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Preface: Craig-Y-Ddinas was a hillfort during the period of earth's Iron Age. It is believed to be one of the last legendary homes of the faeries who once resided in Britain. This tale, which has many variants, follows a familiar theme found in folklore throughout the United Kingdom...namely that of sleeping warriors beneath hollow hills...and is one of Britain's most enduring myths.

One day, a Welshman was crossing London Bridge carrying a fine hazel staff in his hand. He was half-way over the bridge when an English stranger stopped him. "From where do you hail?" asked the Englishman.

"I am from my own country" replied the proud Welshman curtly.

"Please, do not be offended," said the Englishman. "I meant no disrespect, but if you follow my advice you could be a rich man. The staff that you are carrying comes from an area where treasure lies buried."

The English stranger went on to explain that he was a wizard, knowledgeable in the arts of the land. He told the Welshman that he had noticed the hazel staff flex as it had passed over the water beneath London Bridge. This, said the wizard, was a sure sign that the tree from which the staff had been cut grew over great quantities of treasure.

Thinking he had nothing to lose by showing the wizard where the staff had been cut, the Welshman led the way to Craig-Y-Ddinas (located today in the County of Glamorgan). Upon arrival, the Welshman took the wizard directly to the very tree from which he had cut the hazel branch.

The wizard gripped the tree with both hands and uprooted it. Beneath, lay a large stone slab under which was a passage leading into the dark depths of the earth. With some trepidation both men stepped inside the opening, which revealed stone steps leading downward to a stone passage. Above the steps, suspended from the roof was a large bell. Carefully, the adventurers squeezed past and continued further underground. Finally, they reached a huge cavern.

The cavern was filled with hundreds of brightly-armored warriors sleeping within an immense circle, their heads turned toward the center. One of the warriors was more splendidly attired than the rest and had a bejewelled golden crown next to him. In the middle of this circle lay two separate piles...one of gold and one of silver. The wizard and the Welshman had never seen such wealth. The wizard explained that the Welshman could take as much treasure as he could carry from either of the two piles but not from both.

"Do not touch the bell as you depart," the wizard warned the Welshman. "If you should accidentally ring the bell, then the knights will ask if it is the day. In that event, you must reply: 'No, sleep on!'"

Declaring that he himself had no need for worldly goods, the wizard invited the Welshman to take what he desired. Almost unable to believe his good fortune, the Welshman gathered up as much from the separate piles as he dared until his pockets and knapsack were bulging. Then, he joined the wizard in ascending the stairs. The wizard passed the bell with ease, but the Welshman brushed against it, releasing a dull peel that thundered through the cavern.

One of the largest warriors stirred and asked, "Is it the day?"

"No," replied the Welshman. "Sleep on!"

The massive warrior closed his eyes and resumed his slumber while the two adventurers resumed their passage through the opening of the entrance and out into bright sunlight.

The wizard explained that the warriors were Arthur and his valiant knights who awaited the day when the Black Eagle and the Golden Eagle would do battle, at which time the bell would ring and the army would defeat all the enemies of Cymry. From this victory would be re-established the realm from the chosen location of the King and his knights at Caerlleon.

With a stern warning not to squander the gold, the wizard then made his farewells and departed...the Welshman would never lay eyes upon the wizard again.

Time passed and the years quickly flew by. With all his gold spent on the luxuries of life, the Welshman decided to return to the cave and plunder more of the treasure. He found the slab easily enough and descended once more into the cavern. Creeping past the circle of warriors, he filled a sack he had brought with him until it was fit to burst. Toiling up the stone steps he tried to squeeze around the bell, but his overloaded sack brushed against the rim and its ponderous tones echoed around the cave.

One of the knights awoke and asked if it was the day. The Welshman, who had grown soft of mind and body with his spent wealth, fumbled for the answer but failed to remember the correct reply.

Suddenly, in a tumult, all the warriors awoke and caught hold of him. Beating him to within inches of his life, they cast him from the cavern. He remained lame and poor for the rest of his pitiful days and was never able to find the cave again no matter how hard he tried.

Novareinna welcomes all tale-travelers to Penumbra, her beautiful site/sight of stories and poetry and design.

A section has been added to Penumbra entitled "Rainbow Bridge," dedicated to the memory of our beloved animal companions. It features various pieces of work, whose words, it is hoped, will bring solace and comfort to those who have lost a dear little furry (or feathered or scaled...etc.) one.

It contains an area known as "BlueBird Bower" where a memorial may be placed by anyone upon request in the name of their departed pet (no species refused).

Just click on "RainBow Bridge" on the home page to access the area in question.