Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
VIII: Pwyll, Prince of Dyved explained
Pwyll, Prince of Dyved, sits upon the magical mound Gorsedd Arberth and encounters the beautiful Rhiannon, who reveals she has come to him out of love, fleeing an unwanted marriage.
What happens
Pwyll, Prince of Dyved, sits upon the magical mound Gorsedd Arberth and encounters the beautiful Rhiannon, who reveals she has come to him out of love, fleeing an unwanted marriage. They pledge to meet in a year. At the feast, a suitor named Gawl claims Rhiannon as a boon due to Pwyll's rash promise, but Rhiannon devises a plan to delay the wedding for another year. Pwyll and Rhiannon eventually marry and rule prosperously.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
Rhiannon's love for Pwyll drives her to defy her family and orchestrate their union, transforming their fates.
Fate and Free Will
Pwyll's rash promise to Gawl threatens his destiny with Rhiannon, but her clever intervention restores their intended path.
Characters to notice
- Pwyll
Prince of Dyved; sits on Gorsedd Arberth, meets Rhiannon, and navigates a trick by Gawl to win her hand.
- Manawyddan
Mentioned as part of the court; not directly active in this chapter.
Key passages
“I am Rhiannon, the daughter of Heveydd, and they sought to give me a husband against my will. But no husband would I have, and that because of my love for thee; neither will I yet have one, unless thou reject me; and hither have I come to hear thy answer.”
Rhiannon explains that her family tried to force her into marriage, but she refused because she loves Pwyll, and has come to seek his response.
This speech establishes Rhiannon's agency and the central romantic conflict.
“Be silent as long as thou wilt, never did man make worse use of his wits than thou hast done.”
Rhiannon scolds Pwyll for his thoughtless promise to Gawl, which jeopardizes their union.
Highlights Rhiannon's quick thinking and Pwyll's initial naivety.