For years, the land of Gwynedd has rested peacefully under the wise hand of King Math. But he is old and his heir, the headstrong wizard-prince Gwydion, has much to learn before he takes the throne. When Gwydion and his brother lead a raid to steal the magical pigs of the legendary Lord Pryderi, they set in motion a terrible force that transforms their world forever. And when Gwydion's beloved son, the beautiful Llew Llaw Gyffes, is born, he must bear the burden of his father's rashness and endure the terrible curses of his unwilling mother - cold, proud Arianrhod, in her tower by the sea. His fate is written in the stars, and not even the power of Gwydion nor the love of a magical flower maiden can save him.