Gone Medieval: Episode Summary – Welsh Folk Tales
Released on March 25, 2025, "Gone Medieval" hosted by History Hit delves into the rich tapestry of medieval Europe and beyond. In this episode titled "Welsh Folk Tales," host Dr. Eleanor Jaenega is joined by Russ Williams, author of A Welsh Folklore Road Trip. Together, they explore the vibrant and multifaceted world of Welsh folklore, uncovering its historical roots and modern-day implications.
1. Introduction to Welsh Folklore
Dr. Eleanor Jaenega opens the conversation by highlighting Wales' prominent role in medieval folklore. She notes that Wales isn't just the mythical home of King Arthur but is also replete with tales of saints, ghosts, monsters, and pirates. To navigate this rich folklore landscape, she welcomes Russ Williams, whose expertise offers listeners an immersive journey into Welsh storytelling.
2. The Uniqueness of Welsh Storytelling
Russ Williams explains why Wales stands out in the realm of folklore. He attributes this to the Welsh people's deep-rooted patriotism centered around their language and culture, rather than solely political independence. This cultural emphasis has preserved traditional oral storytelling practices, making Wales a fertile ground for enduring folk tales.
“The Welsh have always put an effort into being uniquely Welsh in terms of the stories. We hold dear traditional oral storytelling and literary events, fostering a rich folklore tradition.”
— Russ Williams [04:16]
3. Pre-Christian Welsh Deities and Their Impact
Dr. Jaenega probes into the existence of a Welsh pantheon before Christianity. Russ acknowledges the presence of godlike figures, though medieval tales rarely label them explicitly as gods. He points out characters like Arawn, Dylan, and Taran, whose roles hint at ancient Celtic deities.
“While the tales don’t always refer to them as gods, figures like Dylan and Taran strongly resemble old Celtic deities, reflecting a blend of mythology and history.”
— Russ Williams [06:27]
4. The Mabinogion: Wales' Epic Tales
The discussion shifts to the Mabinogion, a cornerstone of Welsh folklore. Russ compares these medieval tales to Greek myths, emphasizing their dramatic narratives and complex relationships. He highlights the challenges of oral traditions, where stories evolved with each retelling, leading to variations from their original forms.
“The Mabinogion stories were primarily oral and changed significantly over centuries, only being written down in the 1200s. Lady Charlotte Guest’s translation in the 1800s popularized them, though experts argue they differ from the originals.”
— Russ Williams [09:47]
5. King Arthur: From Medieval Warrior to Victorian Legend
Dr. Jaenega and Russ explore the transformation of King Arthur's image. In the Mabinogion, Arthur is depicted as a rough, morally complex warrior, contrasting sharply with the sanitized, chivalric figure popularized during the Victorian era.
“In the medieval Mabinogion, King Arthur and his knights are portrayed as morally dubious warriors often involving themselves in violence and debauchery. The Victorian era reshaped him into the quintessential knight in shining armor.”
— Russ Williams [13:39]
6. Saints vs. Folk Tales in Welsh Lore
The conversation transitions to the role of saints in Welsh folklore. Russ discusses St. David, Wales' patron saint, and differentiates him from other local saints whose tales are more folkloric and less officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church.
“St. David’s stories are considered religious tales with recognized miracles, whereas other local saints like Santis Duin Wen have stories rooted more in folklore, often featuring magical elements and local legends.”
— Russ Williams [20:37]
7. Ghost Stories and Haunted Castles
One of the most captivating segments covers the ghosts that haunt Wales' numerous castles. Russ shares stories of the Green Lady of Caerphilly and the eerie tale of the killer ape at Caro Castle. These narratives blend elements of tragedy, love, and supernatural occurrences, reflecting the tumultuous history surrounding these structures.
“In Caerphilly Castle, the White Lady is a friendly ghost associated with a tragic love triangle, while Caro Castle is haunted by the malevolent spirit of a killer ape, born from a gruesome incident involving a Barbary ape.”
— Russ Williams [35:03]
Dr. Jaenega adds that these ghost stories often symbolize deeper fears and societal issues, linking the supernatural to real-life anxieties about safety and the unknown.
8. The Modern Relevance of Welsh Folklore
Both Dr. Jaenega and Russ emphasize that folklore remains a living tradition, evolving into modern urban legends and contributing to tourism. They discuss how these stories attract visitors seeking historical and supernatural experiences, thereby supporting local economies.
“Folk tales today have transformed into urban legends, much like medieval stories. They continue to evolve and serve as tools for explaining the world, just as they did in the past.”
— Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [54:14]
Russ underscores the economic importance of folklore by citing examples of villages in Wales that have leveraged ghost stories to boost tourism, illustrating the enduring power of these narratives.
“Villages like Beth Gellert and Devil's Bridge revived old legends to attract tourists, showing how folklore can directly impact local economies.”
— Russ Williams [55:06]
9. Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Folk Tales
In wrapping up, Dr. Jaenega and Russ reflect on the significance of preserving folk tales. They agree that these stories offer invaluable insights into the imaginations and lives of people from the medieval era, while also highlighting their continuing relevance today.
“Folklore tells us about the conditions and imaginations of people in the medieval world, and its preservation helps us understand both the past and present.”
— Dr. Eleanor Jaenega [62:32]
Russ shares his personal journey of embracing the oral storytelling tradition, reinforcing the idea that folk tales are not relics of the past but vibrant narratives that continue to shape and reflect cultural identities.
“Despite never seeing myself as a storyteller, releasing my book has immersed me in the oral tradition, keeping these medieval stories alive for future generations.”
— Russ Williams [63:36]
This episode of "Gone Medieval" offers a comprehensive exploration of Welsh folk tales, intertwining historical context with modern interpretations. Through engaging discussions and insightful anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and resilience of Welsh storytelling.