Llyn y Fan Fach

Infobox lake
lake_name = Llyn y Fan Fach
image_lake = Llyn y Fan Fach (1323880330).jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Brecon Beacons National Park, Carmarthenshire
coords = coord|51|52|55|N|3|44|31|W|type:waterbody_region:GB|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
inflow =
outflow = Sawdde
catchment =
basin_countries = United Kingdom
length =
width =
area =
depth =
max-depth = 29 m
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation = 506 m
islands =
cities =

Llyn y Fan Fach (Welsh meaning Lake of the small beacon-hill) is located in the eastern border of the Black Mountain (Brecon Beacons National Park) in Carmarthenshire, south Wales. Near to it is found Llyn y Fan Fawr.

Legend of Llyn y Fan Fach

A folklore legend is connected with the lake. In the folk tale, a local young man, son of a widow from Blaen Sawdde (near Llanddeusant) agreed to marry a beautiful girl who arose from the lake, on the condition that he would not hit her three times. He complied easily because the girl was so beautiful, and they were happy for years putting up a house in Esgair Llaethdy near Myddfai, and bringing up a family there. The girl had very special cattle and other animals. But over time the man did hit his wife three times, and she had to go back to the lake according to the promise, taking the cattle with her. But the mother came back to them to help and instruct her children, and in particular one called Rhiwallon (in some versions Rhiwallon is the name of the young man who marries the fairy girl). In due course Rhiwallon and the other sons went to the court of Rhys Gryg from Deheubarth where they became famous doctors that are known today as the Physicians of Myddfai. A number of their medical formulas remain in the Welsh manuscripts.

It is probable that the "Lady of Llyn y Fan Fach" was originally a Celtic goddess. Some elements in the story also relate to Welsh traditions of the fairies (or "Tylwyth Teg" in Welsh).

Further reading

There are several versions of this famous legend in Welsh and English.
*T. Gwynn Jones, "Welsh Folklore and Folk-custom" (1930; new edition 1979). Tt. 61-4. Background and a lot of interesting details.

External links

* [http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=2732136 www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Llyn y Fan Fach and surrounding area]