Llech Ronw facts for kids
Llech Ronw, also known as the Slate of Gronw, is a unique stone with a hole in it. You can find it in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales, near a river called Afon Bryn Saeth. This special stone is about 40 inches tall and 30 inches wide. The hole through it is about one inch across. This stone is famous because it plays a part in an old Welsh legend.
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History of the Stone
A stone that looked like the mythical Llech Ronw was found in 1934 by Frank Ward. He discovered it by the bank of a river called Afon Cynfal. People thought it might have washed down from an area called Ceunant Coch. A local woman remembered seeing it there before.
Later, around the year 2000, a stone similar to Llech Ronw was found along Afon Bryn Saeth. It might even be the same stone found in 1934. Today, the modern Llech Ronw stands on a farm called Bryn Saeth. This name means "Hill of the Arrow."
The Stone in Welsh Mythology
Llech Ronw is a very important part of a famous Welsh story. This story comes from the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogion, a collection of ancient Welsh tales. It tells the story of Math ap Mathonwy.
Lleu's Betrayal and Revenge
In the tale, a hero named Lleu Llaw Gyffes is betrayed. His wife, Blodeuwedd, falls in love with another man, Gronw Pebyr. Blodeuwedd and Gronw then plan to kill Lleu.
One day, Lleu is by the river Afon Cynfael. Gronw throws a spear at him. Lleu is badly hurt and quickly turns into an eagle to escape.
Later in the story, Lleu wants to get even with Gronw for trying to kill him. So, Lleu and Gronw meet again. They stand on opposite sides of the Afon Cynfal river. This time, Lleu is ready to throw a spear at Gronw.
Gronw's Request and the Stone
Before Lleu throws his spear, Gronw asks for one special favor. He says to Lleu: "Lord, I did what I did because a woman made me do it. Please, for goodness sake, let me put the stone I see there on the bank between me and your spear."
Lleu agrees to this request. He says, "God knows, I won't refuse you that."
But the stone does not protect Gronw. Lleu's spear goes right through the stone and kills Gronw.
The Stone's Name
After this event, the story says: "And Gronw Pebyr died, and the stone is there still on the bank of the Cynfael in Ardudwy, with the hole through it. Because of that it is called Gronw’s Stone."
Because of its look and where it is found, Llech Ronw is believed to be this very stone from the legend. It is known as Gronw's Stone.
Other Mythological Connections
The name of the farm where Llech Ronw now stands, Bryn Saeth, also connects to the myth. "Bryn Saeth" means "Hill of the Arrow." There is also a nearby farm called Llech Goronwy, which means "Goronwy's Slate."
Another hill in the area is called Bryn Cyfergyd. This might be the "Bryn Cygergyr" from the Mabinogi. "Bryn Cygergyr" means "Hill of Battle." It could be the hill from which Gronw threw his spear at Lleu.
Images for kids
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The Owl Service 'Stone of Gronw'
