LLYN Barfog

Legend

The story goes that in the weed hidden depths of Llyn Barfog there once lived a terrible monster known as an afanc.  None today know what this monster looked like although suggestions have ranged from a ferocious crocodilian reptile to a giant carnivorous beaver.  Some say it had the ability to launch poisoned spines with which to slay unwitting passers by.  It is said that tired of the afanc stalking the land and terrorising people and livestock the local folk called upon the young King Arthur for help.  These events may actually have taken place before he was king whilst still a boy in the care of his foster family in north Wales at Caer Gai (that is Sir Kay - Arthur’s foster brother).  Arthur came to the lake and in order that he might reach the monster to slay it he threw a great chain around it and contrived to haul it from the lake.  Attaching the other end of the chain to his trusty steed Llamrai Arthur began this terrible tug of war.  Such was the strain that the hoof of his horse sank down into the very rock itself leaving a clear hoof print.  The chain held and rushing down to the lake Arthur quickly drew his sword and slew the beast.

Another version of the story claims that Arthur’s horse made the footprint whislt fleeing from enemies on the other side of the Dovey valley.  Finding himself cornered, Arthur’s only option was a leap of faith across the entire width of the valley.  This imprinted rock is said to mark where his horse landed.

There are other stories across Wales regarding the terrible Afanc, including at Bedd Afanc in the Preseli mountains and the tale of Hu Gardan in north Wales.  He too is said to have pulled an Afanc; this time from a river in the Conway Valley with the aid of some mighty oxen, and deposited the beast high up in Snowdonia in a lake known as Llyn Ffynnon Las. 

The supposed hoof print of Arthur’s horse at Carn March Arthur on the hill above Abertafol and Aberdovey.

To Contact Chris:

E-bost: legendarylandmarks@hotmail.co.uk

Date & TIME: 12/8/07 - 2/9/07

VENUE (LOCATION): Llyn Barfog, Near Aberdovey, found in the hills at SN 651982. 

ADMISSION: Free

ACCESS: At any reasonable time, access is via a steep and rocky footpath and therefore unsuitable for disabled visitors.

DIRECTIONS:  Best approached from the north from Cwm Maethlon, pass the farm and climb moderately along the marked path towards Llyn Barfog.

PARKING:  Parking is available at a small charge at the National Park car park in Cwm Maethlon.

For Further Details Contact Chris here.

The Artwork:

Drawing inspiration from a local legend of a monster living in the lake that was attacking local

livestock until the legendary king Arthur came and dealt with it,  the work would take the form of three inflatable balls of varying sizes, covered in fur, semi-submerged and anchored in the lake to give the impression of the monster’s back.  The form of the piece will be deliberately ambiguous and give the impression of a concealed form beneath the waters in order to intrigue the viewer and suggest possibilities far beyond the physical form of the work itself.  It will suggest ideas of truth and concealment throwing up ideas concerning the relationship between fact and interpretation particularly in relation to legend.  The form that a legend takes and the mental pictures that it creates may often be the result of hasty assumptions and false conclusions.