Branwen Daughter of Llyr

Throughout the story, Branwen Daughter of Llyr, the author uses the motif the troublemaker to keep things moving along. The troublemaker, Efnisien, is who causes the uproar between the king of Ireland, Matholwch, and the king of the Island of the Mighty, Bendigeidfran, by mutilating Matholwch's horses. Efnisien maims the horses because he decides that it was wrong of the council to make the decision to bestow Branwen upon Matholwch without his consent. This then causes Matholwch to become hostile until Bendigeidfran makes peace and they come to an agreement. A few years later, Efnisien's little act comes to life again when some of Matholwch's subjects remind him of the shameful trick played on him over his horses. Once more there is two angered kings. Bendigeidfran then sets off to cross over the deep water to Ireland to settle this issue. After he arrives, things seemed to be going well and peace was at hand,until Efnisien decides to throw, the upcoming king of Ireland, Gwern son of Matholwch, headlong into a blazing fire, causing a great quarrel. It was because of this act that Bendigeidfran was poisoned with a spear and had to end his life along with that of many others. It was because of Efnisien that seven men set off to bury Bendigeidfran's head in the White Mount in London, their journey only taking them eighty-seven years to complete.