Culhwch
/ˈkɨːl̥ʊχ/noun
Culhwch is the heroic protagonist of the medieval Welsh tale Culhwch ac Olwen.
Did you know?In Culhwch ac Olwen, his mother is said to have fallen into a pig-run while pregnant, linking the hero’s name directly to swine imagery.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kel-
“To conceal, cover, or hide; a probable ancestral root behind Welsh cul, “narrow” or “confined.””
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sū-
“Pig or sow; the ancient root associated with the Welsh hwch and many Indo-European words for swine.”
Old Welsh
Old Welsh
culhwch
“A personal name formed from cul, “narrow,” and hwch, “sow” or “female pig.””
12th–14th Century
Middle Welsh
Culhwch
“The hero’s name in the medieval Welsh narrative Culhwch ac Olwen, “Culhwch and Olwen.””
Modern Welsh
Welsh
Culhwch
“The proper name of the legendary hero, generally interpreted as “narrow sow.””
Modern English
English
Culhwch
“A Welsh mythological hero, usually encountered in translations and studies of the Mabinogion.”