Math son of Mathonwy is lord of Gwynedd, and seeks a virgin as his wife. After searching high and low for a virgin, he is offered Arianrhod, sister of the wizard Gwydion.

As a test of her virginity, she is asked to step over a magic wand. But as she steps over the wand, a baby falls out of her, proving that she isn't a virgin. She turns and flees towards the door when something else, something much smaller, falls out of her. Gwydion seizes it before anyone else realises what it is, and it grows into a strong baby.

Arianrhod is ashamed, and vows the baby will never be given a name, weapons or a wife.