Charlotte Guest
A cornerstone of Welsh folklore, the Mabinogion contains tales that have been adapted and reworked countless times, but none have a literary legacy quite like the Arthurian legends. Sourced from Lady Guest’s 1877 English translation, our new edition of the Mabinogion features twelve tales of heroes, gods, and magical creatures in an exciting odyssey of early medieval literature.
Welsh Landmarks of Arthurian Legend
Arthurian Legend Landmarks in the Mabinogion
The Sword of Excalibur — Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
At the heart of Arthurian legend is one of the most iconic symbols of power and nobility – the magical Sword of Excalibur.
Drawn from a rock and wielded by King Arthur himself, the Sword of Excalibur is said to possess unparalleled strength and power. In the Mabinogion tale ‘The Dream of Rhonabwy,’ the famed sword was cast into a lake by one of Arthur’s knights after his death, and it remains there to this day.
The lakes of Llydaw, Ogwen, and Dinas in the Eryri national park all claim to be the resting place of the magical weapon. If you take a stroll around their shores, perhaps destiny will intervene and the sword will call to you as it once did King Arthur.
The Hoofprint of King Arthur's Horse — Llyn Barfog (The Bearded Lake)
If you wish to witness the mark of one of King Arthur’s greatest battles, visit the banks of Llyn Barfog (the bearded lake) in Snowdonia. Just up from the water’s edge, you can find a stone bearing the hoofprint of the king’s valiant steed, Llamrei.
The imprint was left during a fierce battle between Arthur and the sea monster, Afanc. In the Mabinogion tale, ‘Peredur son of Efrawg’, the defeat of the deep-water dwelling beast is accredited to Peredur rather than Arthur, but the site of the battle is attributed to the same lake.
A Giant's Corpse — The Summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
At the summit of the highest peak in Snowdonia, Yr Wyddfa, you will discover a large pile of stones concealing the body of a terrorising giant.
Rhitta Gawr was a monstrous figure known to wear a cape made from the beards of his fallen enemies. The tale, as told in the ‘Legend of Rhitta Gawr’, describes the showdown between King Arthur and the giant as he ascended the slopes of Snowdon. Arthur vanquished the great beast, sending him to his death at the summit of the peak. His knights then buried the body beneath a mighty cairn of stones that still marks the giant’s grave.
The Welsh Red Dragon — Dinas Emrys
The Snowdonia mountain of Dinas Emrys is said to be the birthplace of the Welsh Red Dragon of Arthurian legend. From a castle atop the peak, Merlin observed a Red Dragon battling a White Dragon. Despite the white beast being more powerful in size and strength, the Red Dragon eventually prevailed and won the fight, becoming the national animal of Wales and featuring on the country’s flag. This tale is recounted in the Mabinogion’s ‘Lludd and Llefelys’.
Merlin's Grave — Bardsey Island (Llŷn Peninsula)
The wise wizard Merlin was a close friend of and trusted advisor to King Arthur. According to ancient Arthurian legend, it is on Bardsey Island, just off the coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, where he found his eternal resting place.
Bardsey Island has been an important religious site of pilgrimage since the sixth century, still marking the end of the North Wales Pilgrims Way today. Before you pay a visit to his sacred burial place, read of Merlin, presented as the bard Gwydion, in the Mabinogion tale ‘Math, the Son of Mathonwy’.
Arthur’s Court — St Lythans Burial Chamber
One of the key settings in the Mabinogion tale ‘Culhwych and Olwen’ is King Arthur’s court, where the main character goes to his cousin, the king, for advice. The story even features a list of the Round Table knights. Although the court is in Celliwig, Cornwall, this tale’s name influenced the naming of an ancient Celtic burial site in Wales, the St Lythans Burial Chamber in Wenvoe.
Arthurian Legend Landmarks that Don’t Appear in the Mabinogion
Arthur’s Stone — Cefyn Bryn Common
According to local legend, as King Arthur journeyed through Carmarthenshire in southwest Wales, he removed a stone from his shoe and cast it aside. Yet, as this pebble flew across the country, it grew larger and larger until it became a boulder and lodged itself at the top of Cefn Bryn, overlooking Swansea bay.
Camelot — Caerleon, Newport
Just five miles north of Newport is the small town of Caerleon, situated on the River Usk. Famous for its well-preserved Roman remains, including a fort, amphitheatre, and baths, Caerleon stands as a testament to Wales’ rich history. One of the legends surrounding this town is that it served as the inspiration for King Arthur’s Camelot.
Scholars believe that Geoffrey of Monmouth, the medieval writer who first popularised the Arthurian tales, may have been influenced by the town of Caerleon when creating the legendary Camelot in his work the History of the Kings of Britain.
Arthur’s Final Battle — Bwlch y Saethau (Pass of the Arrows)
If you take the steep path up towards the Yr Wyddfa summit, you will come to Bwlch y Saethau nestled among the craggy peaks. A poignant testament to Arthurian legend, the dangerous pass is said to be the site of King Arthur’s final battle, where he was fatally wounded by an arrow.
Arthur’s Journey to Avalon — Llyn Llydaw
Arthurian legend has it, the lake of Llyn Llydaw is the site of King Arthur’s final passage. Mortally wounded, Arthur was carried on the shoulders of his knights down from the high peaks of Snowdon to the quiet shores of Llyn Llydaw. There, a boat, manned by three maidens, awaited him. The women carried the king across the waters towards the mythical land of Avalon, his final resting place.
This volume offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of the ancient Welsh text, presenting six essays that provide context and insight into the longevity of these enduring tales. Alongside the marvellous Celtic stories are Lady Guest’s own notes on the text, as well as extracts and entries from her journals.
