Thirteen Treasures of the Island of Britain

The Welch call it “Trioedd Ynys Prydein” when events from Welsch mythology are recounted by medieval Welsch storytellers, such as the Thirteen Treasures of the Island of Britain. The Thirteen Treasures of Britain include the following, Rhydderch Hael’s sword, Dyrnwyn, if the hands of a nobleman would touch it the sword would burst into flames. That sounds a bit like Excalibur, doesn’t it?

Next, the Hamper of Gwyddno Garanhir, the treasure here is that if food that would fill just one man is placed in the hamper, when it is opened again there will be enough food in it to feed one hundred people. Can someone say court of Lludd?

Number three is the Horn of Bran Galed where legend has it that the horn will dispense any drink that one desires. Sounds like the Grail! Fourth, the Chariot of Morgan Mwynvar, which means “wealthy” will take a person anywhere that he wishes to go very quickly. Fifth, the Halter of Clyno Eiddyn, this is attached to a foot board of a bed by a staple and when one made a wish, whatever they wished for would be found in the halter.

Also, part of the treasure includes the Knife of Llawfronedd Farchawg which will carve meat at one meal for twenty four. Seventh is the Cauldron of Diwrnach the Giant which will never boil the food of a coward but only a brave man’s food will boil. Eighth, the Whetstone of Tudwal Tudglyd on which if only a brave man should sharpen his sword on this it would then kills any man that it wounded.

Next on the list is the Coat of Padarn Red-Coat, which would never fit anyone other than noble men. Tenth, the Crock of Rhygenydd which always provides the best liked food. Eleventh, is the same as tenth except on a dish. Twelfth, the Gwyddbwll board of Gwenddolau, a chess board made of gold and silver that plays by itself once it is set up. Finally, the Mantle of Arthur which was a cloak that made who ever wore it invisible. All thirteen treasures will only work if the person who finds them is worthy.