Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Myths & Legends
Considering Wales' lyrical language, complex history, fairy-tale landscape and wealth of
mysterious ancient sites, it's hardly surprising that Welsh culture is rich in legend and
mythology. Embellished by generations of storytellers, musicians and poets, these tales of
supernatural strength, magic, grotesque beasts and heroic adventurers offer an insight into
the pagan Celtic world.
WALES IN WORDS
Wales: Epic Views of a Small Country
(Jan Morris; 2000) A love letter to Wales cele- brating the origins of its
culture.
Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog
(Dylan Thomas; 1940) Captures lovely-ugly Swansea and evokes the stoic
spirit of early-20th-century South Wales.
Neighbours from Hell
(Mike Parker; 2007) Informed look at Anglo-Welsh rivalry.
Skirrid Hill
(Owen Sheers; 2005) Imagery-rich collection of poetry.
Sheepshagger
(Niall Griffiths; 2002) A dark, gritty take on Welsh life.
The Mabinogion
(Penguin Classics; 1976) Classic collection of folk tales.
The Red Dragon
One of the first mythical beasts in British heraldry, the red dragon is a powerful symbol in
ancient legends. It was apparently used on the banners of British soldiers on their way to
Rome in the 4th century, and was then adopted by Welsh kings in the 5th century to
demonstrate their authority after the Roman withdrawal. The Anglo-Saxon King Harold,
and Cadwaladr, the 7th-century king of Gwynedd, liked it so much they used it for their
standards in battle, forever associating the symbol with Wales. In the 14th century Welsh
archers used the red dragon as their emblem, and Owain Glyndwr used it as a standard in
his revolt against the English crown. A century later, Henry Tudor (later King Henry VII)
made the dragon part of the Welsh flag, though it was only in 1959 that Queen Elizabeth II
commanded that the red dragon, on a green-and-white field, be recognised as the official
flag of Wales.
King Arthur
King Arthur has inspired more legends and folk tales, and given his name to more features
of the landscape in Wales, than any other historical figure. He is mentioned in the oldest
