Old Man Nok
In an area known as Pren Tywyll on the fourth hill surrounding Pontyddim lived Old Man Nok who was blamed for the death of a young boy named Morgan. Parents grouped together and killed Nok…
Tom Stanger
Founder and Editor of Pilgrim House, currently researching folklore and early Welsh Christianity and curator of the archives of the lost village of Pontyddim.
The Ysbryd Pren
The Ysbryd Pren were spirits which followed people through the woods at night, making the sound of footsteps. Hearing them was a sign of bad luck, to see them was an omen of death, so…
Superstitions in Pontyddim
In Pontyddim the children’s saying “Beware the crow with the wooden leg” was a warning of long Winters. The crow was said to have stolen his leg from the great tree which guarded the crops,…
The ‘She’: She who steals the night.
In Pontyddim Lore, Tristessa became the ‘She’ and lived in the shadows. While dreamers dreamt of travelling to distant realms she would wait until the dreamer awoke to steal their soul. This is why you…
Iona and the birth of Man
Like the Biblical Eve, Pontyddim has its First Woman. The tale of Iona tells of the gods creating her from their own breath in order to be the fire that quells the darkness of winter.…
The Dwy Ferch Geg
In Pontyddim lore the Dwy Ferch Geg was the daughter of Bishop Osberth, cursed after the death of Bronwyn ferch Gwyn Bleddyn, who he’d put to death for witchcraft. Looking like an ordinary woman she…
Oral Traditions in Pontyddim
Oral tradition was vital to preserving the old tales of Pontyddim. The Lladron Nos, or Night Thieves, were believed to come at night to steal one’s dreams. The passing on of the old tales was…
The Gwerin Coed
The Gwerin Coed were believed to be the ancient Oracles in Pontyddim mythology. After the arrival of Christianity, many trees were felled to rid the area of heresy. It is believed that on a calm…
The Tale of the Well of the Long Life
The tale of the Well of Long Life tells of a young girl named Beth who drank from the well and was granted long life. Sadly she didn’t ask for eternal youth. It is believed…
The Glynu Rhai
The Glynu Rhai, or ‘Sticking Ones’ were malicious spirits returning from the dead to avenge those who caused their deaths. Taking host bodies they only left once they had accomplished their goal, sometimes taking their…