Sarn Gynfelyn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sarn Gynfelyn |
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 Location in Ceredigion
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| Location | Ceredigion, Wales, UK |
| Coordinates | 52°27′06″N 4°04′55″W / 52.4516°N 4.0819°W |
Sarn Gynfelyn is a long, narrow strip of land made of small stones and pebbles. It stretches out into the sea from the coast of Cardigan Bay in Wales, United Kingdom. You can find it near Wallog, which is a few kilometers north of Llangorwen. It's also close to Clarach Bay, south of Borth, and north of the town of Aberystwyth.
Sarn Gynfelyn is one of several similar landforms along the coast of Cardigan Bay. These are often called sarnau (which means "causeways" in Welsh). Scientists believe these "sarnau" are actually very old banks of rock and dirt. They were left behind by huge glaciers during the Ice Age long, long ago. These banks are mostly hidden underwater.
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The Legend of a Lost Kingdom
For hundreds of years, people have told stories about Sarn Gynfelyn. Because these natural banks look a bit like man-made paths or roads, they became part of a famous Welsh legend. This legend is about a fabled sunken kingdom called Cantre'r Gwaelod.
What is Cantre'r Gwaelod?
Cantre'r Gwaelod is a mythical land said to have been lost beneath the waves of Cardigan Bay. The legend says it was a very rich and fertile land. It was protected from the sea by a strong wall with gates. According to the story, Sarn Gynfelyn was one of the main paths or causeways that led to this amazing lost land.
Why Did Cantre'r Gwaelod Sink?
The legend tells of a terrible mistake that caused the kingdom to sink. A guardian named Seithenyn was supposed to watch over the sea gates. But one night, he was careless and fell asleep or was distracted. The gates were left open, and the sea rushed in, flooding Cantre'r Gwaelod forever. The bells of the drowned churches are sometimes said to be heard ringing under the waves.
Similar Stories Around the World
The story of Cantre'r Gwaelod is a type of deluge myth. These are stories about great floods that destroy lands or civilizations. You can find similar legends in almost every ancient culture around the world. For example, it's often compared to the famous story of Atlantis, another fabled lost city.
Sarn Gynfelyn on TV
In 2006, a TV show called Coast from the BBC visited Sarn Gynfelyn. The presenter, Neil Oliver, explored the legend of Cantre'r Gwaelod. The show also looked at a "submerged forest" at Ynyslas. This forest is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of Sarn Gynfelyn.
The Submerged Forest
The submerged forest is also linked to the legend of the lost kingdom. At low tide, you can see the remains of ancient tree stumps. These are from oak, pine, birch, willow, and hazel trees. They have been preserved for about 5,000 years! This is because the soil they are in has very little oxygen, which stops them from rotting away.
