Pryderi
Pryderi fab Pwyll is a prominent figure in Welsh mythology, the son of Pwyll and Rhiannon, and king of Dyfed after his father's death. He is the only character to appear in all Four Branches of the Mabinogi, although the size of his role varies from tale to tale. He is often equated with the divine son figure of Mabon ap Modron, while Jeffrey Gantz compares him to Peredur fab Efrawg, who is himself associated with the continental figure of Sir Percival de Galles.
| Pryderi | |
|---|---|
| Mabinogi character | |
Pryderi's death in single combat. Image by E. Wallcousins. | |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Human |
| Gender | Male |
| Spouse(s) | Cigfa ferch Gwyn Glohoyw |
| Parents | Pwyll (father), Rhiannon (mother) |
| Family | Manawydan (step-father), Hefeydd (maternal grandfather) |
| Welsh mythology character | |
| Found in | Pwyll Pendefig Dyfed, Branwen ferch Llŷr, Manawydan fab Llŷr, Math fab Mathonwy |
| Nationality | British (Demetian) |
Ifor Williams speculated that he was once the focal character of the Mabinogi as a whole, although some subsequent scholars disagree with this theory.
Pryderi is described by Jeffrey Gantz as "bold and enterprising, but rash to the point of foolishness." He goes on to say that "his downfall, while pathetic, is not entirely undeserved."