Kilhwch and
Olwen or the Twrch Trwyth
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 Kilhwch, 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 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 said she 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 come 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 will I 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 horseblock at the gate, yet did he not dismount, but rode in upon his
charger. Then said Kilhwch, "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
Kilhwch, 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 Glwyddyn 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 Gwadyn 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
up 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 and Yscudydd (two attendants of Gwenhwyvar 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 grinding 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 hand-maids, 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 Kilhwch the 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 Kilhwch, "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! dost 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." 1 "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, Kilhwch 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."
"Oh wife, him to whom this ring belonged thou shalt see here in the
evening." "And who is he?" asked the woman, "Kilhwch 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 Kilhwch upon the foremost bench; and as soon as he
saw her he knew her. And Kilhwch 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 if 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 Kilhwch 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 Kilhwch 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 Kilhwch. "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 Kilhwch, "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 yonder, 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 get 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
Penbaedd 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 Gwyddolwyd 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 hand-maids [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. Of 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 Gwalstawt 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 thou 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 Gwalstawt 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 first I 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 Gwalstawt 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 Cleddyf," 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 Kilhwch, 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 blow, 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.
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 Lludd Llaw Ereint, and Gwythyr
the son of Greidawl, were betrothed. And before she had become his bride, Gwyn
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 Griedawl.
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 Penbaedd. 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 Drudwyn the whelp of Greid the son of Eri, and Gwarthegyd the son of
Kaw, in another quarter, with the two dogs of Glythmyr Ledewic, 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 Mygdwn, 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 Gelli Wic, 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 Pen 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. And 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 Kilhwch
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 Kilhwch.
"I am shaved," answered he. "Is thy daughter mine now?" "She
is thine," said he, "but therefore 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 became Kilhwch'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 Kilhwch obtain Olwen, the daughter of Yspaddaden Penkawr.
The original can be found here.
The original can be found here