You simply cannot visit Wales without encountering “Y Ddraig Goch” – the iconic red dragon that adorns the Welsh flag, as well as most souvenirs you’ll end up buying in Wales.
The actual word for dragon in Welsh is draig but you’ll likely be more acquainted with its mutated form ddraig, occurring after the definite article ‘y’ (the). This is because draig is a feminine noun. (Masculine nouns don’t mutate after the definite article.) Note that ‘DD’ is pronounced in the same way as ‘TH’ in the English words ‘that’ ‘those’ or ‘then’.
The draig’s association with Wales can be traced back to Roman times. The Roman cavalry are believed to have used the dragon emblem on their standards and pennants. This emblem was later adopted by the Welsh kings in the early 5th century to symbolise authority. (Source: BBC Wales History)
Phrases and idioms using the word draig:
- Y ddraig goch ddyry cychwyn. (The red dragon leads the way.) – A line from the poem by Deio ab Iauan Du. It was added to the Royal Badge of Wales in 1953.
How do you say Dragon in Welsh?
OK… here we go
- Tân = Fire.
- y = of the.
- Ddraig (actually “Draig” but because it comes after a vowel – “y” is one of those extra vowels in Welsh – the first letter “d” is mutated to a “dd”) = Dragon.
Is draig a Welsh name?
The actual word for dragon in Welsh is draig but you’ll likely be more acquainted with its mutated form ddraig, occurring after the definite article ‘y’ (the). …
What is the dragon on the Welsh flag called?
passant Gules
Is a Drake a dragon?
The drake is a dragon with four limbs, much like a lizard, although usually far larger in size than the average lizard. A particularly potent example of a drake in the natural world is the Komodo Dragon, a large species of minotaur lizard in Indonesia.
Why is a dragon on Welsh flag?
It is considered that the Welsh kings of Aberffraw first adopted the dragon in the early fifth century in order to symbolise their power and authority after the Romans withdrew from Britain. Later, around the seventh century, it became known as the Red Dragon of Cadwaladr, king of Gwynedd from 655 to 682.
Why do the Welsh wear red?
They appear to have been more common in south Wales. A small version in red wool was worn round the shoulders in north Pembrokeshire and are said to have been worn by women who helped to repel the French during the Last invasion of Britain.
Why is saber a female?
Shirou and Saber’s genders were swapped, mostly due to an experience with the novel Tsukihime because Type-Moon believed this would fit the modern demographic. Takeuchi had the idea of drawing an armored woman, which resulted in Saber being female.
Who married Merlin?
Guendoloena
Why do the Druids call Merlin Emrys?
According to the Great Dragon, Merlin’s birth had been prophesied by many cultures. The Druids, for example, referred to him as “Emrys” (The Beginning of the End). Life could be difficult in a village as small and isolated as Ealdor. Food was scarce and everyone was expected to pitch in and help with the harvest.
Table of Contents
- What is the Welsh name for dog?
- What is the Celtic word for dog?
- What is a good Irish name for a male dog?
- Is King Arthur a Welsh?
- What are the top 100 dog names?
- What are the coolest dog names?
- What is a Welsh Terrier?
Y Ddraig Goch
In Welsh, the dragon is commonly referred to as “Y Ddraig Goch”, which literally translates to “the red dragon”. It’s also sometimes known as the “dragon of Cadwalader”.
And if you think you may have already seen “ci” elsewhere, you’d be right. The “gi” in Welsh Corgi is actually “ci” in its soft mutated form!
What is the Celtic word for dog?
madra
The Irish Gaelic word for “dog” is “madra,” and there are other Gaelic dog-related words that might make great names for your pet. These include ‘Madigan’ (meaning ‘little dog’), Murphy (meaning ‘hound of the sea’) and Conan (meaning ‘hound.
What is a good Irish name for a male dog?
Male Irish Dog Names
- Aghy (Friend of Horses)
- Aidan (Little Fiery One)
- Angus (Scottish – Exceptional)
- Anlon (Champion)
- Brady (Spirited)
- Brendan (Prince)
- Brody (From Muddy Place)
- Carbry (Charioteer)
Is King Arthur a Welsh?
King Arthur (Welsh: Brenin Arthur, Cornish: Arthur Gernow, Breton: Roue Arzhur) was a legendary British leader who, according to medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries.
What are the top 100 dog names?
Charlie
What are the coolest dog names?
If you are still looking for more sources of inspiration, why not consider your dog’s gender. This can eventually help you narrow down your choices. Some of the coolest names for little male dogs include Gnome, Pip or Poco while names for little female dogs include Minnie, Tiny, or Wispy.
What is a Welsh Terrier?
The Welsh Terrier is a sturdy, compact, rugged dog of medium size with a coarse wire-textured coat. The legs, underbody and head are tan; the jacket black (or occasionally grizzle).
The red dragon, or “Y Ddraig Goch” in the native tongue, is a symbol of all things Welsh. Sitting front and centre on the national flag, it has proudly posed as the national animal for thousands of years. Like the unicorn in Scotland and the lion in England, there’s a grand story behind the beast. So, here it is.
Do dragons exist?
This is a question that baffles many. People have believed in dragons for as long as we can remember, and yet their origins are uncertain. Stories of fire-breathing serpents with wings span across the globe. And even now, you hear about sightings of the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland and the Seljordsvatnet in Norway.
Some say they were dinosaurs. But they can’t be, because dinosaurs died out way before humans even existed.
Others claim the dragon comes from a primal instinct. Our monkey forefathers’ main predators are eagles, leopards, and snakes. When put together, this combination of animals has a glaring likeness with what we understand as dragons.
A few argue we historically have used dragons as a scape goat for natural disasters and weather storms. Things we can’t control and couldn’t understand.
Where did dragons come from?
Dragons appear in all the continents, yet no two dragons are exactly the same. For example, the Chinese dragon is not the same as the Welsh. But the physical and psychological features are very similar.
The Egyptians depicted dragons in hieroglyphs. Zeus battled Typhon, an ancient Greek beast made of intertwined snakes, many heads, wings, and a fiery breath.
Dragon mythology seems to be on the mind of almost every culture.
What powers do dragons allegedly have?
Mythology depicts dragons living near or in water and caves. They’re said to manipulate the rain, but not enjoy being caught in it. They can breathe fire, fly, and are exceptional babysitters for gold and riches.
What about the Welsh dragon?
The Welsh word ‘draig’ means dragon, but also ‘warrior’ or ‘leader’. And the first tale of the ‘Y Ddraig Goch’ (the red dragon) was written around 828 A.D.
The legend begins with two battling dragons, one was white, the other red. King Lludd had trapped them in Dinas Emrys hill for thousands of years.
One day, King Vortigern decided to construct his new castle on this hill. He didn’t know the dragons resided there. And every morning, he’d wake up and his castle had been mysteriously destroyed. What was happening to his castle? He was bewildered and sought advice from those closest to him.
They instructed him to track down a boy with no father and use him as an offering. To Vortigern’s surprise, the boy he located was young Merlin, the most enlightened wizard to ever exist. Merlin wasn’t too keen on being sacrificed to keep the king’s construction project running smoothly. So, he unveils the truth about the two dragons.
Vortigern dug up the hill and released the dragons. The pair continued their battle until the red dragon was victorious; Merlin identified this dragon as the representative of the people of Vortigern. The white dragon was the representative for the Saxons. Vortigern’s people were the British who couldn’t be defeated by the Saxons. And this is how the Welsh people came to be.
Where can I see dragons in Wales?
The red dragon is the ultimate Welsh symbol. It’s on the flag, used by the Welsh Government, Visit Wales, and a bunch of sports teams. For those of you not of faint heart, you can try and see if you can track a dragon down.
1. Dinas Emrys
This is where the story of the Welsh red dragon began and there are still remains from Vortigern’s castle. It’s a superb site to explore, with rocks to climb, masses of greenery, and a fantastic view of southern Lyn Dinas in Snowdonia. What more could you want from a dragon quest?
2. Llyn Barfog
The gorgeous ‘bearded lake’ got its name from the encompassing rushes. Located at the top of the northern banks of the River Dyfi, also in Snowdonia. It is swimming in tales of King Arthur and that of a monster. People say it’s the primary residence of the Afanc. A humongous human-eating crocodile with demonic tendencies. Close by you can practice your dragon call at echo point and see if Afanc comes out to play.
3. Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall
The breath-taking waterfall is situated in the Berwyn Mountains and will cast a spell on you. It’s the highest in stature single-drop waterfall in Great Britain and has a magical past. This powerful body of water is home to a dragon named Gwbyr who munched on human bones. The dragon was defeated, so you might have to survive with living another day.
4. Caerphilly Castle
A mesmerising Medieval fortification found in South Wales that kept dragons for sport. It was built in the 13th century and is the biggest castle in Wales. It was an important tool in attempts to keep control of Glamorgan. And artificial lakes encompass the fortification, which make it look like something out of a fairy tale. You’ll encounter a dragon here in the Cadw’s dragon brood for sure.
Can I see dragons on a Rabbie’s tour?
Yes, there are variety of tours departing from London and Manchester that visit Wales. They range from one to eight days, so there is ample opportunity for you to hunt for dragons on your travels.
Marisha writes blogs and other stuff for Rabbie’s. She has a serious case of wanderlust and loves learning and exploring new places.
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In Celtic mythology, dragons are powerful symbols, viewed as creatures that protect the earth, stand side by side with the gods, and have great power. They are symbols of fertility, wisdom, leadership, and strength, and images of Celtic dragons can be seen in artwork, architecture, and even today, in flags, logos, and more in the Celtic area.
Here’s a look at the symbolism and importance of the dragon in Celtic culture and mythology.
What Is the Celtic Dragon?
In Celtic lore, there are two main types of dragons:
- Large, winged creatures with four legs
- Large, serpent-like creature with either small wings or no wings, but no legs
Dragons were depicted in numerous ways, but a common portrayal is of dragons with their tails in (or near) their mouths, effectively creating a circle. This was to demonstrate the cyclical nature of the world and life.
The Celts viewed dragons as magical creatures that are often portrayed next to Celtic gods. So powerful were these creatures that it was believed they could affect the lay of the land, and paths where dragons had passed were considered more powerful than others. They were viewed as symbols of power, leadership, wisdom, and fertility.
However, after the advent of Christianity, this positive perception of dragons began to change. Celtic dragons began to be depicted as monsters that needed to be vanquished. They were adapted into legends of Christianity, where they’re portrayed as monsters symbolic of evil that are eventually slain by Christian saints.
Meaning and Symbolism of the Celtic Dragon
While the belief in Celtic dragons hardly exists in the 19th century, they remain symbolic in modern times, especially in present-day Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Here are some of its meanings:
- Royalty and Power
Dragons have featured in several badges, flags, and other coat of arms in the United Kingdom. An image of a red dragon has been featured on the British royal badge, the king’s badge for Wales, and on the Welsh flag.
- Leadership and Bravery
Among the Celts, the dragon was a symbol of leadership and bravery. The Welsh word for dragon is draig or ddraich, which has been used to refer to great leaders.
In Welsh literature, Arthurian legends used the title Pendragon or Pen Draig, where the Welsh word pen means leader or head, therefore the title means chief dragon or head dragon. In the legend, Pendragon was the name of several kings of the Britons.
In the Vulgate cycle, Aurelius Ambrosius was called Pendragon. The brother of Ambrosius and the father of King Arthur also took the title as Uther Pendragon. As a king, Uther ordered the construction of two gold dragons, one of which was used as his battle standard.
- Symbol of Wisdom
The Celtic dragon’s symbolism of wisdom likely stems from the teachings of traditional Druid orders, as well as from the Merlin legend. In the book The Prophetic Vision of Merlin, dragons symbolize creative energies present within the land and every human being. When these energies awaken, they’re thought to bring magical gifts of wisdom and power.
- Symbol of Fertility
To the Celts, the dragon was a symbol of fertility, and seen as an indicator of the harvests and seasonal fertility. According to the Celts, dragons were conceived from the first living cell on earth. This was fertilized by the sky and nourished by water and winds.
- The Four Elements
In Druid and Celtic mysticism, the dragon is associated with the elements of water, earth, air, and fire. The water dragon is associated with passion, while the earth dragon denotes power and riches. It’s also believed that the air dragon brings insight and clarity to one’s thought and imagination. On the other hand, the fire dragon brings vitality, enthusiasm, and courage.
The Celtic Dragon in Mythology
St. George, St. Patrick, and St. Michael Slaying the Dragons
The patron saint of England, St. George is one of the best-known dragon slayers of Christianity. In The Golden Legend, he saves a Libyan king’s daughter from a dragon. The king shows his gratitude by ordering his subjects to get baptized. St. George is also one of the characters in the 1597 ballad of the Seven Champions of Christendom by Richard Johnson. Similar tales are found throughout European folklore, including Germany, Poland, and Russia.
In Ireland, St. Patrick is depicted as the dragon slayer, who killed the serpent gods Corra and Caoranach. As snakes aren’t common in Ireland, this story has caused much debate. Many scholars speculate that the portrayal of St. George of England and St. Patrick of Ireland killing the dragons are symbols of Christian dominance over Celtic paganism.
In British and Scottish folklore, St. Michael is a mythological hero figure who was recognized for eliminating dragons from the land. In these stories, the dragon represented the pagan influences beaten down by Christianity. In fact, many churches dedicated to St. Michael were built on ancient holy sites, especially the tower at Glastonbury Tor, which also shows that his legends have Celtic roots.
The Lambton Worm
One of the famous dragon stories is about the worm that haunted the region around the Lambton Castle. The term worm was the Saxon and Norse word for dragon. The creature is derived from Scandinavian mythology, which arrived in Celtic lands through the Vikings. It’s described as a dragon figure that resembles a serpent, sometimes an eel or newt.
In the story, a sacrilegious knight went fishing on Sunday morning instead of going to church. Unfortunately, he saw a strange creature, resembling an eel with nine mouths. Frightened, he threw it down a well, and went off to the Crusades. Unfortunately, the worm grew to an enormous size and turned into a monster, ravaging the countryside, and killing all the knights sent to kill it.
The worm was hard to conquer because its breath poisoned the air, and every time it was cut in two, it reassembled itself together and attacked again. When the knight came back from the Holy Land, he found his people in fear. Since he knew it was his fault, he promised to kill the worm. Eventually, he managed to kill the creature with his spiky armor.
In Arthurian Legends
As already mentioned, dragon tales and stories about King Arthur had been popular in Wales, a nation symbolized by a red dragon, before the 11th century. According to legend, King Arthur was the most glorious ruler of the Britons, a group of Celtic people inhabiting Britain before the Anglo-Saxon invasion in the 5th century.
The title of King Arthur’s father, Uther Pendragon, was inspired by a dragon-shaped comet that served as a sign of his accession to the crown. The comet appeared in the sky before the battle with the Saxons, where his brother Aurelius died. As an epithet, Pendragon can be interpreted as Chief of Warriors or Foremost Leader.
Some historians believe that King Arthur was a real warrior who led British armies against Saxon invaders, but no evidence can confirm his existence. In fact, the story was inspired by legends about great leaders like Alexander the Great and Charlemagne, though certain features of Celtic stories were adapted to suit feudal times.
The Celtic Dragon in History
In Religion
The ancient Celts were groups of people living in parts of Europe in the late Bronze Age and through the Iron Age, around 700 BCE to 400 CE. Neither the Romans nor Anglo-Saxons were able to successfully invade the region, so the Celts continued to thrive in northern Britain and Ireland, where Celtic culture continued to flourish into the medieval period.
After the Romans defeated Gaul in 51 BCE, Julius Caesar continued to invade countries surrounding Gaul. In 432 CE, Christianity arrived in Ireland with St. Patrick so many Celtic traditions were incorporated into the new religion.
When Catholicism took over as the dominant religion, old Celtic traditions lived on in their epic tales, including those of dragons and heroes. However, most legends became a combination of Celtic motifs and Christianity. It’s believed that the dragon’s popularity in European legend was a result of biblical associations of it with the arch-figure of diabolical evil.
The English term dragon and the Welsh draig are both derived from the Greek term drakon that means large serpent. In the book of Revelation, the dragon represents Satan the Devil, described as a great fiery-colored dragon with seven heads and ten horns. By the end of the Middle Ages, over 100 saints had been credited with their encounters with diabolical foes in the form of monstrous serpents or dragons.
In Literature
In Historia Brittonum, a compilation dating from the early 9th century, the dragon is mentioned in the story of King Vortigen. The mythical creature has also been featured in the medieval Welsh tale Lludd and Llefelys, which was also included in the History of the Kings of Britain, a popular source of legend about King Arthur.
In Heraldry
The symbolism of the Celtic dragon as an emblem of royalty has continued through the ages. During the 15th century, the dragon was featured on the royal standard of Owain Gwynedd, the king of Wales who fought a war of independence against the English dominance. The standard was called Y Ddraig Aur that translates as The Gold Dragon.
Later, it was introduced into England by the House of Tudor, which was of Welsh origin. In 1485, the Welsh dragon was used by Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth. As a result of his victory, he became Henry VII of England, and displayed the dragon on his coat of arms.
In Brief
The appeal of Celtic legends, especially their tales of dragons and heroes, remains strong in the modern times. The dragon has been an important symbol for the Celts and features in many tales as a symbol of power, fertility, wisdom, and leadership. The image of dragons continues to be seen in architecture, logos, flags, and heraldry in regions that were once the lands of the Celts.