July 2026 Welsh folklore follow up

[QuentinDeakin]

The society's meeting on July 20th, was a follow-up to Professor Aldhouse-Green's talk on Welsh folklore. .. three shorter talks on the subject of folklore by members, Freddie Collier and Quentin and Liz Deakin. Freddie retold myths of mountain giants, set in the context of the geology of Snowdonia (Eryri). He also referred to famous mountaineers who trained in Snowdonia , later going on to win fame as daring explorers of the world's highest peaks, themselves attaining mythical status. The talk was illustrated by a skilful and colourful powerpoint.

Quentin's talk 'Myth-making', focused on the ceremonies of the Gorsedd invented by Iolo Morgannwg (Edward Williams) in the early nineteenth century, illustrating that folklore is an ever-evolving process, nevertheless containing elements of historical truth. He also cited the case of George Borrow, who lent into his own myth of heroic walking feats, while doing something that Iolo didn't do, by seeking truth in authenticating living Welsh poets and describing contemporary conditions.