Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
XII: Kilwich and Olwen (Continued) explained
Arthur's knights continue their quest for the giant Yspadaden Penkawr's treasures.
What happens
Arthur's knights continue their quest for the giant Yspadaden Penkawr's treasures. Kay and Bedwyr slay the giant Gwernach by trickery, then seek Mabon son of Modron. Guided by ancient animals (Ousel, Stag, Eagle, Salmon), they find Mabon imprisoned in Gloucester. Arthur's forces attack the castle, Kay breaks through the wall, and Mabon is freed. Later, Gurhyr Gwalstat saves an anthill from fire, and the ants repay him by gathering the required flaxseed. The knights also capture the wolf Gast Rhymhi and her cubs, and encounter the robber Dillus Varwawc.
Themes in this chapter
Heroism and the Quest
The knights undertake a series of perilous tasks to fulfill Kilwich's demands, demonstrating courage and cunning.
Hospitality and Its Violation
Gwernach the Giant's castle violates the laws of hospitality by killing all guests; Kay and Bedwyr subvert this by entering under false pretenses.
Characters to notice
- King Arthur
Leads the quest, summons warriors, and directs the rescue of Mabon.
- Sir Kay
Tricks and slays the giant Gwernach, later helps rescue Mabon from prison.
- Sir Bohort
Mentioned as Bedwyr (often identified with Bohort in Arthurian tradition); assists Kay in the giant's castle and the rescue.
- Merlin
Referenced as Gurhyr Gwalstat, who speaks with animals and guides the quest.
Key passages
“Then Kay polished one half of the blade, and put it in his hand. 'Will this please thee?' asked he. 'I would rather than all that is in my dominions that the whole of it were like this.'”
Kay burnished half the sword and showed it to the giant, who declared he would give anything to have the entire blade so polished.
Kay uses his craft to gain the giant's trust before striking.
“And Kay broke through the wall into the dungeon, and brought away the prisoner upon his back, whilst the fight was going on between the warriors.”
Kay smashed the prison wall and carried Mabon out on his back while Arthur's men fought the castle guards.
The rescue of Mabon is a key achievement in the quest.
“And the ants said to him, 'Receive from us the blessing of Heaven, and that which no man can give, we give thee.' Then they fetched the nine bushels of flaxseed...”
The grateful ants blessed Gurhyr and gathered the full measure of flaxseed, except one seed brought later by a lame ant.
The ants repay Gurhyr's kindness by completing a seemingly impossible task.