Thread by @OwsWills

In the 12th century, the Prince of Gwynedd finds his son's cradle upended, his faithful hound drenched in blood.

Slaying the dog, a cry rings out – his baby is alive, hidden by the body of a fallen wolf.

Llywelyn Fawr is overcome with remorse.
He never smiles again.

THREAD 👇

The Gwynedd village of Beddgelert ("Gelert's Grave") is, according to folklore, named after the tragic canine hero in a chapter from the tales of Wales' great lost monarchies.

An evocative memorial to the legendary dog adorns the valley floor, visited by thousands every year.

However, variants of the tale appears in numerous cultures:

🇮🇳 India:
• Gelert = Mongoose
• Wolf = Cobra

🇮🇹 Liguria:
• Llywelyn = Shepherd
• Gelert = Sheepdog

🇲🇾 Malaysia:
• Gelert = Bear
• Wolf = Tiger

🇫🇷 Lyon:
• Gelert = Saint Guinefort
• Wolf = Viper

The earliest recorded Welsh version of the Gelert legend, written in the late 15th century, states that Llywelyn Fawr's favourite hound died of exhaustion after a long and arduous hunt, and was duly buried in the Beddgelert area.

In reality, the current "tomb" was a late 1700s marketing ploy by the proprietor of the nearby Goat Hotel, who attached the legend to the grave site to encourage tourism.

It's now accepted that Beddgelert took its name from a 7th century saint, rather than the dog.

Saint Celer was a hermit. He lived in a cave near Ffynnon Geler (the Holy Well of St Celer), Plasgeler.

The well was renowned for its healing properties, and was said to be visited by "such a concourse of people that no fair in Wales can equal it in multitude."

But the truth will never be as romantic or live as long in the memory as the fable of Wales' most revered hound, who was faithful unto death.

More 👉

🐕 bbc.co.uk/blogs/wales/en…
👶 myths.e2bn.org/mythsandlegend…
🐺 nationaltrust.org.uk/craflwyn-and-b…

The story of Gelert is just one of a growing collection of tweets on the many mysteries, legends, secrets and treasures of Wales.

In other words, there’s more where that thread came from!
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