Lludd Llaw Ereint, also known as “Lludd of the Silver Hand,” is a legendary hero from Welsh mythology, believed to be the source of the figure King Lud in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain. As Nudd Llaw Ereint, his earlier name, which is cognate with the Irish Nuada Airgetlám and connected to the Romano-British deity Nodens, he is the father of Gwyn ap Nudd. His father is Beli Mawr, son of Manogan.
In the Mabinogion tale of Lludd and Llefelys, Lludd reigns as the king of Britain, while his brother Llefelys rules Gaul. Lludd seeks Llefelys’ assistance to rid Britain of three plagues plaguing the kingdom.
The plagues of Lludd’s reign
The first plague involves the Coranians, a dwarf-like race from Asia, possibly representing the Romans.
The second plague features white and red dragons, symbolizing the conflict between the Brythons and Anglo-Saxon invaders. The dragons’ tumultuous battles cause devastation until they are captured and buried at Dinas Emrys in Snowdonia.
The third plague involves a giant thief who steals food and provisions from Lludd’s court. Lludd, with the aid of cold water to resist the thief’s sleep-inducing magic, confronts and overcomes the thief, eventually making him a loyal vassal.
Etymology
The name “Nudd Llaw Ereint” likely evolved into “Llud Llaw Ereint” through alliteration. “Llaw Ereint” translates to “of the Silver Hand,” with “ereint” possibly denoting a silver cup or bowl. The epithet “Silver-handed” reflects Lludd’s legendary attribute, and his name holds connections to ancient Celtic and Indo-European roots related to acquisition and utilization.
Lludd is usually equated with Nudd, due to the similarity of name, and Lludd’s name “Silver-Hand,” which corresponds with the Irish god Nuada, who is equivalent to the Romano-British Nodens. Nudd is considered a war god, as is Nuada. Sometimes, Llefelys is equated with Lugh Lamhada (Lugh of the Long Arm), based on similarity of name, though not of attribute. His story also parallels that of The Second Battle of Magh Turedh, wherein Lugh plays the role of Llefelys (sometimes spelled Lleuelys).