Mathonwy

Mathonwy, in Welsh mythology, is the king of Gwynedd and the central figure of the tale Math fab Mathonwy in the Mabinogi. As a magical ruler, his authority rests on ritual rules and the favor of otherworldly powers. The narrative belongs to the Mabinogion, a cornerstone of medieval Welsh literature, and Mathonwy’s court sits at the heart of its opening branch.

The story centers on a rule that the king’s power is maintained only while a virgin stands in attendance to hold his feet, a person known as the guardian of the king’s feet. Goewin serves in this role for a time. Math’s nephews, Gwydion and Gilfaethwy, arrive at Gwynedd and become embroiled in misadventure, which leads to punishment by the king. Through magical transformations and births, the tale charts the consequences of their actions and the maintenance of royal order, prompting changes in the guardianship of Math’s feet.

The tale of Lleu Llaw Gyffes is closely tied to Math’s court. With Gwydion’s magic, Lleu is conceived and raised under unusual circumstances after Arianrhod, his mother, refuses to acknowledge him as a son. Lleu grows into a formidable warrior; he is eventually married to Blodeuwedd, a woman created from flowers by Gwydion. Blodeuwedd’s later betrayal with Gronw Pebdawg leads to Lleu’s near-fatal wound, an event that tests the king’s authority and the realm’s balance. The resolution incorporates Math’s involvement and the restoration of order to Gwynedd.

Math fab Mathonwy’s tale is a foundational piece of Welsh mythology, illustrating themes of kingship, ritual obligation, magical ingenuity, and the fragility of power. It has influenced later Welsh literature and readings of the Four Branches of the Mabinogi.