Pais Padarn Beisrudd
THe cloak of Padarn Red Coat, a garment of concealment among the Thirteen Treasures of Britain.
Introduction#
Pais Padarn Beisrudd is one of the Thirteen Treasures of the Island of Britain. It is associated with Padarn “Red Coat,” a figure of early Welsh tradition, and is described as a cloak possessing the power of concealment.
Alternative Names | Pais Badarn Beisrudd
The Cloak of Padarn#
The garment is said to render its wearer unseen, granting a form of invisibility or concealment. Like other enchanted cloaks in Welsh and Arthurian tradition, its power lies not in strength or authority, but in absence – allowing the wearer to move beyond the sight of others.
Padarn, known as “Red Coat” (Beisrudd), is a figure whose name survives primarily through association with this object. As with several of the Treasures, the identity of the owner is secondary to the symbolic function of the object itself.
Place Among the Treasures#
Pais Padarn belongs to the group of Treasures associated with concealment and altered presence. It may be compared with other objects of invisibility in Welsh and Arthurian tradition, such as:
– Llen Arthur (Arthur’s mantle)
– Modrwy Elunded (Eluned’s ring)
Together, these objects reflect a recurring theme: the ability to step outside the visible world.
The cloak represents a form of power that is neither forceful nor visible. It allows withdrawal, secrecy, and passage without confrontation. In this way, it reflects an older layer of tradition, where magic often operates quietly—removing rather than asserting.
◊ The meaning of Beisrudd is “red coat / red tunic”.
Sources#
Triads of the Island of Britain (Welsh Triads, Tri Thlws ar Ddeg Ynys Prydain) | 11th century to 14th century
