Creiddylad

Creiddylad is the daughter of Lludd whose interrupted betrothal gives rise to a conflict between Gwyn ap Nudd and Gwythyr son of Greidawl. Her story turns on a strikingly unresolved settlement: rather than becoming either rival’s bride, she is kept in her father’s house while they renew their contest for her each May 1 until the day of doom.

Identity and Betrothal

Creiddylad is identified as the daughter of Lludd. Before she became the bride of Gwythyr son of Greidawl, the two were betrothed. The account establishes her place in the conflict through this intended marriage, but gives no further background about her life or her own wishes.

Abduction and Conflict

Before the marriage could take place, Gwyn ap Nudd carried Creiddylad away by force. Gwythyr gathered a host and went to fight Gwyn, who overcame him. In the aftermath, Gwyn captured several of Gwythyr’s companions, including Greid the son of Eri, Nwython, and Kyledyr Wyllt. Nwython was killed, and Kyledyr was forced to eat his father’s heart, an act that made him mad. The struggle over Creiddylad thus brings consequences beyond the two rivals: it becomes a violent dispute with losses and lasting harm among their followers.

Arthur’s Settlement

Arthur summoned Gwyn and secured the release of the nobles Gwyn had imprisoned. He then made peace between Gwyn and Gwythyr. Under its terms, Creiddylad was to remain in her father’s house, with neither claimant gaining advantage over the other. The settlement did not restore the original betrothal or award her to Gwyn; instead, it suspended the marriage contest.

The Recurring Contest

Peace between the rivals depended on a continuing test of strength. Gwyn and Gwythyr were to fight for Creiddylad every May 1 from then until the day of doom, and the victor of each contest would have her. The arrangement makes her status the prize in a conflict whose resolution is repeatedly deferred: the passage names the rivals’ claims and the terms imposed on her, but records no speech or choice of her own. Her narrative role is therefore defined less by action than by the recurring contest that her interrupted marriage sets in motion.