Cynon ap Clydno facts for kids
Cynon ap Clydno (sometimes called Kynon or Cynan) was a brave hero from Welsh mythology. He was part of the famous King Arthur stories. His exciting journey to the Castle of Maidens and his fight against the Black Knight set the stage for the adventures of Owain and The Lady of the Fountain. Cynon is often linked to Sir Calogrenant, who plays a similar role in other versions of this tale.
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Who Was Cynon?
Cynon was the son of Clydno Eiddin. Clydno was a ruler in a place called Eidyn. This area was part of the Hen Ogledd, which means "Old North." This was a region in what is now northern England and southern Scotland. People there spoke a language similar to Welsh.
Cynon in Old Stories
Both Cynon and his father were important figures in old Welsh traditions. An ancient poem called Y Gododdin mentions Cynon. It says he was one of the Britons who fought against the Angles in a big battle called Battle of Catraeth. The poem names Cynon as one of only four survivors. The poet, Aneirin, even praised Cynon in his writings.
Cynon was known for his great love for a woman named Morvydd. She was the daughter of Urien Rheged. He appears in a story called Owain, or the Lady of the Fountain. In this story, he takes on the role that Calogrenant has in other versions. Cynon's strong feelings for Morvydd made him one of the Three Ardent Lovers of Britain.
At King Arthur's court, Cynon was one of the Three Counsellor Knights. He gave King Arthur advice, along with Aron and Llywarch. People said that whenever Arthur listened to his counsellors, he always succeeded.
Cynon is also mentioned in many poems from the Middle Ages. Poets would compare their own feelings to Cynon's love for Morvydd. His burial place is even mentioned in an old poem called The Stanzas of the Graves. This poem is found in The Black Book of Carmarthen.
Cynon's Great Adventure: The Castle of Maidens
In the tale of Owain, or the Lady of the Fountain, Cynon and Owain are at a big dinner. It takes place at King Arthur's court in Caerleon. After the meal, the knights and Queen Guinevere start sharing stories. Cynon tells an amazing story about his own journey.
The Shining Castle
Cynon explains how he traveled to unknown lands. He was looking for a worthy opponent to fight. He went through a valley and found a shining castle by the sea. The lord of this castle had yellow hair. He lived with twenty-four beautiful maidens. Cynon said they were even more beautiful than Queen Guinevere!
The lord treated Cynon very well. When he heard Cynon's quest, he told him about a "keeper of the forest." This keeper was a huge black man with one foot and one eye. He would be able to guide Cynon to his goal.
Meeting the Forest Keeper
Cynon traveled to a wooded valley. There, on a small hill, he found the keeper. The keeper held a large iron club. Some stories describe him as a giant. He was surrounded by wild animals. It seemed he had a magical power over them. The keeper made fun of Cynon. But after Cynon patiently listened, the keeper gave him directions.
Cynon was told to follow a path out of the woods. Then he had to climb a hill. Over the hill, he would find a wide valley with a huge tree. Under the tree was a fountain. Near the fountain was a marble slab. A silver bowl was chained to this slab. Cynon was told to fill the bowl with water from the fountain. Then he had to pour the water onto the slab. This would summon a black knight on a black horse.
The Black Knight's Challenge
Cynon followed the keeper's instructions. After he wet the marble slab, there was a loud thunderclap. Then a terrible hailstorm began! It almost killed Cynon and his horse. After the storm, the weather cleared. Birds landed on the tree and sang beautifully.
Then, a figure approached Cynon. This person accused Cynon of harming the land. The hailstorm had hurt people and animals who couldn't find shelter. Finally, the Black Knight appeared. He attacked Cynon and easily defeated him. The knight took Cynon's horse and chased him away from the fountain.
Cynon walked back to the forest. The keeper was waiting there, mocking him even more. Cynon returned to the shining castle. The kind, fair-haired lord took care of him. He gave Cynon a new horse for his journey home.
Cynon finished his story by saying he still had the horse. But Owain was not sure if the whole story was true. The next day, Owain decided to go find the Black Knight himself. When Owain did not return, King Arthur gathered 3,000 soldiers. With Cynon as their guide, they searched for Owain. When Arthur summoned the Black Knight, the knight defeated all of Arthur's knights. But then, it was revealed that Owain had taken the place of the Black Knight! Owain had defeated the original Black Knight on his own quest.
