Helig ap Glanawg facts for kids
Helig ap Glanawg (also spelled Helig ap Glannog) is a famous person from old Welsh legends. Stories from the 1200s say he was a prince who lived in North Wales around the 500s.
Ancient traditions tell us that the river Conwy once flowed into the sea near the Great Orme in Llandudno. To the west of this area was a large piece of land called Gwaelod. This land stretched all the way to Puffin Island, which is off the coast of Anglesey. Helig ap Glanawg was said to have lived here. But then, the sea covered his land. This created the Lavan Sands, which you can see today between the Great Orme's Head and the Menai Strait.
The legend says that parts of Llys Helig, which means Helig's Palace, can sometimes be seen. This happens during very low tides. These "remains" are actually natural rock formations left by glaciers. They are near the Conwy channel, about a mile off the coast of Penmaenmawr. The name Llys Helig for these rocks first appeared in a book from 1859. This book is thought to be based on writings from the early 1600s.
Helig's Sons
After his land was flooded, Helig and his many sons are said to have become very religious. They chose to live a holy life. Here are some of his sons, according to different stories:
- Celynin: A church is named after him in Llangelynin in the Conwy valley. Another church is also named after him near Llwyngwril.
- Rhychwyn: This saint is linked to the church at Llanrhychwyn.
- Bodfan: The church at Llanaber, in Gwynedd, is named for him.
- Brothen: He started the St Brothen's Church, Llanfrothen.
- Peris: He founded the churches in Llanberis and Nant Peris.
- Boda and Gwynin: They started the church in Dwygyfylchi, near Penmaenmawr.
Similar Legends: Cantre'r Gwaelod
The story of Helig's sunken land is very similar to another Welsh legend. This is the tale of Cantre'r Gwaelod, another kingdom said to be lost under the sea. Cantre'r Gwaelod is located in Cardiganshire.
Just like with Llys Helig, people say they can see parts of Cantre'r Gwaelod when the tide is very low. Experts believe these two stories might have influenced each other. They think the legends of sunken lands are very common around the world. It is possible that both stories started from the same idea. Then, they were told in different places, linked to two famous figures from the 500s. One old book even calls Helig "Lord of Cantre'r Gwaelod."
Some stories about both Cantre'r Gwaelod and Llys Helig share specific details. For example, people claim they can hear bells ringing under the waves. They also say that ruins can be seen during special low tides. These details help make the legends feel more real to people.
