[W] A speckled feline who swam ashore on Ynys Mon and ate 180 warriors. Cei fought with it and killed it.
[W] King Paris of France, “from whom Paris takes its name,” appears in the story of Culhwch and Olwen as a friend of Arthur’s who helps in the quest. The claim is not so far-out, for there was a Belgae tribe called the Parisi who settled, or had a branch who settled, north of the Humber (Yorkshire). The area has produced some of the most spectacular Celtic chariot burials (designated the “Arras culture” by archaeologists). [See The Parisi, Herman Ramm, Duckworth, London, 1978.] The Parisi, or their Gaulish branch, gave their name to Paris.
[I] It is suspected that Parthanán may be a folk memory of Partholón. He is a mischievous spirit who, at the end of the harvest, would thresh any corn left standing.
[I] Partholón was the leader of the third mythical invasion of Ireland. He murdered his father, Sera, and his mother, hoping to inherit their kingdom. When he failed he led his followers to Ireland and landed in Munster. Partholón discovered Ireland was inhabited by the Fomorii and their ruler Cichol Grinchenghos (the footless) and did battle with them. He went on a journey, leaving his wife, Dealgnaid, alone with his servant Togda. They had an affair in his absence. Discovering this on his return, he accepted the blame, saying it was his fault for leaving his wife alone. Varying accounts credit him with three sons and “a hireling” or with four sons. His eldest son appears as Eber, the same name as a son of Míl, the others being Rudraidhe and Laighlinne. The Partholónians are said to have introduced agriculture into Ireland, cleared the plains, and established hostels. They were killed by a plague.
[W] The brother of Nynniaw and a king of Britain. See Nynniaw.
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