Gelert facts for kids
Gelert is the name of a famous dog from a Welsh folk-tale, which is a traditional story passed down through generations. This legend is connected to the village of Beddgelert in Gwynedd, North Wales. The name "Beddgelert" actually means "Gelert's grave" in the Welsh language.
The story is about a prince named Llywelyn the Great and his loyal hound, Gelert. It is a sad tale about a terrible mistake, but it teaches an important lesson about loyalty and thinking before you act. This type of story, known as the "Faithful Hound" tale, is very old and can be found in different cultures all over the world.
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The Legend of Gelert
The story of Gelert is one of the most famous legends in Wales. It tells of the strong bond between a prince and his dog.
A Prince's Misunderstanding
According to the legend, Prince Llywelyn went hunting one day. He left his baby son at home, guarded by his most trusted dog, Gelert.
When Llywelyn returned, he was met with a shocking sight. The baby's cradle was overturned, and the baby was nowhere to be seen. Gelert came to greet his master, but his mouth was covered in blood.
A Sad Discovery
Llywelyn feared the worst. Thinking Gelert had harmed his son, the heartbroken prince drew his sword and killed his faithful dog.
As Gelert let out a final cry, Llywelyn heard another sound—the cry of his baby. He rushed over to the cradle and found his son safe and sound underneath it. Next to the baby was the body of a large wolf. Llywelyn then understood what had really happened: Gelert had fought and killed the wolf to protect the child.
Filled with sadness and regret, Llywelyn gave his brave dog a grand burial. The story says that the prince never smiled again after that day.
The Truth Behind the Tale
While the story of Gelert is very moving, historians have looked into where it came from.
Was Gelert a Real Dog?
Most experts now believe that the story of Gelert was not originally connected to the village of Beddgelert. The village's name probably came from an early Christian leader, or saint, named Celert.
The story of a faithful dog that is wrongly killed by its owner is a very old folk tale. It appears in many different countries with slight changes. People who study traditional stories, called folklorists, classify this tale as type 178A in the Aarne–Thompson index, a system for organizing folk tales.
The Grave in Beddgelert
So, why is there a grave for Gelert in the village? It is thought that a man named David Prichard, who owned a hotel in Beddgelert in the late 1700s, created the "grave" and promoted the story. He likely did this to attract more visitors and tourists to the area. His plan worked, and people from all over the world still visit Gelert's grave today.
At the site, there are two stone tablets with the story written on them, one in Welsh and one in English. The English version says:
GELERT'S GRAVE
IN THE 13TH CENTURY, LLYWELYN, PRINCE OF NORTH WALES, HAD A PALACE AT BEDDGELERT. ONE DAY HE WENT HUNTING WITHOUT GELERT "THE FAITHFUL HOUND" WHO WAS UNACCOUNTABLY ABSENT. ON LLYWELYN'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 THE SWORD INTO THE HOUND'S SIDE THINKING IT HAD KILLED HIS HEIR. THE DOG'S DYING YELL WAS ANSWERED BY A CHILD'S CRY. LLYWELYN 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. THE SPOT IS CALLED BEDDGELERT.
See also
- Jock of the Bushveld
- Saint Gelert
- Saint Guinefort
