Afane | The Lake Monster of Welsh Tradition

The Afanc (also spelled Addanc or Avanc) is a fearsome lake monster from Welsh mythology, known for attacking people and causing devastating floods. Its exact description varies by legend, often depicted as a giant beaver, crocodile, or a dwarf-like demon. 

Key Legends and Tales

Several tales from Welsh tradition recount efforts to defeat or contain the creature: 

• The Maiden's Trap: One common story involves a brave maiden who lured the Afanc out of its lake by singing a lullaby, causing it to fall asleep in her lap. Villagers then tried to chain the monster, but when it woke in a fury, its struggles tragically crushed the maiden before it was subdued.
• Hu Gadarn and the Oxen: In a version popularized by the 18th-century writer Iolo Morganwg, the hero Hu Gadarn used his two mighty, long-horned oxen to drag the chained Afanc from the water. The creature was then transported to a remote, deep lake, such as Llyn Ffynnon Las (Lake of the Blue Fountain) or Llyn Glaslyn on Snowdon, where it remains trapped by the rocky banks. The strain was so great that one ox lost an eye, forming a pool called Pwll Llygad yr Ych (Pool of the Ox's Eye).
• Peredur son of Efrawg: In a tale found in the Mabinogion, the creature (called the Addanc) lives in a cave and kills victims with poison darts while remaining invisible. The hero Peredur, an Arthurian figure, uses a magic "adder stone" given to him by a maiden to see the monster and ultimately beheads it.
• King Arthur's Involvement: Other legends credit King Arthur with slaying the monster at Llyn Barfog (Bearded Lake). A rock near the lake, known as Carn March Arthur (Stone of Arthur's Horse), is said to bear the hoof print of his steed, Llamrei, made as she hauled the monster from the depths.
• The Great Flood: In some tellings, the Afanc's wild thrashings caused a massive flood that drowned all the inhabitants of Britain, save for two people, Dwyfan and Dwyfach, who then repopulated the land.