The hunt for Yskithyrwyn Benbaedd

The hunt for Yskithyrwyn Benbaedd turns Arthur’s search for a required prize into a sharply defined hunting episode: the company assembles an imposing team of dogs, but the decisive violence comes from Kaw’s axe and Cavall’s bite. Its outcome supplies the boar’s tusk and leads directly into the next stage of Arthur’s pursuit of precious objects.

Expedition and preparations

After going to Armorica with Mabon son of Mellt and Gware Gwallt Euryn to seek the two dogs of Glythmyr Ledewic, Arthur continued through the West of Ireland during Arthur’s campaigns and then north. There he captured Kyledyr Wyllt and went after Yskithyrwyn Benbaedd. The account places the boar hunt within a larger sequence of expeditions rather than presenting it as an isolated contest.

The hunting party had several dogs: Mabon came with the two dogs of Glythmyr Ledewic and Drudwyn, the cub of Greid son of Eri. Arthur joined the chase himself, leading Cavall. The number and variety of the dogs make the hunt seem prepared for a collective pursuit, but the narrative distinguishes the company’s elaborate preparation from the animal that ultimately proves decisive.

The killing of the boar

Kaw of North Britain rode Arthur’s mare Llamrei and was first in the attack. He advanced boldly on the boar with a mighty axe and split its head in two. Kaw then took the tusk, securing the object sought from the animal. The account gives Kaw the crucial human action in the encounter: he enters first, strikes the fatal blow, and claims the tusk.

The narration then makes a pointed correction about the dogs’ part in the hunt. Yskithyrwyn Benbaedd was not killed by the dogs Yspaddaden Penkawr had mentioned; it was killed by Cavall, Arthur’s own dog. The distinction gives the outcome a specific allegiance: among the several dogs present, Arthur’s personal hound receives credit for the kill.

Aftermath and place in the quest

Once Yskithyrwyn Benbaedd had been killed, Arthur and his host departed for Gelli Wic in Cornwall. From there, Arthur sent Menw son of Teirgwaedd to find out whether the precious things were between the ears of Twrch Trwyth, since confronting the next boar would be useless if they were not. The hunt thus closes with its prize obtained, while the larger quest continues: the company moves from securing Yskithyrwyn’s tusk to investigating the location of Twrch Trwyth’s treasures.