Gwyn ap Nudd
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In Welsh mythology, Gwyn ap Nudd (/ˈgwɨn ap ˈnɨːð/, sometimes found with the antiquated spelling Gwynn ap Nudd) was king of the Tylwyth Teg (the "Fair Folk") and also, in later tradition, identified as the ruler of Annwn (the Underworld). He escorted the souls of the dead there, and led a pack of supernatural hounds, Cŵn Annwn (see also Wild Hunt).
In the early Arthurian story Culhwch and Olwen, he abducted a maiden called Creiddylad after she eloped with Gwythr ap Greidawl, Gwyn's long-time rival. Gwyn and Gwythr's fight, which began on May Day, represented the contest between summer and winter. He helped Culhwch hunt the boar Twrch Trwyth.[1] In later legends Gwyn is king of the Tylwyth Teg or "fair folk".
Gwyn means "fair, bright, white" and is cognate with Irish fionn.[2] His father, Nudd, is related to the Celtic deity Nodens.[3] The Irish hero Fionn mac Cumhail, whose grandfather was Nuada, is probably related to this figure.
[edit] Etymology
Gwyn means "white" in the Welsh language and is in everyday use as a common noun and adjective with that meaning. It also remains a popular personal name. The Brythonic form of this name would have been *Vindos, a name also found for a Celtic deity in ancient Gaul. Especially in Old and Middle Welsh, "gwyn" also has the connotations of "pure, sacred, holy". The feminine form, Gwen, is the root of Gwenhwyfar, the original Welsh form of Guinevere.
[edit] References
- ^ Culhwch ac Olwen, translated by Lady Charlotte Guest and sub-edited by Mary Jones.
- ^ Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies, University of Wales. "Proto-Celtic—English lexicon." (See also this page for background and disclaimers.)
- ^ J. R. R. Tolkien. 1932. "Reports of the Research Committee of the Society of Antiquaries of London" (quoted here).
[edit] External links
- Vindos : etymology and history of Vindos as related to Gwynn ap Nudd and Fionn mac Cumhaill
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