Odgar son of Aedd

Odgar son of Aedd is a king of Ireland during Arthur’s campaigns whose few appearances place him at the intersection of heroic quest and royal authority. He is named as the uniquely qualified person to extract Yskithyrwyn Benbaedd’s tusk alive, accompanies Arthur on an expedition in Ireland, and orders the surrender of a prized cauldron. The narrative gives him consequential authority, but does not make him the agent who secures either coveted object.

Royal Identity and the Tusk

In the account of the tasks set by Yspaddaden Penkawr, Yskithyrwyn Benbaedd’s tusk is required for shaving the giant’s head, and it must be taken while the boar is alive. After the difficulty of obtaining the tusk has been raised, Odgar is identified as the only person in the world who can pluck it from the boar. The detail establishes a reputation for singular capability, but the passage does not describe Odgar carrying out the feat.

When Arthur’s campaign later reaches Yskithyrwyn, the narrative assigns the decisive action to Kaw of North Britain: he strikes the boar and takes the tusk. Odgar is not named as the tusk’s taker in this episode. The contrast leaves the earlier claim of unique ability in place while distinguishing the stated requirement from the deed as the story narrates it.

Companion on Arthur’s Expedition

Odgar accompanies Arthur on a journey to the West of Ireland during Arthur’s campaigns, where they seek Gwrgi Severi. The account places him among Arthur’s company on this expedition, before its narrative turns to Arthur’s journey north and the pursuit of Yskithyrwyn. It supplies no further description of Odgar’s role in the search or of his conduct during the subsequent hunt.

The Cauldron and the Limits of Command

Later, Arthur sends an embassy to Odgar to request the cauldron belonging to Diwrnach Wyddel, Odgar’s purveyor. Odgar commands Diwrnach to give it up, making clear that the king supports Arthur’s request. Diwrnach nevertheless refuses, so the royal order fails to secure the cauldron through consent.

Arthur then crosses to Ireland with a small retinue and goes to Diwrnach’s household. After the company has eaten and drunk, Arthur renews his demand; Diwrnach again refuses. Bedwyr takes the cauldron, and Arthur’s men leave with it after the ensuing confrontation. Odgar is not named among those who take part in this seizure. His appearances therefore frame a pointed distinction: he can issue an order as king, but the story’s resolution depends on Arthur’s direct action rather than on Odgar’s authority alone.