Most Myths evolve. They take a story here and a story there. Here a Hero, there another hero...a villain or two...and in time, someone writes their version down. So it is with Y Ddraig Goch, the Red Dragon and symbol of Wales.
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| 5th century manuscript of Historia Regum Britanniae, Vortigern and the Red Dragon |
Recorded in the 9th century's Historia Brittonum, we find the tale of Vortigern the Saxon tyrant, who was determined to build a fortified tower. Men were called to the task and every day they worked from the break of day until the setting of the sun. Yet, all of their labors were in vain, for each night, something--or someone--completely destroyed the structure. Frustrated beyond measure, Vortigern turned to his wise men for a solution to this vexing problem.
Their gruesome solution? They told Vortigern that the only way to stop the destruction was to find a boy, born without a father, and then sprinkle the blood of this sacrificed child, completely around the foundation.
Vortigern's search led him to a child named Ambrosius and commanded his troops to bring him the lad. An interesting thing happened then. With his mother at his side, this seven year old boy demanded to know why his presence was required. He then began to prophesy. In that same meeting, he told Vortgern that he would never build his tower because two dragons, one red (fighting in behalf of the Britons) and one white (fighting in behalf of the Saxons), resided in a lake beneath the foundation. They viciously battled each other every night and would continue to do so until Vortigern gathered his men, and vacated the area. Vorigern conceded and in so doing, the Red Dragon prevailed..
Oh, and by the way? The child Ambrosius, is also known as Merlin, King Arthur's wizard...
You can read a little bit more about him here.
Updates for the Tour:
Over the course of the next couple of weeks you'll have two different opportunities to stop by, say hello, and enter the contest! Hope to see you all there!
June 23: Rogues Angels for a fun interview
June 23: Long and Short Reviews about paranormal romance and ghosts...
Upcoming Tour Stops:
July 7: Bookschatter
July 14: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
July 21: Books and Other Spells
July 28: The Reading Addict
August 4: Blog of author Jacey Holbrand
August 11: Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock - review only
August 11: Archaeolibrarian - I dig good books! - review only
August 18: Booklover Sue
August 25: CBY Book Club
September 1: Katherine Givens: Historical Romance Author
September 8: Laurie's Paranormal Thoughts and Reviews
You can find our Rafflecopter Giveaway right here!
I enjoyed reading the tale of Y Ddraig Goch. I have never crossed it before and I come to find I always seem to enjoy reading new Tales/Myths. I am so far enjoying following this tour and look forward to following the rest of the it.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Mysti! I'm so happy you enjoyed it. I love reading myth and folklore too! Thanks so much for the visit!
DeleteAWESOME tale, Debbie. I love tales of Merlin! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Mae! Merlin is one of my favorites too! I'm loving Myth and Magic... Reading is slow going but I hope to finish it soon!
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