Love, death, and superstition

In times of superstition, legends of demons were rampant, and love was considered to be more powerful than any force of darkness.

One legend tells of Marcus and Brunhilda.

In a chapel they made vows, promising to God and company, that their love would always shine as a reflection of God's love for them. Each placed a silver ring on their beloveds finger to symbolize the eternal bond.

A ruckus was heard outside the chapel. The village was under attack. The doors burst open and warriors overtook the unarmed men. The women begged for mercy, but there was none to be had. Marcus fought bare handed, but fell on the stone floor, Brunhilda rushed to his side. She was hoisted from the floor and the raiders took her away.



The Huns were seen as demons. They had mis- shaped heads from being bound at birth, and they fought with a frenzy that couldn't be quelled until the ground ran red with streams of blood.

When every man in the village fell, the raiders claimed what they killed. The wives, homes and children became the property of the warrior who killed the head of their household. The Hun simply moved in as replacement for the one slain.

Brunhilda buried her husband's body in her garden, whispering a promise they would never again be parted. By day she stared into the garden, longing for the one she lost, by night she was a tool in the victor's hand.


Early one morning she woke. The overlord snored at her side. Brunhilda moved from the bed to slip across the room. She took the dagger from his belt, and as he lay sleeping, she plunged the blade deep into his gut, over and over until he moved no more.

Realizing what she had done, Brunhilda tried to flee into the woods, she was captured and hanged for her crime. Her body was left in the woods for the wolves.

The Huns moved onto other conquests. Those remaining looted the graves looking for tools and weapons. The grave of her beloved Marcus was opened. Instead of one body, there lie two. Brunhilda rest by his side, silver rings adorning the entwined hands.

Myths and legends of Wales

People who know me, understand that although I live in England, my heart is still in Wales where I was born, raised and lived most of my life. I love it dearly and miss the sea – and the mountains, where I competed in many long distance ‘endurance’ rides on my horse, Sal. I don’t think there is anywhere quite like Wales for inspiration. The land is full of legends and myths and ancient customs. The patron Saint of Wales is St David. Tomorrow is St David's Day and I will be wearing the traditonal daffodil to show my alliegance to my native land. I'll talk a little more about him on my own blog tomorrow, but today I thought I'd mention some of the myths and legends I came across when researching the background for my story in the 'Song Of The Muses' series from The Wild Rose Press. (I sent my Greek Muse to Wales - well she wanted a change of scenery!) :)

In one scene she runs into the 'Ellylldan' (Pronounced elch-chlith-dan.) These were evil sprites with glowing eyes and fire at their fingertips, reputed to lure unwary travellers to their doom by leading them into the bogs where they were lost for ever. Yes, Wales has her fair share of imps and demons - also lost civilisations. Not far from Aberystwyth, where I used to live, at low tide one can see the remains of a submerged forest. This is all that remains of Cantre'r Gwaelod, or Maes Gwyddno as it would have been known at the time 'Dancing With Fate' takes place. The legend is simlar to the 'Atlantis' story and tells how the little town was drowned when the appointed watchman attended a banquet given by the king, became intoxicated and left the water gates open. The town sank beneath the sea and it is said that if one stands on the beach on a quiet evening one can hear the church bells chiming beneath the waves.

Of course Wales has long been associated with the druids and Merlin (or Myrddin) who was ruputedly born in Caerfyrddin, a small mid Wales town which is named after him. (The English version is Carmarthen.) The symbol of Wales, on the Welsh flag, is the red dragon, and there is an interesting legend telling how this came about. King Vortigen was a British Monarch of post-roman Britain. After an incestuous affair with his daughter, he was obliged to flee to the county of Gwynedd where he was advised by his wizards to build a fortress, or 'dinas', now known as Dinas Emrys. He decided to strengthen his defences by building a tower, but each time the timber and quarried stones were carried to the site they disappeared over night.

His wizards recommended a human sacrifice of a 'fatherless child' and the child Merlin was brought. Before he could be put to death he announced that a lake lay the middle of the foundations. and beneath the lake two dragons fought, a red and a white one, representing the Britons and Saxons. He told the king it was pointless to try to build his tower on top of dragons, and he should leave and go somewhere safer. Vortigen realised there was something supernatural about the child and fled to the Lleyn Peninsular, after giving Dinas Emrys to Merlin. (Emrys is a form of Ambrose, derived from the Latin 'Ambrosius' pertaining to the gods, and is another name by which Melin was known). The red dragon later became the Welsh National emblem.

Then there is the legend of Devils's Bridge, also not very far from Aberstwyth, where I lived. It is actually three bridges one above the other, spanning a deep gorge with a spectacular waterfall and a deep pool known as 'The Devil's Punchbowl'. It is said the orginal bridge was built when an old lady lost her milk cow one day. The animal somehow managed to cross the river and she knew she could not wade across herself fearing she would be swept into the whirlpool. Suddenly Old Nick himself appeared and told her he would buld a bridge across the chasm if she gave him the soul of the first thing to cross it, knowing she would have to walk across to fetch her cow. She agreed, but was not as simple as she looked. Once the bridge appeared, she put her hand in her apron pocket and threw a crust of bread across the bridge. Immediately her little dog ran across to retrieve it. The devil, realising he was beaten, disappeared in an evil smelling cloud of smoke and was not seen in those parts again, leaving the old lady to fetch back her cow.

There are so many myths and legends of Wales, I could go on much longer. No wonder I love fantasy so much, growing up and living in wild and spectacular countryside, with such a wealth of stories to draw on, how could one fail to be inspired?

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INTRODUCTION: HYWELA LYN

Hi, this is Hywela Lyn, I'm so thrilled to be part of this great new Blog, with so many wonderful paranormal authors. A little bit about myself -

I was born and lived most of my life in Wales, although I am currently living in a small village in England. My first two names are Hywela Lyn, which I use as my penname, although I've always been called just 'Lyn' by my family and friends. For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed reading and writing Science Fiction/Fantasy and Adventure stories, and the occasional Western - always with a strong romantic element. Although most of my stories tend to be futuristic, the worlds I create are usually untainted by crowded cities and technology, embracing the beauty and wildness of nature. My characters often have to fight the elements and the terrain itself.

My first novel, 'Starquest', a futuristic romance was released on 29th August and will be in print next week on 5th Decemeber! The sequel, 'Children of the Mist' is contracted with the same publisher and my novella about the Greek Muse, Terpsichore is available now as an e-book and also as one of three stories in Book III of The Wild Rose Press's 'Song Of The Muses' series.

I love all animals, especially horses and enjoy Western riding. I have two horses, two ferrel cats and a 'rescued' Jack Russell terrier called Bouncer. Oh yes, and a long suffering husband called Dave!

Oh I must tell you - I've been in the Author Spotlight at LASR all week - if you pop over now, you can see my little feature on an Old Welsh Mansion called 'Nanteos'. I've also just learnt that 'Starquest' is up for Book of the Week at LASR, so if you fancy reading the review, here's the link to the site LASR -Voting doesn't start until Saturday and finishes just before midnight on Sunday - so if you care to vote - thank you so much, I'd really appreciate it.

MY WEBSITE (www.hywelalyn.co.uk)
MY SPACE (http://www.myspace.com/hywelalyn)
MY BOOKS AT THE WILDROSE PRESS

(Click on book covers to download. I also have a 'freeread' there, 'A Bargain With Death) You're welcome to download this too - load it in the shopping cart - you'll be taken to the checkout but won't be charged.)