This is Gelert's Grave in the village of Beddgelert in
Snowdonia, North Wales - the name is Welsh for "grave of Gelert".
Gelert was a hound that belonged to Llewelyn, Prince of
Wales in the 13th century. The story goes that Llewelyn was away from home when
a wolf came to his house and attacked his baby son, but Gelert fought the wolf
and saw it off, despite being injured.
When Llewelyn came home he could not see the child, but he
did see Gelert, covered in blood. He drew the conclusion that Gelert had killed
his son and immediately killed the dog. However, as soon as he had done so he
heard the baby crying and discovered where Gelert had hidden him in safety from
the wolf.
Llewelyn never forgave himself for his rash action, and he
made sure that Gelert had a fitting memorial.
(The photo is not mine, but is taken from a copyright-free
source)
© John Welford
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