Goleuddydd: a Cymric Mabinogion Heroine (Daylight)

Synonyms:
Cym: Daylight

Goleuddydd is known from the tale of Culhwch ac Olwen where she is Culhwch's mother.

The tale begins with Culhwch's father, Cilydd fab Celyddon Wledig (Protector Celyddon) who desired a wife. He chose Goleuddydd as his mate who became pregnant with his son. During the pregnancy Goleuddydd became mad and wandered aimlessly about the land. However, when the time of birth came close she came to a mountain realm where a swineherd kept his pigs. Through fear of the sows the lady was delivered of a son whom the swineherd brought to the palace. He was christened Culhwch (Sow's sty) for the place of this birth and as he was of noble lineage and a nephew of Arthur he was put to a wet-nurse. Shortly after, Goleuddydd daughter of prince Anlawdd became ill and called her husband, telling him that she would die of the illness and that he would eventually take another wife, but that he must not do so until he beheld a briar bearing two flowers upon her grave. Secretly she bids her monk tend the grave, that nothing may grow upon it. Though Cilydd sends a servant to observe the grave every day, it is not until seven years have passed, and the monk has grown forgetful that the plant is seen on Goleuddydd's grave. Immediately Cilydd sets out, and in respinse to the advice of a counsellor he kills Lord Doged and takes his wife, and her daughter to be his own.

Goleuddydd was an aunt of Arthur and this is what gives Culhwch his right to visit Arthur's Llys and ask his help in gaining the hand of Olwen. Goleuddydd may also be seen, at least in part, as a swine goddess, or at least a personage intimately associated with swine. Pigs were considered otherworldly, almost sacred animals in Celtic representation. They are associated with fertility and war and because of their predeliction for eating acorns are also imbued with the knowledge borune by that sacred fruit. Swine are also animals considered appropriate for otherworldly or sacred feasts. Thus does Culhwch gain the sacred properties of the pig in being a warrior, in gaining a wife and also in being clever in the way he tricks Ysbaddaden Pencawr.

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