Story of Gelert

Discover the legend of Prince Llywelyn’s faithful hound Gelert in a tragic tale of loyalty, love and loss.

Gelert is a legendary wolfhound associated with the village of Beddgelert (whose name means "Gelert's Grave") In the legend, Llywelyn the Great returns from hunting to find his baby missing, the cradle overturned, and Gelert with a blood-smeared mouth. Believing the dog had devoured the child, Llywelyn draws his sword and kills Gelert. After the dog's dying yelp, Llywelyn hears the cries of the baby, unharmed under the cradle, along with a dead wolf which had attacked the child and been killed by Gelert. Llywelyn is overcome with remorse and buries the dog with great ceremony.

Gelert’s Grave

In the center of the green in Beddgelert you can find Gelert’s Grave as well as a statue of the hound situated in the old ruin of Llywelyn’s cottage.