Gwyddion : Trickster, Magician & Warrior

Continuing this short series about Celtic Gods and Goddesses

Gwyddion is a powerful Celtic god who appears in Welsh folklore. He is often portrayed as a trickster and a shape-shifter with magical powers. He is closely associated with the natural world and is often depicted as a wild and untamed being, who is capable of great feats of strength and power.

He is said to be one of the most ancient gods of Wales, and he is thought to have originated in the Iron Age. He is known as a powerful warrior and is closely linked to the four elements; air, fire, water and earth. He is also thought to be associated with druidic magic and is closely connected to the power of Nature.

Gwyddion is associated with fertility, protection, and abundance. He is seen as a god who is wise and generous, and he is often depicted as a wise old man surrounded by animals. He is also seen as a protector and guardian of all living things and as a source of knowledge and wisdom.

In some popular stories, Gwyddion is described as a trickster constantly playing practical jokes and causing mischief. He is often portrayed as a wild and enigmatic figure who is unpredictable and can be both good and bad. Despite this, Gwyddion is still seen as a powerful and protective god and is usually prayed to for protection and help.

Gwyddion is an important figure in Welsh mythology and folklore, and he continues to be a popular figure in modern culture. He is often seen as a symbol of Welsh pride, and his legend is still passed down through generations. He remains a powerful figure in Celtic religion and culture and is still seen as a symbol of protection, abundance and fertility.

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Gwydion and Pryderi

This is Gwydion’s most famous legend, and he was the instigator of the problem.

Pryderi was the son of a man who had become friends with the Lord of Annwn, the Welsh Otherworld.

Because of this friendship, Pryderi was given special pigs from the Otherworld. Gwydion decided to steal these pigs to start a conflict with Pryderi because he wanted to help his brother Gilfaethwy.

Gilfaethwy was interested in having sex with one of his uncle’s workers, Goewin. This fight with Pryderi could soften his uncle towards Gilfaethwy and Goewin because Pryderi was Math’s rival. Gwydion stole the pigs, and then Pryderi declared war, and in open combat, Gwydion killed him. His Uncle Math was furious with his nephews after that.

Although, after Pryderi’s death, he could explore his surrounding boundaries, he was angry. He found out that Gilfaethwy had raped Goewin, so he turned both Gilfaethwy and Gwydion into mating animals.

Not only that, but they kept changing into various animals from elk to cows to wolves. Together they had children, and it was Gilfaethwy who had to bear the children.

Three children were born out of this strange punishment. Despite his anger, Math took them under his wing and raised them as his own. After three years, his uncle released his nephews and allowed them to be human men again. He wanted to find a new assistant, as Goewin was now gone.

Gwydion suggested that his sister Arianrhod take over as his uncle’s assistant. However, Math wanted his assistant to be pure, so Gwydion used his magic to test his own sister’s purity. But during this time, Arianrhod actually gave birth to a boy, and his name was Dylan. She raced away because of her shame, and on her way out, she dropped a bundle.

When Gwydion picked it up, he realized that it was another child, but this one had no name. Even though she’d run in shame, Arianrhod had a sort of plan. It was her way to take revenge on her brother. This child would remain nameless until she and only she could name him.

Emrys /|\