bestiarium: The Afanc [Welsh mythology]When reading folklore tales and myths from around the world,

bestiarium: The Afanc [Welsh mythology]When reading folklore tales and myths from around the world, it’s often striking how many similarities you see, ranging from creatures that resemble one another and common themes shared by multiple countries to tales that are nearly identical. One theme that most (if not all) major mythologies have in common is the existence of lake monsters. Perhaps its just human nature to be afraid of deep, dark lakes and what may lurk beneath their surface. The Afanc is one such creature, from Welsh folklore. It supposedly dwelt within the Llyn Yr Afanc on the Conry river, and was often described as a huge beaver-like monster. The beast was eventually defeated when a fair maiden tricked it into trusting her and relaxing. The Afanc laid its head on the woman’s lap and went to sleep, but while it slept a group of men attached metal chains to its legs.The chains were pulled by two oxen to drag the monster out of the lake, away from the water where it had the advantage. The beast woke up and clutched the breast of the girl, tearing it off. But it was eventually dragged to land and killed. It was supposedly slain by Peredur – an early equivalent of the Percival character of Arthurian myth. Though some attribute the kill to king Arthur instead. In a different version of the story, the hero who killed the beast was wearing a charm with a magical stone that made the wearer invisible, allowing him to sneak up to the Afanc. Sources:https://testforbloggerandgadgets.blogspot.com/2014/03/mythical-creatures-in-welsh-folklore.htmlhttps://www.bestiary.us/afanc/enhttps://credence80100.skyrock.com/tags/kMW1dvd9RCP-Les-creatures-legendaires.html(image source 1: chahoo.jp/afanc)(image source 2: found on Credence80100.skyrock.com, I cannot find the original artist) Wasn’t the Arthur mythos based on Welsh mythology in the first place? -- source link

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