The Three Powerful Shepherds of the Island of Britain

(thing) by Tlachtga Fri Nov 16 2001 at 1:58:48
The Three Powerful Shepherds of the Island of Britain:
  • Riueri son of Tanwn,
  • and Dunawd the Shepherd,
  • and Pryder son of Dolor of Deira and Bernica.
"Shepherd" may be meant in the ecclesiastical sense. As such, compare with Triad 26, which lists Pryderi ap Pwyll as one of the "Three Swineherds of Britain." It is possible that "Pryder ap Dolor"--"Anxiety son of Grief"--is an interpolation of "Pryderi ap Pwyll"--"Anxiety son of Judgement." Moreover, "swineherd" may refer to powerful druids, as "shepherd" refers to powerful bishops. Of course, this is mearly speculation. This may be a historical Pryder.
Back to the Welsh Triads
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