Pwyll

Pwyll (PEW-uhl), the prince of Dyved, becomes entangled in a peculiar predicament when he attempts to steal a deer. To atone for this wrongdoing, he agrees to exchange places and appearances with the chieftain who caught him in the act. This bargain requires him to vanquish the chieftain’s enemy after a year. After fulfilling his part of the contract, Pwyll returns to his homeland, where he encounters the enchanting lady Rhiannon. Demonstrating his valor, he defeats her suitor and subsequently marries her.

Rhiannon

Rhiannon (REE-ah-non) is the captivating wife of Pwyll. Her presence in Pwyll's life commences when she chooses him over her other suitors, leading to their union in marriage.

Pryderi

Pryderi (prih-DEH-ree) is the offspring of Pwyll and Rhiannon, continuing the lineage of Dyved's royal family.

Kicva

Kicva (KIHK-vah) is Pryderi’s wife, forming a familial link that extends the lineage and heritage of Pwyll and Rhiannon's legacy.

Bendigeid Vran

Bendigeid Vran (behn-DIH-geed vran), the son of Llyr, reigns as the king of the Island of the Mighty. His reign is marked by conflict with the Irish, initiated due to their mistreatment of Matholwch and Branwen. Tragically, he meets his demise from a poisoned arrow during the war.

Branwen

Branwen, the sister of Bendigeid Vran, is wed to Matholwch, king of Ireland. Her life is overshadowed by sorrow, culminating in her death following the slaying of her brother in battle.

Matholwch

Matholwch (mah-THOH-lewkh) serves as the king of Ireland and is married to Branwen. His reign is intertwined with familial and political strife, particularly evident in his conflict with Bendigeid Vran.

Manawydan

Manawydan (mah-now-IH-dan), brother of Bendigeid Vran, is one of the few survivors of the Irish war. He joins forces with Pryderi to inhabit a land that has been magically desolated. Their journey unveils that a churchman seeking to avenge an ancient insult is behind the curse.

King Math

King Math, the son of Mathonwy, is a figure embroiled in the complexities of court intrigue and family dynamics.

Goewin

Goewin (GEE-wihn) holds the position of King Math’s footmaiden and becomes a victim of rape by Gwydion and Gilvaethwy, setting off a chain of retribution and transformation.

Gwydion

Gwydion (GWIH-dih-yon) operates as a warrior under King Math's command. In collaboration with his brother Gilvaethwy, he commits the transgression of violating Goewin, which leads to their subsequent punishment.

Gilvaethwy

Gilvaethwy (gihl-VAY-thew) is Gwydion's brother, who shares in the crime against Goewin. Both brothers face retribution from King Math, who transforms them into various animals for three years.

Llew Llaw Gyffes

Llew Llaw Gyffes (tlih tlow GIH-fehs) is the favored son of Gwydion. King Math crafts an elfwife, Blodeuwedd, for him, highlighting Llew’s prominence in the narrative.

Blodeuwedd

Blodeuwedd (blon-DEW-wehth) is the elfwife created for Llew Llaw Gyffes. Her betrayal results in her transformation into an owl, symbolizing her fall from grace.

Macsen Wledig

Macsen Wledig (WLEH-dihg) holds the title of the emperor of Rome. His dream of a beautiful maiden propels him on an epic quest, culminating in the realization of his dream upon finding her.

Lludd

Lludd (tlihth), the sovereign of Britain, grapples with the devastation wreaked by three plagues. His quest for solutions leads him to his brother, Llevelys, who provides him with effective remedies.

Llevelys

Llevelys (tleh-VEH-lihs), recognized as the astute sibling of Lludd, rules over France and plays a crucial role in alleviating the plagues afflicting his brother's kingdom.

Kilhwch

Kilhwch (KIH-lewkh), a knight in King Arthur’s retinue, employs a combination of cleverness, sorcery, and camaraderie to secure Olwen from her father, the giant Ysbaddaden.

Olwen

Olwen (OHL-wehn) is the striking daughter of Ysbaddaden. Her...