The Tale of Culhwch and Olwen
Culhwch and Olwen
The Catalog of Arthur's Companions
The Quest for Olwen
The Expeditions of Arthur's Men: Wrnach's Sword
The Oldest Animals and the Freeing of Mabon
Dillus the Bearded and Other Quests
The Hunting of Twrch Trwyth
The Witch's Blood
The Winning of Olwen

The Winning of Olwen

    And then Culhwch set out, and with him Goreu the son of Custennin and those who wished ill to Ysbaddaden Chief Giant, taking the rare and difficult things with him and heading for his court. And Caw of Pictland came and shaved the giant’s beard-- the flesh and skin to the bone, and the two ears completely. And Culhwch said, "Have you been shaved man?"

    "I have," he said.

    "And is your daughter mine now?"

    "She is," he said, "but you don’t have to thank me for that. Instead thank Arthur, the man who made it happen for you. If I had my way, you would never win her. But it is past the time to take away my life.

    And then Goreu son of Custennin seized him by the hair of his head and dragged him after him to the refuse mound and cut off his head and put it on the post of the castle yard. And he took possession of the fort and his territory.

    And that night Culhwch slept with Olwen. And she was his only wife as long as he lived. And the armies of Arthur dispersed, each to his own country.

    And thus did Culhwch win Olwen daughter of Ysbaddaden Chief Giant.

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