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The_Gwyddernan_by_Agent_Elrond

The Gwyddernan

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The Gwyddernan

To the people that abuse
the powers that they use
lawful yet unjust
Beware of the Gwyddernan.

To whom the untouchable must answer.


The Gwyddernan is a being unique to Antellonia, and probably the main reason the gods there are so well behaved. It's sole purpose is to act as a sort of arbiter to gods and other beings who think of themselves as above any moral obligations about their power. It is also incredibly old: Draconian history shows that it was ancient even before the dragons came to power. The name "Gwyddernan" is a direct transliteration of its title in Dragontongue, which sounds something like "GurwdthuROAAAAAAARRGerudddkrganAAAAn" and means simply, "to whom the untouchable must answer."

The above picture is how is appears to humans and human gods: it has the head of an owl falcon and tattered wings, with talons for hands and maiden's feet. It always appears with an unsheathed sword made of truth in it right talon, and a scroll made of guilt in its left. It is said that the skulls of the unjustly slain gather about its feet, and moss grows where it walks.

The Gwyddernan is seldom seen, worshiped by none, and the one thing that all gods fear.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nine days and many, many hours with prismacolor pencils on 9"x12" paper.

The Gwyddernan and associated prose is © myself.

Enjoy

Details

Submitted by: Agent Elrond

Posted: Aug 24, 2007 4:37 pm

Completed: Apr 11, 2007

crit Critiques (12)

Galleries: Fantasy, Finished Work, Mythical Creatures, Original Art

Keywords: the gwyddernan, the gwyddernan

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Saigith

Total Posts: 191

Aug 24, 2007 6:53 pm

Wow, I really love the little detail in this picture. I never even heard of Gwyddernan till now. Keep up the good work ^^

---

"One step closer and my sword shall find a new sheath."

Lael quote

 

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Agent Elrond  (Reply)

Total Posts: 109

Aug 24, 2007 8:38 pm

Thanks, I'm so glad you like it!

Ah, I don't think you would have heard of ol' Gwyddy: it's a creation of my own brain. [emoticon] Antellonia (as mentioned in my artist's comment) is my original fantasyland in which most of my work is set. (Except the fanart, duh.)

---

Never underestimate someone with a dragon on their shoulder.

Saigith  (Reply)

Total Posts: 191

Aug 25, 2007 5:56 am

Heh, sorry I didn't notice that [emoticon] Still, a good picture nonetheless ^^

---

"One step closer and my sword shall find a new sheath."

Lael quote

 

Agent Elrond  (Reply)

Total Posts: 109

Aug 25, 2007 7:08 pm

That's okay! I'm really flattered, actually. I know something is good when people can't tell right away that I made it up on my own.

[emoticon]

---

Never underestimate someone with a dragon on their shoulder.

Saigith  (Reply)

Total Posts: 191

Aug 25, 2007 7:20 pm

I'm being serious. I actually thought it was an eastern myth or something just by reading the description [emoticon]

---

"One step closer and my sword shall find a new sheath."

Lael quote

 

Agent Elrond  (Reply)

Total Posts: 109

Aug 25, 2007 7:24 pm

Wow!

That is so cool. [emoticon] Reading that just made my day!

*does happy dance of joy*

---

Never underestimate someone with a dragon on their shoulder.

Saigith  (Reply)

Total Posts: 191

Aug 25, 2007 7:29 pm

Hehe, you're welcome [emoticon]

---

"One step closer and my sword shall find a new sheath."

Lael quote

 

Runic Tunic

Total Posts: 60

Aug 24, 2007 9:34 pm

This is pretty cool. The name Gwyddernan almost seems Welsh or Anglo. Was this inspired by Northern European mythology at all? Anyway, it's a sweet piece.

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Sorrow is lightened by being brought out openly. -The Saga of Sigurd the Crusader

 

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Agent Elrond  (Reply)

Total Posts: 109

Aug 25, 2007 7:23 pm

Thanks, I'm glad you like it!

Hmm, you know, I love all mythology and this one just sort of came out of a grand mush of stuff. But yes, the word "Gwyddernan" was inspired by a lot of those Welsh and Celtic words, although it is infinitely more pronoucneable. [emoticon]

Ah, if you go up and read the Artist's comment, I've left another explanation for its name, which doesn't have anything at all to do with Welsh or Anglo or Celtic, and more to do with the way my imagination works.

Thanks again, and my I say you have an AWESOME username. [emoticon]

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Never underestimate someone with a dragon on their shoulder.

Mars

Total Posts: 81

Aug 25, 2007 5:39 am

I love the dark atmosphere created, and I love when there is a story/meaning attached to art. This one is very interesting, Ive never heard it befire [emoticon]

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Agent Elrond  (Reply)

Total Posts: 109

Aug 25, 2007 7:13 pm

Thanks so much — I'm so glad you like it!

Ah, yes, the Gryddernan is actually from my original fantasyland. I noticed how, in a lot of fantasy, gods seems to have altogether too much fun for their own good, so I made up a creature they have to answer to.

And yes, I tend to make up stories to go along with my pictures, but more often the picture comes out of a story I've thought of. It's a great way to trade inspiration: picture inspires story, story inspires more pictures... I just can't stop!

[emoticon]

Thanks again!

---

Never underestimate someone with a dragon on their shoulder.

Mars  (Reply)

Total Posts: 81

Aug 26, 2007 7:27 am

I know exactly what you mean, some of my drawings come from my own stories, (but I haven't put of them up yet!).
Yeah, you're right, the gods going about smiting people too much, hehe! [emoticon]