Tuesday 13 July 2010

Y Tylwyth Teg (The Fair Family)


Anglesey is steeped in history, myth and magic. Keen to find out more, I have been reading 'Rumours and Oddities from North Wales' a selection of folklore, myths and ghost stories by Meirion and Wayne Evans.

In Wales, the Fae Folk are known as Y Tylwyth Teg (The Fair Family) and can appear as small as a rose petal, large as an adult or anywhere in between. According to Anglesey legend, a woman living in the Holy Land (Holyhead) during the time of Jesus Christ was ashamed that she had twenty children. One day, when Christ approached her house she decided to pretend she only had ten children and hid half of her children away. The hidden children disappeared and are said to have become the ancestors of the Tylwyth Teg.

Reading this folklore, you can imagine how happy I was to find the above picture sitting on my door step this morning. A house warming gift from the lovely Ruthie.

Thank you Ruthie xx

17 comments:

ArtSparker said...

It looks as if Ruthie is a sister in sensibility to you. The stories sound wonderful.

Karen said...

Lovely post Jasmine, and lovely picture! :-)

Caio Fern said...

wow ! nice story !!
and thanks for the tiof the book

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Oh, how I loved that bit of folklore! And what an AMAZING housewarming gift! That art is so beautiful - lucky you! Theresa

Aleks said...

Wonderful post Jasmine!!Greetings and a hug!! :)

Debrina said...

Hi Jasmine - long time no catch up (on my part...arrrghh...sorry!). Anyway, I'm here now and look at your gorgeous stunning picture! Now would you believe, I have that folkstory at home in a now out of print edition by Moyra Caldecott; who has always written beautifully not only about the many myths and legends around Britian but also on the spiritual nature of the originators of some of this lore - namely the Bronze Age occupants. Her standing stones trilogy is a must read!

Acornmoon said...

What a lovely gift, I hope you enjoy your time on Anglesey, such a beautiful place. I am sure you will find inspiration there.

Harnett-Hargrove said...

Inspiration on the doorstep?! -J

Gwil W said...

Anglesey or
Ynys Mon, home of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychyndrobwllllantisiliogogogoch,
Tudors,
puffins,
strange stones,
dangerous currents,
Menai Bridges,
Holyhead Island,
wonderful beaches,
coastal paths,
RAF Valley,
views of Snowdonia,
and now to cap it all
Y Tylwyth Teg.
What a magical place.

Jasmine said...

Poet in Residence,

Thank you for such a wonderful comment. Sounds like you know this Island well. Full of magic indeed :)

Jo said...

What a fascinating legend and a gorgeous house-warming gift too.
xx

Deborah said...

Lovely post and gift.

Tammie Lee said...

Oh how wonderful, the painting, the gift, the tales.

Ces Adorio said...

The illustratio is terrific! I feel like I am learning a third foreign language while reading the Welsh words! :)

Lucky Dip Lisa said...

Hi Jasmine, just a quick comment to let you know I've linked your blog in a 'green' post.
In a rush but will come back when things have settled down here:)

Ruthie Redden said...

Thank you sweetie, you are very welcome x i do so love folklore, i am reading the local folklore & legends of south west scotland just now, fascinating stuff. Hope all goes well and good luck x x

Delwyn said...

Hi Jasmine

what a wonderfully rich environment you have moved into, and so great to have the company and encouragement of your grandparents and special friends like Ruthie.

Happy dyas