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Afanc
A monstrous lake creature from Welsh mythology. Part beaver, part crocodile, part demon. It causes devastating floods and drowns the unwary. King Arthur himself once chained it beneath Llyn Barfog.
Ancient - Present
Wales
200+ witnesses
The Afanc is a lake monster from Welsh mythology, associated with floods and drowning.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
The Afanc:
- Dwells in lakes and pools
- Causes devastating floods
- Drowns people and livestock
- Has various monstrous forms
- Features in Arthurian legend
Appearance
Described variously as:
- A giant beaver
- A crocodile or large reptile
- A demon
- A dwarf-like creature
- A combination of all these
Famous Locations
The Afanc has dwelt in:
- Llyn yr Afanc (Lake of the Afanc)
- Llyn Barfog (Bearded Lake)
- Llyn Llion
- The River Conwy
- Various Welsh pools
The Arthur Legend
King Arthur’s encounter:
- The Afanc terrorized the land
- Arthur chained it with iron
- Dragged it from the water
- Bound it beneath a mountain
- Or cast it into Llyn Barfog
The Maiden Trap
Another version:
- A maiden lured the Afanc
- It slept in her lap
- Warriors bound it with chains
- Oxen dragged it away
- It wounded the maiden’s breast
Flood Associations
The Afanc represents:
- The power of floods
- Drowning dangers
- Lake monster traditions
- Welsh dragons and serpents
- Nature’s destructive force