Twrch Trwyth (Welsh Mythology) from the Mabinogion

Twrch Trwyth is a fascinating figure from Welsh mythology, prominently featured in the Mabinogion, specifically in the tale Culhwch and Olwen. It’s a monstrous, magical boar is a human king transformed into a beast as divine punishment. In Culhwch and Olwen, Twrch Trwyth is a central antagonist in a quest assigned to Culhwch by the giant Ysbaddaden. To win Olwen’s hand, Culhwch must retrieve a comb, razor, and shears tucked between Twrch Trwyth’s ears—items needed for the giant’s grooming. This leads to an epic hunt led by King Arthur and his warriors across Wales, Ireland, and beyond.