Culhwch and Olwen

Culhwch and Olwen, (c. 1100), Welsh prose work that is one of the earliest known Arthurian romances. It is a lighthearted tale that skillfully incorporates themes from mythology, folk literature, and history. The earliest form of the story survives in an early 14th-century manuscript called The White Book of Rhydderch, and the first translation of the story into modern English was made by Lady Charlotte Guest from The Red Book of Hergest (c. 1375–1425) and was included in her translation of The Mabinogion.

The story uses the folk formula of a stepmother’s attempt to thwart her stepson. Culhwch, after refusing to marry the daughter of his stepmother, is told by her that he shall never wed until he wins Olwen, the daughter of the malevolent giant Yspaddaden Penkawr. Because of a prophecy that if she marries, he will die, Olwen’s father first tries to kill Culhwch but then agrees to the marriage if Culhwch performs several perilous feats and brings him the 13 treasures he desires. Culhwch is aided in several of his adventures by his cousin Arthur and some of Arthur’s men, including Kei (Sir Kay) and Gwalchmei (Sir Gawain). Culhwch returns to Yspaddaden with only part of his goal accomplished, kills him, and marries Olwen.