Gwynedd Council’s Tourism & Marketing Service has received funding from the Welsh Government to erect a monument commemorating Welsh heritage right here on the shores of Llyn Padarn in Llanberis. The 6m metal sword will raise awareness of the story of the Princes of Gwynedd and their connection with the surrounding landscape.
An appeal has been launched by Ysgol Dolbadarn, our local primary school, backed by BBC Radio Cymru presenter Aled Hughes, to name the sword. Over the next 3 weeks you will have the opportunity to give this mighty weapon a name fit for a king – or Welsh prince.
The naming of swords was a common custom among ancient warriors who believed the name imbued the sword with special qualities. This will be an important consideration when choosing a name for the Llanberis sword.
Famous swords in history and literature include: Viking King Magnus’ sword ‘Legbiter’; ‘Curtana: sword of mercy’ belonging to the British Monarchs; Bilbo Baggin’s sword ‘Sting’; Jon Snow’s sword ‘Longclaw’; and, of course, King Arthur’s Caledfwlch which means voracious or hungry – presumably for blood!
You don’t have to venture far from the hotel to experience first-hand the history this new monument celebrates either. Dolbadarn Castle, which stands in the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hotel, is less well-known than Conwy or Caernarfon but is a true Welsh castle, built by Llewelyn the Great in the 13th century.
To submit your suggestion for the sword’s name, visit Gwynedd Council’s Facebook page and leave a comment.