Welsh Legends & Myths
The Afanc
One of the strangest-looking mythical creatures, the Afanc was a lake monster that
could appear as a crocodile, giant beaver, or ugly goblin-like creature.
The Afanc was very dangerous as it would attack and eat anyone who dared to fish
or swim in its waters without permission.
The Llamhigan Y Dwr
Also known as ‘Water Leaper’. This strange creature lived in ponds, rivers, and
lakes. It was said to look like a giant legless frog with bat wings. It also had a long
tail with a terrible sting on the end. It could leap across the water with the help of its
wings.
The Llamhigan Y Dwr hunted for fish and the odd unlucky sheep that got too close
to its watery home. The Llamhigan Y Dwr was also deadly to humans that looked at
them for their appearance was enough to make people drop dead with fright!
The Draig
Dragons are an important part of Welsh mythology and identity. A red dragon is one
of the national symbols of Wales and it appears on their flag. One legend says that
the Romano-British soldiers carried a red dragon banner to Rome during the 4th
century. It was officially adopted as a symbol of Wales by the kings of Aberffraw to
show their power over the country after the Romans had left.
The red Welsh dragon has links to Arthurian legend as King Arthur’s father was
called Uther Pendragon. His name meant ‘Dragon Head’. There is also a legend
about a prophecy made by the mythical figure of Merlin who saw a great battle
between a red dragon and a white dragon. This was said to represent the long
struggle between the countries of Wales and England.
Gelert the Faithful Hound
The legend of Gelert dates back to the 13th century when Prince Llywelyn the
Great returned to his castle after a day of hunting to discover his son’s nursery in a
mess. The cradle was overturned and his favourite hunting dog, Gelert, had blood
on his jaws.
In a rage, Llywelyn killed Gelert. Only after doing this did he hear his son crying from
under the cradle. His son was unharmed and the blood had been from a huge wolf
who Gelert had killed. Realising his mistake, Llywelyn took the body
of Gelert outside of his castle walls and buried him so everyone could visit his grave
and hear the story of his loyalty.
You can still visit Gelert’s grave in the village of Beddgelert in North Wales. A small
cairn of stones marks the spot. The word ‘Beddgelert’ means ‘the grave of Gelert’.
Cantre'r Gwaelod
Cantre'r Gwaelod is the story of a mythical kingdom that lay beneath the waters
of Cardigan Bay in West Wales. The ruler of Cantre'r Gwaelod was called Gwyddno
Garanhir. He loved his kingdom very much and was very upset when he lost it in a
great flood. People believed that if you stand on the shores of Cardigan Bay during
a storm you could hear the bells of Cantre'r Gwaelod ringing.
Adar Rhiannon
Also known as ‘the birds of Rhiannon’. They are three birds whose song could wake
the dead and send the living to sleep. They also had the power to make people forget
terrible memories and feel comforted by a sense of joy. These birds could even stop
you from aging.
The birds were associated with the goddess Rhiannon who was also the Queen of
Dyfed. She appears in the Mabinogion: a collection of Welsh myths and
legends. Rhiannon is originally from the magical Otherworld and crosses over to
marry Pwyll, the King of Dyfed.
