Kaw of Brydyn
King of Scotland, and father of many warriors, of some has saints’ names, such as Gildas.
As one of Culhwch’s tasks in Culhwch and Olwen, he had to obtain the tusk of the Chief Boar Ysgithyrwyn for the giant Ysbaddaden to trim his beard. Ysbaddaden would allow no one to bring him the tusk except Caw. Culhwch thus faced the additional task of convincing Caw to leave his kingdom and travel to Ysbaddaden’s fortress. Caw serves as the giant’s barber. When its time for the giant to die, he shaves his hair, flesh, and skin down to the bone.
At the behest of Arthur, Caw brought his 20 sons and accompanied the warriors on the hunt for Ysgithyrwyn, took the tusk, and shaved Ysbaddaden with it personally. He also accompanied Arthur on the search for the Black Hag and, after Arthur had killed her, collected her blood.
In the Life of St. Gildas, Arthur kills Caw’s son Hueil. In The Life of St. Caradog Caw is said to be a giant and regarded as a saint.
Sons of Caw of Scotland
See also
Samson Dry Lip | The Legend of King Arthur
Saint Samson | The Legend of King Arthur
Sources
Culhwch and Olwen | Late 11th century
Vita Gildae | Caradoc of Llancarfan, c. 1130
Breudwyt Rhonabwy | 13th century