Celtic Gods: The Cymric hero, Dyfnedig (The Tall One)

Dyfnedig
A Cymric Hero of the Mabinogi: The Tall One

Dyfnedig is a Cymric hero known from a single mention in the Mabinogi of Culhwch ac Olwen where he is the father of Custenin and Yabaddaden. He is a giant and a member of the race of British giants that appear in many native Arthurian tales.



Synonyms:
Cym: The Tall One

Dyfnedig is known only from a single mention in the tale of Culhwch ac Olwen where he is mentioned as the father of the giants Custennin and Ysbaddaden Pencawr. From the tale it appears that Ysbaddaden stole his title and lands from his brother Custennin, demoting the latter to the position of shepherd and murdering his offspring. Ysbaddaden's epithet of Pencawr means 'chief or leader of giants', thus it would be fair to asssume that this was a title and position originally held by Dyfnedig. In effect this rôle is the one originaly held by Llŷr as the originator and paterfamilias of the Plant Llŷ the Cymric race of giants.

Dyfnedig's name probably originates in the middle Cymric *dyfn (deep) and means 'the deepest'. In this case Dyfnedig's 'deepness' represents 'tallness', as befits a giant; thus his name can be interpreted as 'the Tall One'. His epithet as a giant effectively being incorporated into his forename.



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