Folklore of Wales

<p><strong>Wales is a Celtic country and the Celts have always treasured oral learning and recitation, with a passion for committing facts to memory rather than the written word.</strong> It is no surprise then, that Welsh folklore and story-telling is so rich and varied.</p><p>The landscape is studded with the remains of ancient monuments, which were seen as the creation of gods and heroes. Every lake had its legend, whether inhabited by a grim, monstrous afanc, or by a beautiful, enchanted maiden. Giants stalked the land, while fairies could be dangerous, demanding propitiation. Omens of potential marriage partners were avidly sought by girls, while ghostly death-lights – corpse candles – could be seen moving relentlessly towards those doomed to die. A whole world of the past can be</p><p>Individual chapters examine the role of the medieval church in oral tradition; legends associated with place-names; calendar customs; giants and monsters; omens and second sight; witches, ghosts and fairies; supernatural birds and animals; folk healing and herbal remedies.</p>