Wales is a country steeped in legend, where the mountains, lakes, and castles whisper stories of ancient kings, mystical creatures, and powerful sorcerers. From the timeless epics of the Mabinogion to the enduring tales of King Arthur, Welsh mythology is as rich as the landscapes that inspired it.

These myths have been passed down through generations, shaping the identity of Wales and leaving behind sites that still hold their magic today.

The Mabinogion: The Heart of Welsh Mythology

The Mabinogion is Wales’ most treasured collection of medieval tales, filled with heroic quests, enchanted creatures, and supernatural forces. These stories, written down in the 12th and 13th centuries but believed to be much older, are a glimpse into the Celtic past of Wales. They are not just fairy tales but legends deeply embedded in real places across the country.

Dinas Emrys: The Battle of the Dragons

📍 Gwynedd

One of the most famous legends from the Mabinogion is the tale of the red and white dragons locked in an eternal battle beneath Dinas Emrys, a craggy hillfort in Snowdonia. According to myth, King Vortigern attempted to build a castle here, only to find it repeatedly collapsing. A young Merlin (then known as Myrddin) revealed that two dragons were fighting beneath the foundations – the red dragon representing Wales and the white dragon symbolising the invading Saxons. The red dragon ultimately triumphed, becoming the emblem of Wales.

Visitors to Dinas Emrys can explore the ancient ruins and gaze across the wild Welsh landscape, imagining the echoes of the battle that defined the nation.

The Legend of King Arthur: A Welsh Icon

Although Arthurian legends have spread across Britain, many of the earliest tales of King Arthur have deep roots in Wales. Unlike later medieval romances that painted him as a chivalrous knight, the Welsh Arthur was a warrior king of supernatural strength, fighting off giants, witches, and invading forces.

Llyn Llydaw: The Lady of the Lake

📍 Snowdonia National Park

Nestled beneath the towering peaks of Snowdonia, Llyn Llydaw is said to be the home of the Lady of the Lake, the mystical figure who bestowed King Arthur with the legendary sword, Excalibur. Some versions of the legend claim that after Arthur’s final battle at Camlann, Sir Bedivere returned Excalibur to these waters, where it was reclaimed by a ghostly hand.

The hike to Llyn Llydaw is breathtaking, offering visitors a chance to connect with the ancient magic said to still linger in its depths.

Bedd Arthur: The King’s Final Resting Place?

📍 Preseli Hills, Pembrokeshire

Deep in the rugged Preseli Hills lies Bedd Arthur (Arthur’s Grave), a mysterious ring of standing stones. Some believe this is where King Arthur was laid to rest, awaiting the day he will rise again to defend Wales. The Preseli Hills are also the source of the famous bluestones used to build Stonehenge, adding another layer of mystery to the region.

Otherworldly Encounters: The Fair Folk and Hidden Kingdoms

Welsh folklore is rich with stories of the Tylwyth Teg—the Fair Folk, mischievous faeries who dwell in hidden worlds parallel to our own. These beings were both feared and revered, capable of bestowing great fortune or misfortune upon those who crossed their path.

Cadair Idris: The Chair of the Giant

📍 Snowdonia

According to legend, the mountain Cadair Idris is named after Idris, a giant and poet who was said to sit upon its peak to gaze at the stars. It is believed that spending a night on this mountain will either drive a person mad or grant them the gift of poetic inspiration.

The hike to the summit is not for the faint-hearted, but those who make the journey are rewarded with panoramic views that make it easy to see why this place has captured imaginations for centuries.

Bringing the Legends to Life

Wales is a land where myth and reality blur, where every mountain and lake tells a story. Whether you’re standing on the shores of Llyn Llydaw, gazing at the ruins of Dinas Emrys, or wandering the remote Preseli Hills, these landscapes breathe life into the ancient legends.

For those seeking adventure, history, or a touch of the mystical, Wales offers an unforgettable journey into its legendary past.

Are you ready to step into the stories?