# Pwyll — Bulfinch’s Mythology character guide

> Pwyll in Bulfinch’s Mythology by Thomas Bulfinch.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** VIII Pwyll

**First appearance:** 0002-bulfinch-s-mythology

## Snapshot

Prince of Dyfed whose rash bargain with a stranger-king in the woods sets the whole Mabinogi in motion.

## Who they are

Pwyll rules Dyfed with more courage than judgment, and one ill-considered exchange with Arawn, lord of the Otherworld, sends him to swap places with a king he has never met. He must govern a strange court for a year, sleep beside another man's queen without dishonor, and finally strike a single blow he has been warned not to repeat. His mistakes and recoveries open the Welsh tales with a lesson in keeping one's word.

## In the story

### [The Mabinogeon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/the-mabinogeon)

Pwyll is a central figure in the Mabinogion, known for his adventures in the otherworld and his role as a prince of Dyfed.

### [VIII: Pwyll, Prince of Dyved](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/viii-pwyll-prince-of-dyved)

Prince of Dyved; sits on Gorsedd Arberth, meets Rhiannon, and navigates a trick by Gawl to win her hand.

### [Manawyddan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/x-manawyddan)

Deceased father of Pryderi; mentioned as having played the game of Badger in the Bag on Gawl, which led to the enchantment.

### [P](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/chapters/p)

Prince of Dyved.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters/pwyll
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bulfinch_s_mythology_se/characters