NIGHTBRINGER | The Arthurian Encyclopedia

Dyffryn Amanw

Dyffryn Aman, Dyfryn Amanw
Battle of the Valley of Amanw

During one of his quests, Culhwch is told to go to the valley of Dyffryn Amanw to find Twrch Trwyth. The Twrch Trwyth, a magical boar that was once a human prince, cursed and transformed into a swine.

The Battle of Dyffryn Amanw is fierce and dramatic. The Twrch Trwyth, accompanied by a herd of equally formidable swine, fiercely defends itself against Culhwch and Arthur’s warriors. The boar’s supernatural strength and magical abilities make it a formidable opponent. In the battle, many of Arthur’s men are killed or injured in their attempts to subdue the boar. Despite the casualties, Culhwch and his companions continue to fight with determination and courage. Culhwch himself plays a pivotal role in the confrontation, showing great prowess in battle.

Two of the piglets – Banw and Benwig – were killed before Twrch Trwyth fled on to Llwch Ewin.

As with many other elements in the Mabinogion, Dyffryn Amanw is depicted as a fantastical and mythical location, rich with symbolism and otherwordly elements.


Notes
The word dyffryn is popularly derived from dwfr, which is the Welsh word for water, and hynt, which means a way, a course. That is a water-course, or a vale, through which a river takes its course. It may be a compound of dwfr-bryn, signifying a hilly place through which water flows. See also notes under Glyn Arthur.


Source
Culhwch and Olwen | Late 11th century