RHYS AND MEINIR
Myths and
legends are part of every country and culture. But being able to preserve them
and pass them on to the next generation is a task of its own. Wales has done
that just right. The country is known for its distinct culture and traditions
that have evolved as being a part of the United Kingdom and a nation of its
own.
Welsh
people celebrate their country by keeping these folklores alive. With
valentines day around the corner, I’d like to tell you one such myth, that of
Rhys and Meinir, the most famous yet tragic tale of all.
The story
is set in Nant Gwrtheyrn, a secluded coastal cliff plain. Rhys Maredudd and
Meinir Maredudd were cousins who lived on different farms. The pair grew up
together as childhood friends, with their favorite spot being underneath an old
oak tree on the slopes of Yr Eifl. As they grew up, they fell in love and
decided to get married. The date was set and preparations ready. Everyone was
thrilled and looked forward to the joyous occasion.
On the day
of the wedding, the residents of Nant Gwrtheyrn followed a tradition called the
'Wedding Guest'. The tradition says the bride must run and hide from the
groom’s friends who will then find her and escort her to the church. So hid the
bride despite a growing storm.
Rhys’
friends searched and searched for Meinir, but it ended in vain. The storm grew
bigger, so they went to the church without her, expecting to see her there. But
she was nowhere to be seen. Everyone started to worry, especially Rhys, who
went back to look for her. Eventually, he settled thinking she would find her
way home. But when she did not turn up for weeks later turning into months Rhys
looked for her day and night and was more afraid than ever, slowly turning
insane and paranoid.
One stormy
night, whilst looking for Meinir, he and his dog, Cidwm took shelter underneath
the old oak tree where he and Meinir used to meet. Amidst the thunder, a bolt
of lightning struck, splitting the oak tree right in half.
Rhys had
finally found his Meinr when the tree split revealing a skeleton wearing the
same wedding gown. Overwhelmed by emotion and shock, Rhys instantly collapsed
to the ground and died beside his bride. His dog, Cidwm, laid beside his master
and never woke up.
Meinir was
trapped in the tree when lightning struck it. She slowly perished in that tree,
of hunger, thirst, cold and electric burns. Years later, the village has a
symbolic tree that shows respect for the couple. Visitors claim to have seen
ghosts of Rhys and Meinir holding hands on the beach.
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