Lleu

Lleu is a Welsh masculine name that is likely a form of the Gaulish mythological name Lugus. It is most famously borne by the hero Lleu Llaw Gyffes ('Lleu of the Skillful Hand'), a central figure in Welsh mythology, particularly in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi.

Etymology

The name Lleu is derived from the Proto-Celtic *Lugus, whose exact meaning and etymology are still debated. Lugus corresponds to the Irish Lugh and the Gaulish Lugos; all are likely forms of the same deity or hero. Some scholars link the name to the Celtic word for 'light' or 'lynx', but no consensus exists.

Mythological Significance

In the Mabinogi, Lleu is the son of Arianrhod. His mother placed three curses on him, which directed that he would never have a name, never bear arms, and never marry a human wife. His uncle Gwydion, a magician, skillfully circumvented each curse. Through trickery, Gwydion compelled Arianrhod to name him 'Lleu Llaw Gyffes' and to give him arms. For a wife, Gwydion and Math fashioned a woman from flowers, named Blodeuwedd ('Flower Face'). Later, Blodeuwedd fell in love with a hunter named Gronw Pebyr, and together they conspired to kill Lleu. Knowing his precise vulnerability, Gronw was able to strike him with a spear as he stood one foot on a goat and one foot on the edge of a cauldron under a thatched roof. Lleu then transformed into an eagle and hid in an oak tree. Gwydion found him, healed him, and restored him to human form. With Gwydion's help, Lleu killed Gronw and exacted revenge on Blodeuwedd, turning her into an owl. Subsequently, Lleu became the king of Gwynedd. This story has parallels with the Celtic myth of the divine son or hero, comparable to figures like Mabon and Lugh.

Notable Bearers

Outside of mythology, the name Lleu is borne by a small number of modern Welsh people. A variant spelling, Llew, is sometimes used.

• Meaning: Uncertain; possibly related to 'light' or deity Lugus
• Origin: Welsh; related to Gaulish and Irish myth names
• Type: First name
• Usage: Welsh
• Prominent Bearer: Lleu Llaw Gyffes, legendary Welsh hero