son of Don and Math. His part in the Mabinogion ~~

Math the Son of Mathonwy
This tale is the fourth branch of the Mabinogi, part of the Mythology of Ancient Britain. It is adapted from the translation of Lady Charlotte Guest. In adapting it I have attempted to keep very close to the original, but using more modern language.

Math the son of Mathonwy was the lord of Gwynedd. He didn't travel around his land, but always remained at his home in Caer Dathyl. This was because he was bound, except in time of war, to live with his feet cushioned in the lap of a virgin.

At this time Goewin, the fairest maiden in Gwynedd, kept Math's feet warm in her lap, and the land was at peace. All was well until Math's nephew Gilvaethwy fell in love with Goewin. Gilvaethwy knew that Math would not release Goewin from her task, and would be angry even to hear of his desires towards her. Gilvaethwy's hopeless love was making him ill. His older brother Gwydion noticed the change in Gilvaethwy's manner, and asked him what was wrong. "Brother," Gilvaethwy answered, "it won't do either of us any good to tell you what's wrong. You know that Math has the ability to know whatever is said, even if it is whispered most quietly." Gwydion guessed at once what the situation was, and he decided to help his brother obtain the lovely Goewin.

The Pigs of Pryderi
After some thought, Gwydion took Gilvaethwy with him to see Math. Gwydion told Math about some animals that Pryderi, the lord of South Wales, had recently obtained from Arawn, King of Annwn. "These animals have never before been seen in our island, and their flesh is very sweet, I hear. They are called pigs or swine." Math was very interested by this and asked Gwydion how some of these swine could be obtained. "I have a plan for this," Gwydion replied, "I will go with a company, disguised as bards to seek the swine for you".

So Gwydion and Gilvaethwy set out with ten men, and they were received joyfully by Pryderi, who was looking forward to hearing tales from this impressive band of bards. Now Gwydion was the best story-teller in the world, and he entertained and charmed everyone at Pryderi's court that night. At the end of the evening, Gwydion raised the matter he had come to discuss. Pryderi was eager to please this eloquent bard but, he said, "There is a covenant between me and my land, that I may not sell or give away the swine until they have produced double their number."

"Very well," said Gwydion, "let us leave this matter open for tonight, and tomorrow I shall show you a way around this obstacle."

That night Gwydion worked a magic charm, fashioning twelve richly clad horses, twelve greyhounds and twelve gold shields. The next morning he took them to Pryderi, and offered them in exchange for the swine. "You cannot sell or give the swine away, Lord, but you can exchange them for something better. In this way, you are released from your word." After consulting his men, Pryderi agreed to the exchange, and Gwydion set off with the swine as soon as he could, because he knew that the charm he had worked would only last a day.

The War with Pryderi and the Rape of Goewin
When Gwydion's company arrived home at Caer Dathyl, they found that Math was preparing for war. Pryderi had found them out and was marching on Gywnedd. Gwydion and his men had only a few hours to rest before Math called them to join him in meeting Pryderi's army.

That night Math's army made camp at Penardd, and Gwydion called his brother to him. "See how I help you, Gilvaethwy," he said, "Math is at war, and Goewin sits alone back at Caer Dathyl. Would you like to visit her?" The two brothers set off and found Goewin in Math's room, sitting with the other court ladies. Gilvaethwy sat himself in Math's couch, and turned out the other women, but would not let Goewin leave with them.

At dawn, the brothers went back to the army's camp, and took up positions for the battle. Pryderi attacked and there was great slaughter, but in the end the men of the South were forced to flee, pursued by the men of Gwynedd. Pryderi made a number of stands against Math's army, but each time he was forced to retreat again, and so eventually he decided to seek peace. He sent a messenger to Math, asking him to restrain his armies and challenging Gwydion to single handed combat to resolve the dispute, since Gwydion had been the cause of it.

After consulting Gwydion, Math agreed to this and Gwydion came forth to meet Pryderi alone on the battlefield. Gwydion used his strength and fierceness, his magic and charms, and he killed Pryderi. The men of the South went home grieving, and Math returned to Caer Dathyl in triumph.

The Punishment
As Math came into his room at Caer Dathyl, Goewin approached him, and told him how Gilvaethwy had taken her against her will, with Gwydion's support. Math was very angry at this dishonour to himself and to Goewin. In order to make amends to Geowin, Math made her his wife. He then waited for his two nephews to return and face his judgement.

Gilvaethwy and Gwydion had not returned directly from the battle with Pryderi. Aware of what was likely to happen, they avoided Caer Dathyl, travelling around Gwynedd instead. Finally Math forbade anyone to give them food or lodging, and they were forced to return to Caer Dathyl and to accept Math's punishment.

Taking his magic wand, Math struck Gilvaethwy and Gwydion, turning them into deers. He turned them out to survive as they could in their new form, and to return to him in twelve months time.

A year later, two deer and a fawn appeared outside the castle. Math's anger had not yet died, and lifting his wand, he turned the two deer into wild hogs for another year. The fawn he transformed into a young boy, calling him Hydwn.

Another year passed, and two wild hogs appeared outside the castle, accompanied by a well-grown young one. Math transformed the young hog into a fine youth, calling him Hychdwn, but his anger against Gilvaethwy and Gwydion was not yet exhausted, and he made them wolves for the next year.

At the appointed time, the two wolves returned, a strong cub with them. "This one I will take," said Math, transforming the cub into a youth, "and his name will be Bleiddwn. Such are these three:"

"The three sons on Gilvaethwy the false, The three faithful combatants, Bleiddwn, Hydwn, and Hychdwn the Tall"

Then he struck Gilvaethwy and Gwydion with his wand, and restored them to their original form, saying, "You have had sufficient punishment and dishonour for the wrong you did me. We are now at peace."

Source ~~ http://www.saros.zynet.co.uk/