I've probably told the story of Gelert before but here it is again.Llywelyn, prince of north Wales, lived in the thirteenth century. One day he went out hunting and when he returned, his faithful Irish wolfhound, Gelert, covered in blood, was waiting to greet him. Puzzled, the prince ran to the cot of his baby son and found it empty but also blood-stained. In his grief, believing Gelert had killed his heir, the prince stabbed his sword into the dog's side. As the dog's dying cries rang out the prince heard another cry, this time of a baby. Looking around, he found his son unharmed lying next to the body of the wolf that Gelert had killed.
It's said the prince never smiled again.
You can see Gelert's grave in Beddgelert (meaning 'grave of Gelert'), a small village at the foot of Snowdon.
We took Elder Son and Daughter-in-law to visit Beddgelert. Elder Son needed to lay to rest the trauma he said he suffered as a result of me telling him the story of Gelert when he was just a small child.
I thought it was a good story; I didn't know he'd be traumatised by it!
9 comments:
I'm so pleased that you are all home again safe and sound. I've just read all your recent posts and can see that you all enjoyed yourselves. We looked out for you but it seems you didn't visit the Llangollen area this year! I was pleased that the weather was good for you. You must have lost pounds in weight on that trip up Snowdon so the treats were well deserved!
Forgot to sign Wendy (Wales)
I always liked that story.
I ha not heard the story before. Glad that George showed the correct reverence!
I've never heard that story, either. But one more thing to add to my list of places to visit next time. :D
Although I do not know all the interestinng Welsh literature, etc. You write about, it is interesting to me. However, the Gelert story would have tramatized me as a child, also. I am too involved with animals, especially dogs.
You DO have a death obsession!
Beddgelert .. another place i have been to but not for many many years , your posts are bringing back memories
What a sad story! I think I would have been traumatized by such a story, too, as a child. At least the prince did the right thing in memorializing the brave Gelert.
Post a Comment