The Welsh Dragon

The red dragon of Wales arises in ancient legend. As the story goes, King Vortigern tried building a fortress in Snowdonia but the walls kept collapsing. His wise men said to sacrifice a fatherless child and sprinkle the blood on the foundations. Such a child was found for sacrifice. But the child requested an audience, revealing dragons fighting underground caused the quakes. The king drained the pool, exposing a red dragon vanquishing the white – symbolizing the Welsh people defeating invaders. Some believe the child was Merlin, the great wizard. The first written account of the Welsh dragon emerged in the 9th century. Though its origins are legend, the red dragon remains an iconic emblem of Welsh spirit and pride. Find out more at www.historiesandcastles.com