Myths and Legends

The myths and legends of Britain and Wales are more than fantasy. They are cultural artefacts—stories shaped by politics, belief, identity, and power. Passed down through medieval chronicles, poetry, and oral tradition, these tales helped explain the past and legitimise authority in uncertain times.

This collection brings together our in-depth articles on British and Welsh myths and legends, exploring where story meets history and how legend was used to shape meaning, memory, and nationhood.

Merlin

Merlin, the enigmatic wizard of British legend, emerges from the mists of Celtic myth as a prophet, shape-shifter, and counsellor—born of a mortal woman and an incubus, he guided kings with unearthly foresight, engineered the raising of Stonehenge, and shaped the destiny of Arthur before vanishing into the wilds, a figure whose magic still haunts the imagination as both protector and harbinger of fate.
Read All Articles About Merlin

King Arthur

King Arthur, the once and future king of British legend, stands as the shining heart of medieval myth—a noble warrior who gathered the greatest knights at the Round Table, wielded the enchanted sword Excalibur, sought the Holy Grail, and defended Britain against Saxon invaders—yet whose true existence remains tantalisingly out of reach, a figure born from ancient Celtic tales, Geoffrey of Monmouth’s vivid inventions, and the romantic dreams of later centuries.
King Arthur

King Arthur

King Arthur’s legend is deeply intertwined with Wales, where ancient chronicles, mythic tales and historical upheaval...
Read more
Read All Articles About King Arthur

Welsh Dragon

The Welsh dragon, fierce red symbol of Wales since the ninth century, served as battle standard for Cadwaladr ap Cadwallon, was triumphantly raised by Henry Tudor at Bosworth in 1485 to proclaim his Welsh heritage and royal claim, and remains today the proud, defiant emblem at the heart of the national flag.
Read All Articles About The Welsh Dragon