Gwythyr and Creiddylad

Creiddylad’s relationship with Gwythyr son of Greidawl begins as a betrothal interrupted before she becomes his bride. Her removal by Gwyn ap Nudd turns the promised marriage into a prolonged rivalry, and Arthur’s settlement leaves its outcome suspended in a contest repeated each May Day until the end of time.

Betrothal and Abduction

Creiddylad and Gwythyr were betrothed, but she had not yet become his wife when Gwyn ap Nudd carried her away by force. The account gives no further description of their courtship or of Creiddylad’s own response; its emphasis is on the abrupt displacement of the betrothed couple and the conflict that follows.

The Rivalry and Its Cost

Gwythyr gathered a host and went to fight Gwyn, but Gwyn overcame him and captured members of his company. Among those taken were Kyledyr Wyllt and his father, Nwython. Nwython was killed, and Kyledyr was forced to eat his father’s heart; the account connects this act to Kyledyr’s subsequent madness. The struggle over Creiddylad thus brings consequences beyond the two rivals, injuring their wider circle and deepening the conflict Arthur must settle.

Arthur’s Settlement

Arthur went north, summoned Gwyn ap Nudd, freed the nobles Gwyn had imprisoned, and made peace between Gwyn and Gwythyr. Creiddylad was to remain in her father’s house, with neither rival gaining an advantage. Instead of deciding the betrothal, the settlement assigned its resolution to a recurring duel: Gwyn and Gwythyr would fight for her on every first of May, and the victor on that occasion would have her.

An Unresolved Relationship

The arrangement transforms a single abduction and battle into a contest without a near-term conclusion. Creiddylad remains at her father’s house while the two men’s claim is renewed annually, and the text sets no final resolution before doomsday. Her relationship with Gwythyr is therefore defined both by the original betrothal and by its indefinite suspension under Arthur’s peace.