at Llwch Ewin, the pigs slew more knights; Echel Forddwyd Twll, Arwyli, son of Gwyddog Gwyr, and many more men and dogs. When the boars reacched Llwch Tawy (old name for Llyn y Fan), Grugyn split from the other boars and set out for Din Tywi. From there, he went to Ceredigion, followed by the dogs Eli and Trachmyr. He made it as far as Garth Grugyn, where Grugyn Gwallt Eraint himself was killed, but not before he slew Rhyddfyw Rhys and many others. Llwydog Gofyniad, meanwhile, went to Ystrad Yw (commot of the cantref Talgarth), where the men of Brittany caught up to him, led by Arthur's uncles, the brothers of his mother, Llygadrudd Emys and Gwrfoddw. They killed the boar Llwydog. 
Twrch Trwyth had gone on to pass between Tawy (River Tawe) and Ewias (another cantref). Arthur summoned Cornwall and Devon to meet him at Aber Hafren (Severn Estuary). He was determined that the beast would not pass into the lands of Cornwall so long as he lived and that he would pursue the monster no more but engage him in mortal combatPage 211, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . The army managed to ambush Twrch Trwyth and forced him into the Hafren itself. Arthur went into the river after thee beast, joined by Mabon, son of Modron, who rode upon Gwyn Myngddwn, Gweddw's steeed, and Gorau, son of Custennin, and Menw, son of Teirgwaedd. Between Llyn Lliwan (Lliwan Lake; Llyn Lliw, home of the salmon earlier. One of the Wonders of Britain) and Aber Gwy, Arthur fell upon the boar with thee men of Prydain. Osla Gyllellfawr, Manawydan, son of Llŷr, Cacamwri, Arthur's servant, and Gwyngelli encircled him. They threw him into the Hafran. Mabon, from horseback, grabbed the razor from the head of the boar. Cyledyr Wyllt rushed into the river and grabbed the shears. But before anyone could get the comb, the beast managed to escape the river and find firm ground. Cacamwri tried to escape the river, but was pulled down by millstones. Gyllellfawr lost his knife and when he tried to escape the river, water clogged the sheath and the weight pulled him back down. 
Twrch Trwyth broke through the soldiers and stormed into Cornwall, where he caused great destruction, making the efforts earlier seem like play by comparison. But after many more trials, they took the comb from the boar and drove him into the sea. It was unknown where he, nor Aned and Aethlem, went. But Arthur earnt his rest and returned to Celli Wig with the treasures so that he could bathe and relaxPage 212, How Culhwch Won Olwen, .
==== The Very Black Witch ====
Finally, the last treasure needed for Culhwch was the blood of the Very Black Witch, daughter of the Very White Witch, who resided in Pennant Gofid, the uplands of Hell. Arthur set out with a retinue of knights for the North. Gwyn son of Nudd, and Gwythyr suggested that Cacamwri and his brother Hygwydd should be sent to fight the hag. As the two servants entered the cave where the hag lived, she set upon Hygwydd and grabbed him by the hair before she threw him to the ground beneath her. In turn, Cacamwri grabbed her by the hair and threw her off his brother. She retaliated by thrashing the two, disarming them both and sent them screaming out of the cave in fear. Arthur grew angry that his two servants were almost killed and wanted to rush into the cave himself. Gwyn and Gwythyr said it was not right for the king to be wrestling with a hag, so they asked that Hir Amren and Hir Eiddil go into the cave instead. These two fared even worse than the first two and had to be carried away by Llamrei, Arthur's horse. Arthur went himself and used his knife, Carnwennan, to cut the witch in her middle so that the blood flowed, which was gathered up by Caw of Prydyn. 
=== The End of Ysbaddaden Bencawr ===
Finally, Culhwch set out with Gorau, son of Custennin, and many others who wished harm upon Ysbaddaden Bencawr for all the trouble he had caused them. Caw was to shave the giant, but wished to skin him down to the bone. Ysbaddaden admitted that Olwen was finally the wife of Culhwch but declared that Culhwch needed to thank Arthur for that as he would never have allowed it if he had had his way. He then deemed it was time for him to die, expecting it to come, so Gorau dragged him by the hair to the mound and chopped off his head and stuck it on the bailey post. Gorau took possession of the fort and became the new lord of the land. That night, Culhwch slept with Olwen and she was his only wife until the end of his life, and Arthur's men finally returned to their homesPage 213, How Culhwch Won Olwen, . 
==References==
===Literature===
====Academic Sources====
=== External References ===
Category:The Mabinogion Tales