There it is mentioned, among the armorial ensigns of the counties of Wales:Ĭrumlyn Lake, near the quaint village of Briton Ferry, is one of the many in Wales which are a resort of the elfin dames.

The only reference to Welsh mermaids I have either read or heard is contained in Drayton's account of the Battle of Agincourt. This sub-aqueous realm is peopled by those children of mystery termed Plant Annwn, and the belief is current among the inhabitants of the Welsh mountains that the Gwragedd Annwn still occasionally visit this upper world of ours. In the realm of faerie they serve as avenues of communication between this world and the lower one of annwn, the shadowy domain presided over by Gwyn ap Nudd, king of the fairies. These romantic sheets are surrounded with numberless superstitions, which will be further treated of.

Their haunt is the lakes and rivers, but especially the wild and lonely lakes upon the mountain heights. The Gwragedd Annwn are not fishy of aspect, nor do they dwell in the sea. I find no resemblance in the Welsh fairy to our familiar mermaid, beyond the watery abode, and the sometimes winning ways. THE Gwragedd Annwn (literally, wives of the lower world, or hell) are the elfin dames who dwell under the water. The Gwragedd Annwn, or Dames of Elfin Land-St Patrick and the Welshmen a Legend of Crumlyn Lake-The Elfin Cow of Lyn Barfog-Y Fuwch Laethwen Lefrith-The Legend of the Meddygon Myddfai-The Wife of Supernatural Race-The Three Blows a Carmathenshire Legend-Cheese and the Didactic Purpose in Welsh Folk-Lore-The Fairy Maiden's Papa-The Enchanted Isle in the Mountain Lake-Legend of the Men of Ardudwy-Origin of the Water Fairies-Their prevalence in many Lands Sacred Texts Sagas and Legends Celtic Index Previous Next British Goblins: Welsh Folk-lore, Fairy Mythology, Legends and Traditions: Chapter III: Lake Fairies

British goblins