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Gelert was the mythical favourite hunting dog of Llewellyn the Great, the last King of a united, independent Wales in the 13th Century. The well-known Welsh legend tells a tragic story of how the King went out hunting one day with his noblemen and pack of hounds, but for some reason Gelert was not among the pack and couldn't be found. When the King returned to his castle, Gelert was found in the nursery room of Llewellyn's baby son, with the baby nowhere to be seen, the crib overturned, and blood dripping from Gelert's jaws. The King thought that Gelert had turned savage and killed his son, so in a rage he drew his sword and slew the dog through the heart. As Gelert lay dying in agony, a cry was heard from beneath the overturned crib- beneath it, the baby Prince was found safe and well, and nearby was the body of a large wolf. Stricken with remorse, Llewellyn realised that it was the wolf's blood on Gelert's mouth, and that the dog had killed it in defending the child.
Gelert died, but the heartbroken king had him buried with great honour beneath a cairn of stones near to where the current town of Beddgelert now stands ('Bedd' in Welsh means 'Grave', and is pronounced 'bairth', with the th as in 'the').
In reality, there is no truth to the story at all- variants of the same legend can be found in countries all over the world, and it's a popular sentimental tale of which there is no actual record in real Welsh history. The cairn of stones in Beddgelert that still stands today, was in fact built by the landlord of a local inn in Victorian times in an attempt to boost the local tourist trade!
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Where is gelert buried?
He was buried in Beddgelert, Snowdonia, North Wales
What is the story of Gelert - the dog who is commemorated in the village name Beddgelert?
Legend says that Gelert was the faithful hound of Llewelyn the Great, a Welsh Prince, and that he was buried in Beddgelert (which is Welsh for "grave of Gelert") after being killed by his master. The story says that after returning from a days hunting, Llewelyn was greeted by a joyful, but bloodstained, Gelert. Fearing the worst Llewelyn ran to his son's cradle but found it empty and also bloodstained. Assuming that Gelert had harmed his son, Llewelyn plunged his sword into the dog, killing him. He then heard his son crying and found him, completely unharmed, and nearby was a wolf which the faithful Gelert had slain to protect the boy.
Is Beddgelert a true story?
Beddgelert is a legendary story about a loyal dog in Wales, but there is no historical evidence to support its authenticity. It is considered a folklore tale that has been passed down through generations.
What type of dog is gelert?
Gelert is a legendary dog from Welsh folklore. He was known for his loyalty and bravery. The story of Gelert is similar to the tale of Greyfriars Bobby from Scotland, both dogs known for their unwavering loyalty to their owners.
How do you say bed Gelert in Welsh?
Bear-th Gel-air-t........The Gel is said like Get is,not a J sound like in hair gel. Beddgelert According to legend, the stone monument in the field marks the resting place of 'Gelert', the faithful hound of the medieval Welsh Prince Llewelyn the Great. The story, as written on the tombstone reads: "In the 13th century Llewelyn, prince of North Wales, had a palace at Beddgelert. One day he went hunting without Gelert, "The Faithful Hound", who was unaccountably absent. On Llewelyn's return the truant, stained and smeared with blood, joyfully sprang to meet his master. The prince alarmed hastened to find his son, and saw the infant's cot empty, the bedclothes and floor covered with blood. The frantic father plunged his sword into the hound's side, thinking it had killed his heir. The dog's dying yell was answered by a child's cry. Llewelyn searched and discovered his boy unharmed, but near by lay the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert had slain. The prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again. He buried Gelert here".
When was Elżbieta Gelert born?
Elżbieta Gelert was born in 1955.
When was Saint Gelert born?
Saint Gelert was born in 6##.
When does beddgelert date from?
1258
Where is beddgelert?
north wales
What year did beddgelert die in?
2012
Is beddgelert a real place?
yes
Where can one buy a gelert tent?
Various online merchandisers offer "Gelert Tents". They are generally camping and outdoors specialists, such as Camping World. The tent is also available from the official Gelert website.
