batch.motif.celtic-welsh-mabinogion-guest-gutenberg-l4490-l4601
---
record_id: batch.motif.celtic-welsh-mabinogion-guest-gutenberg-l4490-l4601
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/celtic-welsh/project-gutenberg/mabinogion-guest.md
passage_locator:
label: C. E. G. / THE LADY OF THE FOUNTAIN / PEREDUR THE SON OF EVRAWC / GERAINT
THE SON OF ERBIN; lines 4490-4601
start: '4490'
end: '4601'
translation: The Mabinogion
notes: Generated from OpenAI Batch run motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority;
human review required.
canonical_text:
quote: ''
summary: Kilhwch and his companions ask Yspaddaden Penkawr for his daughter Olwen.
Across three visits, Yspaddaden throws poisoned darts at them, but Bedwyr, Menw,
and Kilhwch catch and return the darts, wounding him. Yspaddaden then makes Kilhwch
pledge just conduct and begins naming conditions for receiving Olwen, including
impossible agricultural work in one day and the acquisition of specific helpers,
tools, and yoked animals.
language: English
quote_policy: summarized
literal_observations:
- id: obs:1
text: The visitors greet Yspaddaden Penkawr and state that they have come to ask
for his daughter Olwen on behalf of Kilhwch.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:2
text: Yspaddaden orders attendants to raise the forks beneath his fallen eyebrows
so that he may see the prospective son-in-law.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- id: obs:3
text: Yspaddaden throws a poisoned dart after the visitors; Bedwyr catches it, throws
it back, and wounds Yspaddaden through the knee.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: obs:4
text: On the next day, the visitors again demand Olwen with dower and maiden fee
and threaten Yspaddaden with death if he refuses.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:5
text: Yspaddaden throws a second dart; Menw catches it, returns it, and wounds him
through the breast and back.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: obs:6
text: On the third day, Yspaddaden throws the third poisoned dart; Kilhwch catches
it and wounds him through the eyeball and out the back of the head.
category: action
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: obs:7
text: Yspaddaden complains after each returned dart that the poisoned iron causes
lasting bodily injury and curses the smithing or fire associated with it.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: obs:8
text: After further demands for Olwen, Yspaddaden has Kilhwch placed face to face
with him, asks if he seeks his daughter, and requires a pledge before naming conditions.
category: sequence
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: obs:9
text: Yspaddaden requires a vast hill to be rooted up, burned for manure, ploughed,
sown, and made to ripen grain in one day for food and liquor for the wedding.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: obs:10
text: Yspaddaden says only Amaethon son of Don can till the wild land, and that
Amaethon will not come willingly and cannot be compelled.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:11
text: Yspaddaden requires Govannon son of Don to come to the headland to rid the
iron, saying that he works willingly only for a lawful king and cannot be compelled.
category: speech
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: obs:12
text: Yspaddaden requires multiple yoked oxen and bulls, including the two dun oxen
of Gwlwlyd, a yellow and brindled bull, and two horned oxen identified as Nynniaw
and Peibaw.
category: object
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: obs:13
text: Nynniaw and Peibaw are described as having been turned into oxen by God because
of their sins.
category: attribute
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
figures:
- id: fig:1
name_or_label: Yspaddaden Penkawr
description: Father of Olwen; receives the petition, has fallen eyebrows lifted,
throws poisoned darts, and sets conditions for Kilhwch.
role_refs:
- role:1
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: fig:2
name_or_label: Kilhwch son of Kilydd
description: Suitor for Olwen; named as son of Kilydd and prospective son-in-law;
catches and returns the third dart and accepts Yspaddaden's conditions.
role_refs:
- role:2
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: fig:3
name_or_label: Olwen
description: Daughter of Yspaddaden Penkawr sought for Kilhwch.
role_refs:
- role:3
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:5
- ev:6
- id: fig:4
name_or_label: Bedwyr
description: Companion who catches Yspaddaden's first poisoned dart and returns
it, wounding him in the knee.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- id: fig:5
name_or_label: Menw son of Gwaedd
description: Companion who catches Yspaddaden's second poisoned dart and returns
it, wounding him through the breast and back.
role_refs:
- role:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:6
name_or_label: Custennin the herdsman
description: Host in whose house the visitors stay for the night.
role_refs:
- role:5
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: fig:7
name_or_label: Yspaddaden's pages, servants, and attendants
description: Collective attendants called to raise the forks beneath Yspaddaden's
eyebrows.
role_refs:
- role:6
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- id: fig:8
name_or_label: Amaethon son of Don
description: The only husbandman said to be able to till or prepare the wild land,
though unwilling and not compellable.
role_refs:
- role:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: fig:9
name_or_label: Govannon son of Don
description: Required to come to the headland to rid the iron; said to work willingly
only for a lawful king.
role_refs:
- role:7
- role:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: fig:10
name_or_label: Gwlwlyd
description: Owner or associated figure of the two dun oxen required for ploughing
the wild land.
role_refs:
- role:9
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: fig:11
name_or_label: Nynniaw and Peibaw
description: Named pair described as horned oxen, one on either side of the peaked
mountain, turned into oxen by God because of their sins.
role_refs:
- role:10
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: fig:12
name_or_label: God
description: Divine agent said to have turned Nynniaw and Peibaw into oxen because
of their sins.
role_refs:
- role:11
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
roles:
- id: role:1
label: bride-giver and task-setter
assigned_to:
- fig:1
basis: Yspaddaden is asked for his daughter and then names conditions Kilhwch must
satisfy.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:8
- id: role:2
label: suitor
assigned_to:
- fig:2
basis: Kilhwch is the person for whom Olwen is requested and later answers that
he seeks Yspaddaden's daughter.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:5
- id: role:3
label: sought bride
assigned_to:
- fig:3
basis: Olwen is identified as Yspaddaden's daughter and the object of Kilhwch's
request.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:5
- id: role:4
label: weapon-catcher and retaliator
assigned_to:
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:5
basis: Bedwyr, Menw, and Kilhwch each catch and return one of Yspaddaden's darts.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: role:5
label: host
assigned_to:
- fig:6
basis: The visitors take lodging in Custennin the herdsman's house.
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: role:6
label: attendants assisting sight
assigned_to:
- fig:7
basis: Yspaddaden calls attendants to lift the forks of his eyebrows so he can see.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- id: role:7
label: indispensable specialist
assigned_to:
- fig:8
- fig:9
basis: Amaethon is said to be the only one able to prepare the land, and Govannon
is required for work involving iron.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: role:8
label: lawful-king-restricted worker
assigned_to:
- fig:9
basis: Govannon is said to do no work willingly except for a lawful king.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- id: role:9
label: owner of required draught animals
assigned_to:
- fig:10
basis: The two dun oxen required for ploughing are identified as belonging to Gwlwlyd.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: role:10
label: transformed draught pair
assigned_to:
- fig:11
basis: Nynniaw and Peibaw are identified as horned oxen yoked to the same plough,
transformed because of sins.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: role:11
label: divine transformer and judge
assigned_to:
- fig:12
basis: God is said to have turned Nynniaw and Peibaw into oxen on account of their
sins.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
symbols:
- id: sym:1
label: poisoned darts and poisoned iron
literal_form: Three poisoned darts lying beside Yspaddaden and thrown at the visitors;
the returned darts wound Yspaddaden.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:4
- fig:5
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: sym:2
label: fallen eyebrows lifted with forks
literal_form: Forks beneath Yspaddaden's eyebrows, which have fallen over his eyes
or eyeballs.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:7
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:4
- id: sym:3
label: vast hill and wild land
literal_form: A vast hill to be rooted up and wild land to be prepared, ploughed,
and sown.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:8
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- ev:7
- id: sym:4
label: one-day wheat for wedding feast
literal_form: Grain required to ripen in one day and be made into food and liquor
for the wedding.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: sym:5
label: plough and yoked oxen or bulls
literal_form: 'Required ploughing animals: two dun oxen, a yellow and brindled bull,
and two horned oxen yoked to the same plough.'
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:10
- fig:11
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: sym:6
label: peaked mountain
literal_form: A peaked mountain separating the two horned oxen, one beyond it and
one on this side.
associated_figures:
- fig:11
taxonomy_refs:
- mountain
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
- id: sym:7
label: forge fire, hearth, anvil, and smith
literal_form: Yspaddaden curses the smith, anvil, hearth, and fire connected with
the forged poisoned iron.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
taxonomy_refs:
- fire
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
- id: sym:8
label: red tilled ground
literal_form: A red tilled ground that Yspaddaden points out after naming the oxen
requirements.
associated_figures:
- fig:1
- fig:2
taxonomy_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
scenes:
- id: scene:1
label: First petition and first returned dart
summary: The visitors ask Yspaddaden for Olwen; he has his eyebrows raised to see
them, postpones an answer, and then throws a poisoned dart that Bedwyr returns
into his knee.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:4
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:2
- id: scene:2
label: Second petition and second returned dart
summary: The visitors return, demand Olwen with payments and a threat, and Menw
returns Yspaddaden's second dart through his breast and back.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
- fig:5
- fig:6
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:3
- id: scene:3
label: Third visit and third returned dart
summary: On the third day, Yspaddaden again has his eyebrows lifted and throws the
third poisoned dart; Kilhwch catches and returns it through Yspaddaden's eye and
head.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:7
symbol_refs:
- sym:1
- sym:2
- sym:7
evidence_refs:
- ev:4
- id: scene:4
label: Face-to-face pledge before conditions
summary: The visitors warn Yspaddaden not to shoot again and demand Olwen; Kilhwch
is placed face to face with him, confirms he seeks the daughter, and promises
just conduct before Yspaddaden names requirements.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs: []
evidence_refs:
- ev:5
- id: scene:5
label: One-day agricultural wedding condition
summary: Yspaddaden requires the uprooting, burning, ploughing, sowing, and ripening
of grain from a vast hill and land in one day for the wedding's food and drink.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:3
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
- sym:4
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
- id: scene:6
label: Required helpers and draught animals
summary: Yspaddaden adds requirements involving Amaethon, Govannon, several yoked
oxen and bulls, and the transformed pair Nynniaw and Peibaw.
figure_refs:
- fig:1
- fig:2
- fig:8
- fig:9
- fig:10
- fig:11
- fig:12
symbol_refs:
- sym:3
- sym:5
- sym:6
- sym:8
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
- ev:8
candidate_motifs:
- id: motif:1
label: Bride quest with conditions set by the bride's father
taxonomy_refs:
- sacred_marriage
- mystical_quest
basis: Kilhwch seeks Olwen, and Yspaddaden requires pledges and tasks before granting
his daughter.
evidence_refs:
- ev:1
- ev:5
- ev:6
- ev:7
- ev:8
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage frames the marriage request and conditions literally; broader
sacred-marriage interpretation requires review beyond this passage.
- id: motif:2
label: Impossible agricultural task in a single day
taxonomy_refs:
- initiation
- seasonal_cycle
basis: Yspaddaden demands that a hill be uprooted, burned, ploughed, sown, and made
to ripen grain in one day for the wedding feast.
evidence_refs:
- ev:6
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage states an extraordinary task, but does not itself explain
it as seasonal symbolism or initiation.
- id: motif:3
label: Hostile weapon turned back upon attacker
taxonomy_refs: []
basis: Each of Yspaddaden's three poisoned darts is caught and thrown back, injuring
him in turn.
evidence_refs:
- ev:2
- ev:3
- ev:4
confidence: high
cautions: No supplied taxonomy reference directly matches this weapon-return pattern.
- id: motif:4
label: Quest requirements for unwilling or noncompellable helpers
taxonomy_refs:
- mystical_quest
basis: Yspaddaden names Amaethon and Govannon as necessary workers who will not
come or work freely under ordinary circumstances.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage lists requirements but does not show their later acquisition.
- id: motif:5
label: Lawful king as condition for skilled service
taxonomy_refs:
- royal_legitimacy
basis: Govannon is said to do no work willingly except for a lawful king.
evidence_refs:
- ev:7
confidence: medium
cautions: The passage does not identify Kilhwch as the lawful king or resolve the
requirement.
- id: motif:6
label: Divine transformation as punishment for sins
taxonomy_refs:
- divine_judgment
basis: Nynniaw and Peibaw are said to have been turned into oxen by God on account
of their sins.
evidence_refs:
- ev:8
confidence: high
cautions: Only a brief explanatory statement is present; details of the sin or transformation
are not given in this passage.
comparison_claims: []
evidence:
- id: ev:1
type: summary
locator: lines 4490-4497
quote_or_summary: The visitors greet Yspaddaden, ask for his daughter Olwen for
Kilhwch, and Yspaddaden calls for servants to lift his fallen eyebrows so he can
see the son-in-law.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/celtic-welsh/project-gutenberg/mabinogion-guest.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:2
type: summary
locator: lines 4498-4508
quote_or_summary: As the visitors leave, Yspaddaden throws a poisoned dart; Bedwyr
catches and returns it, wounding him through the knee, and Yspaddaden curses the
forged iron and smith.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/celtic-welsh/project-gutenberg/mabinogion-guest.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:3
type: summary
locator: lines 4509-4529
quote_or_summary: The visitors lodge with Custennin, return at dawn, demand Olwen
with payments and threat, and Menw catches Yspaddaden's second dart and returns
it through his breast and back.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/celtic-welsh/project-gutenberg/mabinogion-guest.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:4
type: summary
locator: lines 4530-4547
quote_or_summary: On the third day Yspaddaden again has his eyebrows lifted, throws
the third poisoned dart, and Kilhwch returns it through his eyeball and out the
back of his head.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/celtic-welsh/project-gutenberg/mabinogion-guest.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:5
type: summary
locator: lines 4548-4561
quote_or_summary: The visitors warn Yspaddaden not to shoot again, demand his daughter,
seat Kilhwch face to face with him, and Kilhwch pledges just conduct before Yspaddaden
names conditions.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/celtic-welsh/project-gutenberg/mabinogion-guest.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:6
type: summary
locator: lines 4562-4573
quote_or_summary: Yspaddaden points to a vast hill and requires it to be rooted
up, burned for manure, ploughed, sown, and made to ripen grain in one day for
wedding food and liquor.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/celtic-welsh/project-gutenberg/mabinogion-guest.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:7
type: summary
locator: lines 4574-4587
quote_or_summary: Yspaddaden says Amaethon son of Don alone can prepare the wild
land and will not come willingly, and that Govannon son of Don must rid the iron
but works willingly only for a lawful king.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/celtic-welsh/project-gutenberg/mabinogion-guest.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
- id: ev:8
type: summary
locator: lines 4588-4601
quote_or_summary: Yspaddaden requires the two dun oxen of Gwlwlyd, a yellow and
brindled bull, and two horned oxen, Nynniaw and Peibaw, whom God turned into oxen
because of their sins, and points to red tilled ground.
source_text_path: texts/public-domain/celtic-welsh/project-gutenberg/mabinogion-guest.md
rights_note: Public domain source; summary supplied.
confidence:
extraction: high
motif_candidates: medium
comparison_claims: uncertain
notes: Literal extraction is well supported by the supplied passage. Motif labels
involving sacred marriage, initiation, seasonal cycle, or royal legitimacy are
candidate classifications from the supplied taxonomy and require human review.
reviewer_status:
status: needs_review
reviewer: ''
reviewed_at: ''
notes: Machine-generated draft from OpenAI Batch; not human-reviewed.
extracted_by: openai_batch:gpt-5.5
extracted_at: '2026-04-28'
notes: |-
No external comparisons were added; comparison_claims is empty because the passage alone does not establish historical or cross-tradition relationships.
batch_run_id=motif-extraction-2026-04-28-high-priority
custom_id=motif_extract:celtic-welsh-mabinogion-guest-gutenberg__l4490-l4601
passage_sha256=5e082953fe54d65a884c27c6d82a680f4994d4db32b4881d5b1d71dd4c66fd3e