Beddgelert is a picturesque village located in the Snowdonia National Park, in North Wales. The village holds a special place in Welsh folklore, and has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore the legends and stories that surround it.
One of the most well-known stories associated with Beddgelert is the legend of Gelert. According to the story, Llywelyn the Great, a prince of Gwynedd, had a faithful dog named Gelert. One day, while the prince was out hunting, he returned to find his home in disarray and his baby son missing. Gelert was covered in blood, and Llywelyn, assuming the dog had killed his son, drew his sword and killed Gelert in a fit of rage.
As he searched the house, Llywelyn heard the cries of his son, who had been safely hidden from danger by Gelert. In remorse, Llywelyn buried Gelert in a nearby field and erected a stone monument in his honor. This spot is now known as Beddgelert, or “Gelert’s Grave.”
Beddgelert is also associated with other legends and stories. One of the most famous is that of Prince Llywelyn’s hunting lodge, which is said to have stood where the village now stands. According to the legend, the lodge was destroyed by a great flood caused by the wrath of a local witch who had been offended by the prince.
Another legend tells the story of Dinas Emrys, a hill located near Beddgelert. The story goes that King Vortigern attempted to build a castle on the hill, but the walls kept collapsing. His advisors told him that he needed to sacrifice a young boy with no father in order to stabilize the walls. However, the boy, who was actually the prophesied child who would bring down the king, instead revealed the presence of two dragons fighting beneath the hill. This led to the construction of a castle that would eventually become the home of the legendary King Arthur.
Beddgelert may be a small village, but it is rich in folklore and history. The legends and stories associated with the village offer a glimpse into the cultural and mythical traditions of Wales, and have made it a beloved destination for visitors from around the world.