James Baquet This is how Pwyll, prince of Dyfed in Wales, became married to the otherworldly woman Rhiannon. One day Pwyll is feasting at his chief palace when he climbs up a hill during a break. His men tell him that anyone who sits down there must either suffer wounds or see a wonder. He is not afraid to be wounded, but finds the wonder more interesting. So he sits down and waits. Soon an elegantly-dressed woman rides past on a large, pure white horse. He sends one of his men down to hail her, but despite her stately pace he can’t catch up to her on foot or on horseback. The same thing happens the next day, and on the third day Pwyll himself rides after her. At last he calls out, “O maiden, will you not stay for the one who loves you best?” And she replies, “I will stay gladly, and your horse wouldn’t be so tired if you had asked long ago!” It turns out this woman, Rhiannon, is engaged to a man she does not love; she wants to wed Pwyll. So he must come to her father’s court in one year and they will be married. But there’s a glitch: A man strolls into the wedding feast and asks for a boon. Pwyll says, “Anything you want!” and Rhiannon says, “Ah, why did you give that answer?” Because this is Gwawl, the man to whom she was engaged, and naturally he asks for... HER! Pwyll is honor-bound to hand her over, which he will do another year later. But before he rides away, Rhiannon gives Pwyll a small bag and some instructions. One year later, a beggar shows up at the wedding feast of Rhiannon and Gwawl. He asks for a boon, and Gwawl asks the stranger what he wants. “Just fill this small bag with food, if you please,” the beggar —whom we now know is Pwyll — says. But the bag is bottomless. Gwawl asks what he can do, and Pwyll suggests that he, a noble person, step inside and stomp down the food. Gwawl does so, and Pwyll quickly ties a knot in the bag, as Rhiannon had instructed him the year before. Pwyll’s men come in and one-by-one kick the bag with Gwawl in it, until he begs them to stop. Pwyll tells Gwawl to turn over the items of the feast and promise that he will never seek revenge. Gwawl agrees, and leaves to heal his wounds. And Pwyll and Rhiannon were married without further incident. Vocabulary: Which word above means: 1. required to keep others’ respect 2. a large meal or party 3. step heavily 4. call out to 5. a favor, a blessing 6. a problem 7. dignified 8. walks casually 9. unable to be filled 10. supernatural | 