The Legends of Cadair Idris

The Mythologist today explores the myths and legends that surround the Welsh mountain

Since we began our weekly dive into folklore over on Twitter we’ve explored two of Wales’ most harrowing and macabre myths. From the tragedy of Gelert the dog to the horrifying harbinger Angelystor, Wales is a land filled with mythology and so we’re rounding out our trilogy of Celtic tales with a look at one particular fabled location.

Cadair Idris is hallowed ground surrounded by a rich mythological history. From the legend that gave the mountain its name to the darker folklore that has grown throughout the lands history, Idris remains one of Wales’ most mythic locations. It is said that the mountain’s name, which translates to ‘Chair of Idris’, is derrieved from a warrior giant who built the mountain as a seat from which he could enjoy the majesty of the heavens. Unfortunately, many of the legends surrounding Cadair Idris aren’t concerned with the area’s immense natural splendour.

Instead, in our next tale Cadair Idris is the hunting ground of Gwyn ap Nudd, the lord of the Celtic underworld, who collects souls from high on the mountain. Helped by a pack of vicious, red-eared hounds, Gwyn ap Nudd is said to herd souls into the underworld never to be seen again.

At the heart of Cadair Idris is a glacial lake known as Llyn Cau. This is the home of another of the mountains myths. The icy black lake is said to be a prison for a Welsh water dragon who had terrorised the local people before being dragged up the mountain and set lose in the supposedly bottomless lake by none other than King Arthur. So, if you ever pay a visit to Cadair Idris, make sure you’re home before nightfall, listen out for a pack of hungry hounds and, of course, beware the dragon.

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