Tradition: Welsh Mythology
Alternative Names: Trwyd, Troynt, Troit, The Great Boar
Category: Pig
The Myth
Twrch Trwyth is a monstrous wild boar from Welsh Arthurian mythology, best known from the medieval prose tale Culhwch and Olwen. According to the story, Twrch was originally the son of Prince Taredd, but God transformed him into a swine as punishment for his sins. The beast possessed venomous bristles capable of injuring those who approached it and carried a comb, a pair of scissors, and a razor between its ears. These objects were essential to the tasks imposed on Culhwch by Ysbaddaden, a giant whose daughter Olwen Culhwch wished to marry. To complete the tasks, Culhwch had to obtain the implements from the boar and recruit Arthur and his warriors to help him.
The hunt for Twrch Trwyth became a vast undertaking requiring specially chosen hunting dogs, skilled handlers, equipment, and numerous warriors. The most important hound was Drudwyn, the only dog said to be capable of hunting the boar, while Mabon ap Modron was the only person able to control it. Arthur and his companions eventually discovered Twrch and its seven offspring in Ireland. Menw son of Teirgwaedd transformed himself into a bird and flew to the boar’s lair to confirm that the required implements were on its head. When he attempted to seize one, he managed only to pluck a silver bristle. Twrch shook itself violently, scattering venom that wounded Menw.
Arthur’s forces pursued the boar from Ireland into Wales and onward toward Cornwall. Twrch ravaged the countryside, causing numerous casualties as it passed through southeastern Wales. Although Arthur’s warriors attempted to stop it near the mouth of the River Severn, the animal escaped. During its passage through the river, the hunters managed to seize the razor, scissors, and eventually the comb from its head. Twrch then fled toward Cornwall and was finally driven out to sea, still pursued by the hounds Aned and Aethlem. The tale does not reveal what ultimately happened to the beast, leaving open the possibility that it survived. Its hunt is one of the central episodes of Culhwch and Olwen, while an earlier account in the ninth-century Historia Brittonum already associates Arthur and his hound Cavall with the pursuit of a great boar.
Sources
“Twrch Trwyth.” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 31, 2026.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twrch_Trwyth