Culhwch son of Cilydd a nobleman of Wales

Was counselled by his mother to seek Olwen as a bride

Fair Olwen only daughter of the giant Ysbaddaden

Who would never let her marry for when she wed he'd die

Arthur's knights they joined him Kei Bedwyr and Gawain

With Menw the magician and Cynddylig as their guide

And so they traveled onwards to the lands of Ysbaddaden

Where they came upon his castle and rode their steeds inside

Before you have my daughter bring me Mabon son of Modron

Who was taken from his mother even as his lips first cried

I know that I can do so 'though you think it be not easy

Said good Culhwch to the giant as he called the knights to ride

They sought the ancient wisdom of the Blackbird of Cilgwri

And asked him Know ye Mabon stolen from his mother's side

The Bird showed them an anvil that his beak had rendered small

And said Though I am ancient there are older hearts than I

They found the Stag of Rhedynfre who stood beside a stump

And asked him Know ye Mabon stolen from his mother's side

This oak was once a sapling rooted first when I was young

But I'm not the oldest animal nor greatest in my pride

So on the party travelled to the Eagle of Gwernabwy

And asked him Know ye Mabon stolen from his mother's side

The Eagle showed a pebble that was once a mountain high

But he said Despite this evidence one goes more deep than I

They traveled to the water and the Salmon of Llyn

They said Know ye of Mabon son of Modron and his bride

Indeed I've heard his wailing in his prison all these years

And for Arthur's faith and honour his companions I will guide

And so the Salmon led them up the river to a tower

Where they heard the lamentations of the prisoner inside

But the stonework of the castle couldn't stand before the army

Mabon pledged his life to Arthur and homeward all did ride

So Culhwch and companions went with speed to see the giant

With elation in their hearts and Mabon at their side

They severed off the head of the oathbound Ysbaddaden

And that was how good Culhwch won fair Olwen for his bride

And that was how good Culhwch won fair Olwen for his bride