The Legend of Gelert

Beddgelert is a village in the Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. The name means "Gelert's Grave".

The village centre

Gelert was a hound (probably deer or wolf) belonging to the 13th century Prince Llewelyn.

The Legend is told on Gelerts grave, just outside the village

This is what it says:

"In the 13th century Llewelyn, prince of North Wales, had a palace at Beddgelert. One day he went hunting without Gelert, "The Faithful Hound", who was unaccountably absent.On Llewelyn's return the truant, stained and smeared with blood, joyfully sprang to meet his master. The prince alarmed hastened to find his son, and saw the infant's cot empty, the bedclothes and floor covered with blood.The frantic father plunged his sword into the hound's side, thinking it had killed his heir. The dog's dying yell was answered by a child's cry.Llewelyn searched and discovered his boy unharmed, but near by lay the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert had slain.The prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again. He buried Gelert here".

Now I'm  the first to admit that I might not be the best dog to offer advice on child care, but who in their right mind goes out hunting all day and leaves a baby alone with the dog?! Gelert may have been exceptional, but surely not even he could organise feeds and nappy changes... Just as well it was the 13th century or Social Services would be kicking his door down in the rush to move the baby to a place of safety!  And where was Princess Llewelyn while all this was going on? Or had the baby's mother met a sticky end the last time the Prince flew into a rage? Just something to think about........!

I think Gelert & I might have got on.......