Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!









The Thirteen Hallows
of Britain





Dyrnwyn, the sword of Rhydderch Hael (the Generous); in the hands of a nobleman it would burst into flame from hilt to tip. (Arthur's sword Caledfwlch or Excalibur has the same ability in THE DREAM OF RHONABWY.) The Hamper of Gwyddno Garanhir; food for one man could be put into it and food for a hundred would be found when next opened. (This resembles the hamper which is stolen from the court of Lludd.) The Horn of Bran Galed; this dispensed whatever drink one wanted. (Bran the Blessed became known as a Grail guardian because of his cauldron of rebirth. This horn is clearly similar in function to the Grail which serves whatever food one likes best.) The Chariot of Morgan Mwynvar (the Wealthy); transported its owner wherever he wished to go quickly. The Halter of Clyno Eiddyn which was attached to the owner's bedfoot by a staple: whatever horse one wished for would be found in the halter. (Such a dream-horse would be much desired by the horse-loving Celts.) The Knife of Llawfronedd Farchawg (the Horseman); this would carve for twenty-four men at a meal. The Cauldron of Diwrnach the Giant: would not boil a coward's food but only that of a brave man. (This is the one treasure mentioned in CULHWCH AND OLWEN which Arthur successfully fetches.) The Whetstone of Tudwal Tudglyd: if a brave man sharpened his sword upon it it would draw out the life of any man it wounded, though a coward's sword would be unchanged. The Coat of Padarn Red-Coat: it would only fit a nobleman, not a churl. (This resembles the Mantle of Faithful Wives which will cover the nakedness of a faithful woman but not an adulteress, in Arthurian legend.) The Crock of Rhygenydd: in which would be found the food one liked best. The Dish of Rhygenydd: in which would be found the food one liked best. The Gwyddbwll board of Gwenddolau: the pieces were of silver, the board of gold and they played by themselves when it was set up. (This Chessboard appears in PEREDUR where Peredur plays and, when his side loses, he casts the whole board into a lake). In that story it is termed 'the Chessboard of the Empress' where it clearly indicates the Land of Sovereignty. The Mantle of Arthur: whoever wore it was invisible. (This cloak is also that worn by Caswallawn when he enchants Britain; it is probably also that of Curoi mac Daire who is specifically termed 'the gray man in the mantle'.)


http://www.mythiccrossroads.com/13.htm


chessboard


home or index