GWYNN SON OF NUDD AND THE WILD HUNT

 Gwynn, son of Nudd, is the Welsh Wild Huntsman, God of the Dead. Hunter and warrior, he is Lord of the Underworld. The sight of the Wild Hunt Streaking through the sky was believed to foretell a coming death.

His ghostly fleet was said to be made up of men fallen in battle. Some rode horses, others stags, all accompanied by the red-eared hounds of the Otherworld (cwn Wyhir)

Clastonbury was reputed to be the home of Gwyn, housing him and his spectral host within its hollow hill. It was said that one could access the Otherworld by way of this tor. (tower)

According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Arthur accompanied Gwyn on his wild hunt. They also cross paths in the story of Greiddylad. Gwyn is in love with Creiddylad. Despite his affection, arrangements have been made fo rher to marry Gwythr, son of Gwreidawl. Desperate to prevent the marriage, Gwyn abduts the fair Creiddylad. Arthur pursues Gwyn and lays siege to his fortress. He insists that Creiddylad be released, but Gwyn fails to yield to Arthur's demands. Eventually, it is agreed that Gwyn and Gwythr will fight for the hand of Greiddylad. The battle will take place on May Day, and it is decreed that it shall be repeated every May Day until the end of time. Then, whomever is the vicgtor shall with the fair Creiddylad.

It has been suggested that this annual struggle is symbolic of winter and summer's custody battle for the land.



From Ferguson, Anna-Marie. Keeper of Words. 1995 Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, Minnesota. (82)

 

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