Glessig (sword)
Glessig is the sword wielded by Cyflwch, one of King Arthur's warriors in Culhwch and Olwen.
Introduction#
Glessig is the sword wielded by Cyfwlch, one of King Arthur’s warriors, in the Welsh tale Culhwch and Olwen (late 11th century). The weapon is named within the catalogue of Arthur’s companions and their arms, reflecting the early Welsh tradition of individually named swords. The surviving text does not describe the sword’s appearance or deeds. Its importance lies in its inclusion among the named weapons of Arthur’s retinue.
Epithets | —
Alternative Names | Glesing, Glessic
Meaning of the Name#
The name Glessig (Glesing, Glessic) likely derives from the Welsh root glas, meaning blue, green, grey, or sometimes silvery. There is no surviving medieval gloss explaining the name directly. Any interpretation remains linguistic reconstruction based on Welsh etymology.
Sources#
Culhwch and Olwen | Late 11th century
