Brenhin uu. Reading the death of kings in Culhwch ac Olwen

Abstract

The medieval Welsh tale Culhwch ac Olwen has usually been regarded as a romp, full of slapstick humour, and irony. The darker elements of the tale have largely been ignored. This paper argues that for a proper appreciation of the tale its darker sub-text has to be acknowledged: not only does it sharpen the humour, but it allows us to view the depiction of Arthur in a darker light; for all his pomp and glory, he, too, will fall.