Gwyn ap Nudd

Gwyn ap Nudd (Welsh pronunciation: [ˈɡwɨn ap ˈnɨːð], sometimes spelled Gwynn ap Nudd in older texts) is a figure from Welsh mythology who serves as king of the Tylwyth Teg ("fair folk") and rules over Annwn, the Welsh Otherworld. His name translates to "Gwyn, son of Nudd." In medieval Welsh literature, he is portrayed as a formidable warrior with a "blackened face" and is strongly connected to the Otherworld and the widespread tradition of the Wild Hunt. As the son of Nudd, Gwyn belongs to a prominent mythological lineage, making him the grandson of Beli Mawr and nephew to several important figures including Arianrhod, Llefelys, Penarddun, Afallach, Gofannon, Nynniaw, Peibaw, and Caswallawn. His siblings, identified through their shared patronymic (ap Nudd), include the Arthurian warrior Edern and Owain ap Nudd, who appears briefly in the tale of Geraint and Enid. In the medieval Welsh tale Culhwch and Olwen, Gwyn is romantically linked with Creiddylad, daughter of Lludd, potentially making her Gwyn's sister, though this potential incestuous relationship is not acknowledged by the medieval authors of the text.