Ancient Greek writer Hesiod once wrote that humanity had five ages – the Golden Age, the Silver Age, the Bronze Age, the Heroic Age and the Iron Age. Similarly, in Hinduism, there are four different eras – Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapar Yuga and Kali Yuga. In both Greek and Hindu mythology, the eras before our current era are depicted as much more tolerable, with humanity experiencing decline over time. Likewise, in old English legends it is said that the British Isles were, in ancient times, the home of gods and heroes. Although these figures no longer live on the British Isles, there are legends about the magical objects these creatures left behind.
The ‘Thirteen Treasures of England’ are a group of magical items found in late medieval Welsh traditions. These precious relics are mentioned in 15th and 16th century manuscripts, such as the Welsh story ‘Culhwch and Olwen’. Thirteen treasures are said to be located in the north of the British Isles, i.e. northern England and Scotland. In fact, one of the Welsh manuscripts, titled ‘Tri Thlws ar Ddeg Ynys Prydain’, has been translated into English as ‘The Names of the Thirteen Treasures of the Isle of Britain, Lying in the North’.
Thirteen legendary treasures of England are as follows:
1. Dyrnwyn, gleddyf Rhydderch Hael (White Hilt, Sword of Generous Rhydderch)
This particular sword belonged to Rhydderch Hael, a 7th century ruler of Alt Clut, a Brittonic kingdom in what is now Strathclyde, Scotland. When the sword is drawn by a worthy person, it burns from hilt to tip. Although Rhydderch is willing to lend his sword to anyone who asks, the recipient refuses after learning of the sword’s strange quality.
The first legendary treasure is a burning sword. (Wikimedia Commons)
2. Mwys Gwyddno Garanir (Long Legs of Gwyddno)
Gwyddno Long-Shank was the ruler of Canolbarth, a legendary sunken land off the coast of Wales (now Cardigan Bay), who possessed a magic basket, a wicker basket that could multiply food. Called the ‘abundance basket’, food for a man would be placed in the basket and then closed. When the basket opens again, there will be enough food for a hundred people.
The Basket of Plenty will multiply its contents, providing food for a hundred people. ‘Apfelernte’ by Karl Vikas (Wikimedia Commons)
3. Korn Bran Galed o’r Gogledd (Bran Niggard’s Horn from the North)
According to Welsh legend, this horn once belonged to Hercules, who retrieved this object from the head of the centaur Nessus after he was killed by the hero. The horn can deliver any drink the user desires to find inside it.
The Cam Horn is said to provide its owner with any drink they desire. Bearded Pictish warrior from Bullion Stone, Angus, now in the National Museums of Scotland. (Wikimedia Commons)
4. Kar Morgan Mwynfawr (Great Morgan’s Chariot)
Morgan, king of Glamorgan, was the nephew and possible successor of King Meurig, who ruled the early Welsh kingdoms of Gwent and Glywysing between 400 and 600 AD. Morgan is said to possess a carriage that can travel quickly to any destination its user desires.
Morgan’s carriage can go to any destination. (wallpaper.com)
5. Kebystr Klydno Eiddin (Clydno Eiddyn’s Lanyard)
The fifth treasure was a lanyard fixed to a pin at the foot of the bed of Clydno Eiddin, a ruler in Hen Ogledd, a Brythonic-speaking area in what is now Northern England and southern Scotland in the early Middle Ages. “Eiddyn” is the Brythonic name for Edinburgh, implying a connection with that territory. According to legend, whatever horse Clydno desires will appear on the halter
Clydno Eiddyn’s magical horse halter will grant Clydno any horse he desires (Wikimedia Commons)
6. Kyllell Llawfrodedd Farchog (Llawfrodedd Knight’s Knife)
Llawfrodedd Farchog is a hero in the Welsh tradition and a legendary figure at Arthur’s court in the stories of Culhwch and Olwen and Breuddwyd Rhonabwy. He is mentioned in the Trioedd Tnys Prydein as the owner of a knife that would serve a company of 24 men at the dinner table, named one of the Thirteen Treasures. The knife is great for parties but is also said to be a deadly weapon on the battlefield.
The Llawfrodedd Knight’s Knife is a special relic for parties (Wikimedia Commons)
