Like most ancient castles in Wales, the Medieval castle Castell Dinas Bran is rich in history and surrounded by a flair for mysticism.
Located high above the small town of Llangollen, on the top of a great mountain, Castell Dinas Bran is also referred to as the Crow City Castle.
The castle was already in ruins in the 13th century, making it challenging to reconstruct its history.
However, historians think the castle was most likely constructed in the 1260s by Lord of Dinas Bran Gruffydd Maelor II, who ԀiҽԀ nine years later. The Celtic Ordovices and Dinas Bran are the site of an ancient Iron-Age hillfort, believed to have been the home of the Kings of Powys.
The giant revealed there is a hidden treasure and no one has found it yet. Credit: Adobe Stock – warmtail
How the castle got its name is still debated, and several theories exist. According to one version, the castle was named after Brân the Blessed, a giant and king of Britain in Welsh mythology. According to the Welsh Triads, the giant’s head was buried in London, where the White Tower now stands. People believed that Britain would be safe from invasion as long as it remained there. Nevertheless, King Arthur dug it up and announced the country would be protected only by his great strength.
Many fascinating legends tell Castell Dinas Bran is no ordinary place. Rumors started as soon as the castle was constructed. People claimed the castle was haunted, and few dared to spend a night there. Payn Peveril, a Norman Knight famous for his arrogance and boasting, decided to show everyone that unfounded rumors should not be taken seriously.
With 15 knights, Peveril made a pact signed with blood that stated they would spend an entire night Castell Dinas Bran.
The knights drank plenty, had a party, and then went to bed, convinced no evil powers were lurking in the shadows of Castell Dinas Bran. A local legend says a massive storm on that night and the lousy weather woke up the giant Gogmagog, who attacked the castle and its uninvited guests, Peveril and his knights in his fury.
Ruins of Castell Dinas Bran – Credit: Llywelyn2000 – CC BY-SA 4.0
There was a terrible fight between the giant and knights who managed to ᛕᎥᒪᒪ Gogmagog with a sword after long and tiresome struggles.
When Gogmagog took his last breaths, he told the story of how his rival King Brân the Blessed had built the castle attempting to save himself from Gogmagog’s attacks, but he failed. One day Brân the Blessed was defeated and forced to leave Castell Dinas Bran.
Gogmagog also revealed to Peveril and his knights that a hidden gold treasure is beneath the castle. Unfortunately, Gogmagog ԀiҽԀ shortly after saying this, and no one has been able to find the giant’s treasure until this day.
Another legend about the mysterious castle tells of a wealthy Earl who had a daughter named Myfanwy. Myfanwy was beautiful but very spoiled.
“Her father showered her with gifts of every kind. He surprised her with fine dresses of silk and damask. He had succulent foods bought to the castle for her and gave her servants orders to carry out her every wish.
Myfanwy quickly learned how to get her own way. A sly tear, a scowl or a scream would strike fear into the hearts of her servants; they knew the power of her wrath and the strength of her sulks. The years passed and Myfanwy grew into womanhood. As she grew she changed from a pretty girl into a woman of beauty. Her long black hair and dark piercing eyes enchanted all who saw her.
News of her great beauty spread and suitors traveled from across the land to woo her, eager to win her hand and, some said, to inherit her father’s wealth. A brave knight climbed the mountain to the castle and sang in praise of her loveliness but she sneered at his songs and chatted loudly while he sang. Crushed by her rudeness, the knight retreated down the mountain.
Ancient History
Source: todaywnews.com
