Step into the spellbinding world of Welsh legend atop the soaring summit of Snowdon, or as it’s known in the heart of Cymru, Yr Wyddfa. Said to be the final resting place of the fearsome giant Rhita Gawr, the mountain’s name weaves together snow and story. Sometime after a fierce battle against King Arthur and his enchanted sword Caledfwlch, the giant was defeated and buried beneath a blanket of snow, leading the mountain to be called Gwyddfa Rhitta, or Rhitta’s Tomb, which eventually became Yr Wyddfa, meaning "the grave." Still today, this legendary peak whispers tales of dragons, heroes, and ancient magic with every step you climb, sharing rare fairy tales, myths, and magical legends from the heart of Cymru.
Sleeping beneath the rugged ridges of Snowdon, King Arthur and his loyal knights await the call to defend Wales in its darkest hour. Stories say that after Arthur's fatal wounding at Bwlch y Saethau, his men carried him to the summit. So there they laid him to rest in a cave, sealing the entrance with stones, where the knights remain in eternal slumber, ready to rise again when Wales faces peril.
Snowdon's summit bears the name 'Yr Wyddfa,' meaning 'the tumulus,' marking the burial site of the fearsome giant Rhita Gawr. Stories tell of a legendary battle where King Arthur defeated Rhita, who had crafted a cloak from the beards of his vanquished foes. Subsequently, Arthur's men buried the giant beneath a cairn at Snowdon's peak, ensuring his menace would never return.
Singing from the valley near Snowdon, a maiden helped rid the local villages of a monstrous creature known as the Afanc. So the villagers devised a plan: the maiden sang near the lake to lure the Afanc out. As the creature emerged, they captured it, bound it in chains, and dragged it to Glaslyn, where it was drowned, bringing peace to the region.
Situated beneath the cliffs of Clogwyn Du’r Arddu lies a mystical stone, Maen Du’r Arddu, said to possess magical properties. Stories hold that if two people spend the night beside this stone, one will be blessed with the gift of poetry, while the other may lose their sanity. Such a tale underscores the mountain's deep connection to the arts and the supernatural.
Snowdon's rugged terrain is said to be the resting place of ancient giants, including the mighty Rhitta Gawr. Stories suggest these giants were once fierce protectors of the land, but after their defeat, they were transformed into the mountain's peaks and ridges. So their slumber endures, with their forms etched into the landscape, serving as a reminder of the ancient beings that once roamed the earth.
Steeped in myth and magic, Snowdon’s legendary tales stir the imagination with stories of giants, kings, and enchanted creatures. Setting foot on this majestic mountain becomes even more magical when you walk in the shadow of its ancient folklore, making it an ideal spot for a snowdonia holiday rental. Stay in some of the most quirky places to stay in UK nearby to truly soak in the charm and storytelling spirit of Cymru. Seeking unique accommodation UK, such as a chapel rental UK, will lead you to incredible historic stays UK like the beautiful Salem The Blue Chapel. Simply Slip Into Holiday Mode, and your fairytale adventure can begin.
