Eoghan, in Scotland, is pronounced Yō-hăn, and indiscriminately translated by Evan, Ewan, and Hugh. Several of the early kings, who are all numbered together in Scotland as Eugenius, were properly Eoghan, and Evan or Ewan is certainly the right Anglicism, though Hugh is made to do duty for these as well as for Aodh.
The same Eoghan seems in ăanother form to have supplied the Welsh Evan, or Evan may be intended for John. A certain Evan of Wales, claiming the blood of the Welsh princes, who became a mercenary under Charles V. of France, made a bold descent upon Guernsey, and was killed at the siege of Mortain-sur-mer, by what Froissart calls a short Spanish dagger, but his illuminator has made to look much more like a very large arrow. Welsh history takes no cognizance of him, but he is thought to be traceable in the national songs as Jevan Dovy.
Another translation of Owain is “apt to serve.” A British prince of Strathcluyd was called Uen or Hoen.[[102]]
[102]. Mabinogion; Morte d'Arthur; Tracts on Antiquities of the Northern Counties, by R. D. D.; Cambro-Briton; Jones, Welsh Sketches; Chalmers; Percy, Relics; Rees, Welsh Saints; O'Donovan; Hy Fiachrach; Owen Pugh; Highland Society’s Dictionary.
Section V.—Trystan and Ysolt.
The episode of Trystan is one of the most celebrated incidents of Arthur’s court, and has not failed to be treated by Davies as a magnificent emblematic myth.
The Triads begin by declaring that the three mighty swineherds of the Isle of Britain were Pryderi, Coll, and Trystan.
Another adds,—
The third swineherd was Trystan, son of Tallwch, who kept the swine of March, the son of Meirchion, while the swineherd was conveying a message to Essylt, to appoint an assignation with her.