Gwydion
Welsh mythological magician and shape-shifter.
Gwydion fab Dôn is a magician in Welsh mythology, most prominently featured in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi. His name may be interpreted as 'Born of Trees'. He also appears in the Welsh Triads, the Book of Taliesin, and the Stanzas of the Graves.
Quick Facts
- Name
- Gwydion fab Dôn
- Interpretation of name
- Born of Trees
- Mythological tradition
- Welsh mythology
- Notable appearances
- Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi
- Welsh Triads
- Book of Taliesin
- Stanzas of the Graves
Facts from the source article.
Mythological exploits
Gwydion conspired with his brother Gilfaethwy, who was obsessed with Goewin, the virgin foot-holder of their uncle King Math fab Mathonwy. While Math was occupied, the brothers returned home and Gilfaethwy raped Goewin. Pryderi marched north, suffering three defeats in battles at Maenor Bennardd and Maenor Coed Alun, then at Nant Call, and finally at Dol Benmaen. To end the bloodshed, single combat was arranged between Gwydion and Pryderi at Y Velen Rhyd in Ardudwy. Gwydion triumphed through strength, valour, magic, and enchantment, killing Pryderi. When Math learned of the assault on Goewin, he transformed his nephews into mated pairs of animals: Gwydion became a stag, then a sow, then a wolf, while Gilfaethwy became a hind, a wild boar, and a she-wolf. Each year they produced an offspring—Hyddwn, Hychddwn, and Bleiddwn—which was sent to Math. After three years, Math released them. Gwydion then suggested his sister Arianrhod as a new foot-holder. As she fled, something small dropped from her; Gwydion wrapped it and placed it in a chest. Later, he heard screams and opened the chest to find a baby boy. Some scholars suggest that in an earlier form of the Fourth Branch, Gwydion was the father of Arianrhod's sons.
Gwydion in other media
Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain features a character named Gwydion, a member of the Sons of Don and King Math's war leader who becomes High King after Math's death. He meets Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper, while pursuing the pig Hen Wen. Over the first three books, Gwydion defeats the Horned King by shouting his real name, leads the quest for the Black Cauldron, helps rescue Princess Eilonwy from the sorceress Achren, and leads the defense of Caer Dathyl and the assault on Annuvin. He is a gifted bard, sorcerer, and warrior, descended from the Sidhefolk, and takes part in the epic Battle of the Trees. Neil Gaiman's 2001 novel American Gods briefly features Gwydion as a young, eager, acne-prone stockboy at a supermarket in Humansville, Missouri. Gwydion was a prominent character in the 2003 animated film Y Mabinogi, voiced by Philip Madoc.
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