Marvel Database
Marvel Database

Gwynn was a Celtic deity, venerated as the god of springtime and hunting. A member of the Tuatha de Danaan, he was deeply connected to the cycles of nature and often found himself in conflict with his brother, Gwythr, the god of winter. Beyond his mythological significance, Gwynn played a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of the Black Knight.

History

Origins[]

Deimne (Earth-616) from Mystic Arcana Black Knight Vol 1 1 002

Summoned by Lady Evaine

Gwynn was the son of Nuada, conceived during a period when Nuada temporarily inhabited a mortal host while serving as the King of Britain.[3] As a member of the Tuatha de Danaan, Gwynn was venerated as the god of springtime and hunters. His elder brother, Gwythr, was associated with winter.[4] Born in Sliabh Bladma, located in modern-day County Offaly, Ireland, he was raised by druids within the forests of the British Isles.[1] The region known as Gwynn's Woods in Tír na nÓg is named after him.[5]

Like other Celtic deities, Gwynn possessed superhuman physical capabilities. Renowned for his hunting, tracking, and archery skills, he always carried a quiver of arrows and a dirk crafted from unknown materials by Avalonian blacksmiths. As a child, he consumed the Salmon of Wisdom, granting him extraordinary knowledge and insight. His role as the god of springtime established a profound connection with the Earth Mother, Gaea.[1]

Adulthood[]

Deimne (Earth-616) from Mystic Arcana Black Knight Vol 1 1 003

A god's advice

Gwynn eventually became the leader of a wandering group of mortal mercenaries, bandits, and hunters known as the Fianna. Among his companions were the supernatural hounds called the Cŵn Annwn, originating from Annwn, the Celtic underworld. Gwynn also maintained ties with the Tylwyth Teg, a community of faeries residing near Llyn y Fan Fach, a lake situated in what is now Wales.[1]

Gwynn became entwined in a long-standing conflict with his brother Gwythr over Creiddylad, the daughter of Leir. Although she had been promised to Gwythr, Gwynn abducted her, prompting a relentless pursuit by his brother. This struggle repeated itself annually, with Gwythr reclaiming Creiddylad at the onset of winter and Gwynn seizing her again with the arrival of spring.[4][1]

Black Knight's Patron[]

Deimne (Earth-616) from Mystic Arcana Black Knight Vol 1 1 004

Recognizing Black Knight’s destiny as the “Hand of Fate”

During the late 5th century AD, the druid priestess Lady Evaine of Scandia sought Gwynn’s guidance regarding her son, Percival. Gwynn foresaw the boy’s destiny as the “Hand of Fate” and decreed that he undergo rigorous training. Percival later assumed the identity of the Black Knight, serving as Merlin’s chosen champion under King Arthur’s rule. When the Roman sorcerer Tyrannus, allied with Pluto, the Olympian god of death, attempted to seize Arthur’s throne, Percy confronted them both in battle and emerged victorious. Gravely wounded in the conflict, he was restored to health through Gwynn’s intervention. As Arthur’s reign neared its end, Mordred the Evil, the king’s illegitimate son, orchestrated Camelot’s downfall. Accepting his fate, Percy allowed himself to be struck down by Mordred, ensuring the passing of the old era and the emergence of a new age. To honor Percy’s sacrifice, Gwynn preserved his essence so that the Black Knight legacy could endure through his descendants.[4][1]

Attributes

Power Grid[7]
:Category:Power Grid/Fighting Skills/Experienced Fighter:Category:Power Grid/Energy Projection/On Contact:Category:Power Grid/Durability/Enhanced:Category:Power Grid/Speed/Superhuman:Category:Power Grid/Strength/Superhuman (25-75 ton):Category:Power Grid/Intelligence/Learned

Powers

  • Tuatha de Danaan Physiology: Gwynn possesses the conventional attributes of the Tuatha de Danaan though some of them are more developed.[6]
  • Connection with Gaea: As a god of springtime, he has a special bond with Gaea.[1]
  • Superhuman Strength: Gwynn is stronger than the average Celtic deity and can lift 35 tons.[6]

Abilities

  • Hunting: He is an expert hunter and tracker.[6]
  • Archery: He is an expert archer.[6]
  • Wisdom: Consumption of the Salmon of Wisdom granted him insight beyond his years.[6]

See Also

Links and References

References