Folklore of Wales

The Welsh have a lot of folklore – if you listen to us carefully, you may just walk away with some fascinating stories.

Most stories began with the Druids, who passed them along by speaking them aloud; this means that a lot of it has been lost, or perhaps changed over time.

Here is an A-Z of our mythological creatures!

Adar Llwch Gwin – a giant bird, somewhat like a griffin that can understand human languages and will obey the exact orders of their masters.

Afanc – a lake monster, alternately resembling a beaver, crocodile or dwarf, who may be a demon. Could be living in Llyn Llion, Llyn Barfog, Lyn yr Afanc or near Brynberian Bridge.

Ceffyl Dŵr – a shapeshifting, flying water horse, not unlike a Kelpie. In the North he is dark and forbidding, but in the South nothing more than a cheeky pest.

Cewri – here be giants! They once ruled Britain, until Arthur came to slay them.

Coblynau – gnome-like creatures which haunt the quarries and mines of Wales – only half a yard tall and very ugly, they are able to cause rock slides!

Coraniaid – dwarf-like creatures with an acute sense of hearing, they were one of the three plagues that affected Britain during the reign of King Lludd and may have come from Asia.

Cŵn Annwn – ghostly hounds which guard the otherworld and are generally considered an ill omen. They hunt in the mountain of Cadair Idris, foretelling death to all who hear their howls.

Cyhyraeth – a ghostly spirit which manifests itself as a moaning voice just before someone dies. They will moan three times, getting fainter each time, and may be heard just before a shipwreck. No matter how far from home a Welsh native is, the cyhyraeth will sound for them at their death.

Dreigiau – specifically red dragons, Y Ddraig Goch, are protectors of Wales, especially from other dragons.

Gwyllgi – a Welsh black hound which haunts the north east of Wales, appearing like a Dire wolf with burning red eyes.

Gwyllion – supernatural beings, something akin to fairies although often older, and uglier, they have disturbing laughter and enjoy misleading travellers.

Llamhigyn Y Dwr, or the Water Leaper – an evil creature living in swamps, it’s been described as a giant frog but with a lizard-like tail, bat wings instead of forelegs, and no hindlegs.

Morgen – water spirits, like sirens, which lure men to their death by using their own beauty.

Plentyn Newid – a changeling which initially resembles the human child it’s substituted for, but becomes more and more ugly in its behaviour and appearance.

Pwca – originally from Irish folklore, the pwca may be bringers of good or ill will that are able to take the form of horses, goats, rabbits, and occasionally humans.

Tylwyth Teg – something like fairies, they kidnap blonde children and replace them with changelings. They can be placated by offering a bowl of milk.