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It was not alone by the strength and fierceness of King Math, but also by the magic spells of Gwyd, that Pryderi was slain. After burying the hero, King Math came back to his palace and found out what Gily had done. Then he took Goewen away from Gily, and to make amends for her trouble, in being thus torn from his palace, King Math made her his queen.
These were all saddled, bridled, and magnificently caparisoned. But, after twenty-four hours, they would vanish from sight. The illusion would be over. With these steeds, so well fitted for hunting, were twelve sleek, fleet hounds. Taken altogether, here was a sight to make a hunter's eyes dance with delight. So Pryderi gave Gwyd the swine, and he quickly drove them off.
So Gwyd, the brother of the love-sick one, in order to get the herd of surpassing swine, took ten companions, all young men and strong, dressed as bards, and pretending by their actions to be such. Then they all started out together to seek the palace of Pryderi. Having arrived, they were entertained at a great feast, in the castle hall.
By these, he could draw the veil of illusion over both the mind and the eyes of the people. So he made answer to Pryderi's objections thus: "Keep your promise to your people, oh, most honored Pryderi, and only exchange them for the gift I make thee," said Gwyd. Thereupon, exerting his powers of magic, he created the illusion of twelve superb horses.
Soon he became so lovesick, that he felt he would risk or give his life to get and have her for his own. But what would the king say? Besides, he soon found out that the maiden Goewen cared nothing for him. Nevertheless the passion of the love-lorn youth burned hotly and kept increasing. He confided his secret to his brother Gwyd, and asked his aid, which was promised.
At this, the countenance of Pryderi fell, for he had made a promise to his people, that he would not sell or give away the swine, until they had produced double their number in the land; for there were no pigs and no pork like theirs, to be bought anywhere. Now this Gwyd was not very cunning, but he had the power of using magic arts.
When the time came that the king sought for one of the most beautiful maidens, who should hold his feet, Gwyd nominated to the prince's notice his sister Arianrod. The king was gracious, and thereafter she held his feet at all the banquets. She was looked up to with reverence by all, and held the office for many years. Thus King Math's reputation for grace and mercy was confirmed.
Now there was once a Prince of Gwynedd, in Wales, named Math, who was so fond of having his feet held, that he neglected to govern his people properly. He spent all his time lounging in an easy chair, while a pretty maiden held his heels and toes. He committed all public cares to two of his nephews. These were named for short, Gily and Gwyd.
There Pryderi sat on his throne-chair, with his feet in a maiden's lap. The dinner over, Gwyd was asked to tell a story. This he did, delighting everyone so much, that he was voted a jolly good fellow by all. In fact, Pryderi felt ready to give him anything he might demand, excepting always his foot holder. At once, Gwyd made request to give him the herd of swine.
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