Story Summary
Discover the legend of Cantre'r Gwaelod the Sunken Kingdom, a lost Welsh land submerged beneath Cardigan Bay due to one man's tragic, drunken negligence.
In the fertile lowlands of Cardigan Bay once lay Cantre'r Gwaelod, a prosperous kingdom ruled by Gwyddno Garanhir. Because the land sat below sea level, it was protected by a massive embankment and sluice gates that were closed every evening at high tide. The responsibility for these gates fell to Seithenyn, a close friend of the king and a notorious drunkard. One night, during a great feast held in the king’s palace, a fierce storm rolled in from the Irish Sea. As the waves lashed against the walls, Seithenyn lay in a drunken stupor, neglecting to shut the gates. The sea rushed in with unstoppable fury, drowning the fertile fields and beautiful cities. King Gwyddno and a few survivors fled to higher ground, watching helplessly as their home vanished beneath the waves. Legend says that on quiet days, the phantom bells of the sunken churches can still be heard tolling beneath the water.
The Moral
Negligence in one’s duties can lead to irreversible catastrophe for an entire community.
“Still the bells of Aberdyfi ring out from beneath the waves, a ghostly reminder of a kingdom lost.”
Fun Fact
At low tide near Borth and Aberystwyth, the remains of a petrified forest can be seen, providing a physical link to the legend of a lost coastal land.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Cantre'r Gwaelod the Sunken Kingdom?
The moral emphasizes that personal irresponsibility and the neglect of duty can have devastating consequences for everyone. It serves as a warning that the safety of the community relies on the diligence of its guardians.
Where was Cantre'r Gwaelod located?
The kingdom is said to have been located in Cardigan Bay, off the coast of modern-day Ceredigion in West Wales. It stretched between Ramsey Island and Bardsey Island.
Is there any evidence that the Sunken Kingdom existed?
At low tide, the remains of an ancient petrified forest and peat beds are visible at Borth, suggesting that fertile land was indeed lost to rising sea levels over millennia.
Who was responsible for the flooding of Cantre'r Gwaelod?
Seithenyn, the keeper of the sluice gates, is usually blamed for being too drunk to close the gates during a storm. In some older versions, a maiden named Mererid is also blamed for a similar neglect.
What are the Bells of Aberdyfi?
They are the phantom bells of the sunken churches of Cantre'r Gwaelod. Legend says they can be heard ringing from beneath the sea during times of peace or approaching storms.
How does this story compare to the legend of Atlantis?
Like Atlantis, Cantre'r Gwaelod is a tale of a sophisticated civilization lost to the sea. However, while Atlantis is often linked to pride, the Welsh legend focuses more on the failure of individual duty and vigilance.
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