Prydain Wiki
Register
Advertisement
Caer Dathyl

Caer Dathyl was a golden fortress and city in the Eagle Mountains in the north of Prydain. High King Math and many of the Sons of Don, who built the great stronghold, lived here, including Prince Gwydion and Chief Bard TaliesinTaran judged it large enough to encompass several Caer Dallbens.

Physical Description[]

CD2

Caer Dathyl was a towering stronghold built on a high hill, from which mighty bastions rose golden in the sun, "like eagles impatient for the sky". Wind-tossed banners showed the Golden Sunburst, emblem of the Royal House of Don. Halls of ornamented wood showcased ancient weapons "of long and noble lineage".

Yet more than a stronghold of war, Caer Dathyl was a place of memory and beauty. Its "widespreading courtyards" were filled with armorers' shops, stables, breweries and weaving chambers, all overlooking a golden valley filled with clear streams, and a township clustered with cottages. Treasures of craftsmanship from every cantrev and Commot in Prydain were stored in various buildings inside its walls.

This page contains spoilers. If you do not wish to be spoiled, do not read further.
King-sutherland

History[]

The Book of Three[]

The Horned King gathered an army from among the southern cantrevs to march an army against Caer Dathyl. The rebellion failed after Gwydion confronted and defeated the Horned King, aided by the efforts of Taran of Caer Dallben and the Companions.

Golden warriors

The High King[]

Arawn's next, stronger move against Caer Dathyl came when a large force of Cauldron-Born assailed the fortress, aided by the forces of the treasonous King Pryderi. Pryderi's forces were fought to a rout, but the irresistible Cauldron warriors broke the gates, killed High King Math and destroyed the fortress. The deathless warriors hesitated for a brief moment on being faced by Math in his glory, but then proceed to cut the elder regent down.

Known Areas[]

Library Trajans
Golden-throne-room
  • Hall of Lore – Library filled with tomes and parchments, overseen by Taliesin.
  • Hall of Bards – Also overseen by Taliesin, only bards could enter here.
  • The Great Hall – Banners and hedges of spears crowded this wide space, where High King Math was brought on a litter draped with cloth-of-gold to thank the Companions for their service to the Sons of Don. Later, Taran met the High King here in counsel with prince Gwydion. It was also the place in which King Pryderi revealed his treason before the assembled warriors and nobles of the court.
  • Mounds of Honor – In the deep fastnesses of the fortress, within a "living glade of tall hemlocks", burial mounds rose in testament to "ancient kings and heroes".
Advertisement