Dyrnwyn
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In Welsh mythology, Dyrnwyn or White-Hilt was a powerful sword belonging to Rhydderch Hael, one of the Three Generous Men of Britain (it was sometimes referred to as "Dyrnwyn, gleddyf Rhydderch Hael" or "Dyrnwyn, the sword of Rhydderch"). When drawn, it blazed with fire; if drawn by a worthy man, the fire would help him in his cause, but its fire would burn the man who drew it for an unworthy purpose. Dyrnwyn was also one of the Thirteen Treasures of Britain. It is possible there is a connection between this sword and Owain Dangwyn, a ruler of Rhôs. His second name means "white tooth" which perhaps refers to this sword.
[edit] Fiction
Dyrnwyn appears in Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain as the sword of Prince Gwydion. The sword was made by Govannion the Lame, by command of King Rhydderch Hael, and a spell was cast on it to protect it from misuse. A warning was engraved on the scabbard: "Draw Dyrnwyn, only thou of noble worth, to rule with justice, to strike down evil. Who wields it in good cause shall slay even the lord of death." It was the most powerful weapon in Prydain, but disappeared mysteriously with King Rhitta, the grandson of Rhydderch.
In The Book of Three, it is discovered by Taran and Eilonwy when they escape through the tunnels beneath Spiral Castle, and Eilonwy carries the sword until giving it to Prince Gwydion at the end of the book. It remains in his possession during the next three books of the Chronicles of Prydain, until it is stolen by a band of the Huntsmen of Annuvin at the beginning of The High King. Near the end of the book, Taran discovers it under a rock at the top of Mount Dragon, and uses it to kill the previously deathless Cauldron-Born. He then uses the sword to slay Arawn, and at that point the sword's magical powers vanish, its purpose fulfilled.
