Uther Pendragon - Early Welsh Poetry

Early Welsh Poetry

Uther is known from earlier Welsh tradition, where he is associated with Arthur and, in some cases, even appears as his father. He is mentioned in the 10th century Arthurian poem Pa gur yv y porthaur ("What man is the gatekeeper?"), and is memorialized with "The Death-song of Uther Pen" from the Book of Taliesin. The latter includes a reference to Arthur, so the marginal addition of "dragon" to Uther's name is probably justified. "The Colloquy of Arthur and the Eagle," a poem contemporary with but independent of Geoffrey, mentions another son of Uther named Madoc, the father of Arthur's nephew Eliwlod. The Welsh Triads name Uther as the creator of one of the Three Great Enchantments of the Island of Britain, which he taught to the wizard Menw.

Uther's most prominent appearance in early Welsh tradition can also be found in the Triads, in which he is described as son of Custennin the Blessed, and brother to Emrys Wledig and Custennin the Younger. Following Custennin the Younger's murder at Gwrtheyrn's hands, Uther and Emrys were exiled to Armorica, and their brother's killer took their kingdom by deceit. Some time later, Uther and Emrys avenged Custennin by burning Gwrtheyrn to death within his castle.