#FolkloreFriday - The Afanc

Wales has its own ancient lake monster, and medieval storytellers couldn’t quite agree what it was.

The Afanc was said to dwell in the deep lakes of Wales, especially in Eryri (Snowdonia). Some described it as a giant beaver, others as a crocodile-like beast, and some as something far more demonic.

Its rage could cause floods and destruction, and entire communities feared the waters it haunted.

In some legends, the Afanc was finally trapped or dragged away by the strength of oxen in a classic battle between humanity and untamed nature.

Was the Afanc a warning about dangerous lakes? A memory of catastrophic flooding? Or something older still lurking beneath the surface?

Here’s to moonlit myths, quiet wonder, and the stories that refuse to be lost. 💙