The Bells of Llangorse Lake
Welsh legend says a wicked town lies drowned under Llangorse Lake, and its bells still ring. The lake's birds, it's said, sing only for the true prince of Wales.
What was reported
Llangorse Lake, Llyn Syfaddan in Welsh, is the largest natural lake in south Wales. Local legend says a town once stood there, whose people were cruel and greedy, and that the waters rose overnight to cover it. On some days, its church bells can be heard under the water, and its buildings seen on the bottom.
In 1188, the churchman Gerald of Wales wrote another story: that the lake's birds would sing only at the command of the rightful prince of Wales, and that they had done so for Gruffydd ap Rhys while Norman lords commanded them in vain.
Explanations offered
There's no drowned town, but the lake does hold a real secret: the only crannog, an artificial island, found in Wales. It was built around 900 AD as a royal home for the kings of Brycheiniog and burned in 916. Drowned-town tales may hold a distant memory of it.
- When
- Told since the Middle Ages
- Where
- Llangorse Lake, Brecon Beacons, Wales, UK
- Witnesses
- Welsh folklore and Gerald of Wales
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.
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