Addanc
Description
Monstrous lake creature variously described as crocodile, beaver, or dwarf. Floods valleys and devours anyone who enters its waters. Slain by King Arthur in some legends
The Legend
Addanc is a lake monster that appears in Welsh mythology, with its exact appearance described in various ways. It is said to resemble creatures like a crocodile, beaver, dwarf, or platypus, and is sometimes considered a demon. The location of the lake where Addanc resides is also uncertain, with reports of it being found in several places such as Llyn Llion, Llyn Barfog, near Brynberian Bridge, or Llyn yr Afanc near Betws-y-coed. Addanc possesses typical characteristics of a lake monster and is known for hunting those who foolishly fall into or swim in the lake. The 15th-century poet Lewys Glyn Cothi described Addanc as living in Llyn Syfaddon in Powys. In one tale, a maiden is said to have incapacitated Addanc by laying it on her lap to sleep, and her cows are said to have bound Addanc with chains. However, when Addanc awakens in anger, it tramples the maiden and is ultimately dragged to the lake Cwm Ffynnon or killed by Peredur.
In Popular Culture
Addanc has appeared multiple times in modern popular culture. In Susan Cooper's 'Silver on the Tree', Addanc appears, and in the TV series 'Merlin', in the episode 'The Mark of Nimueh', the villain Nimueh creates Addanc to spread a deadly disease in Camelot. In China Miéville's 2002 novel 'The Scar', the floating city-state Amarda summons and uses Addanc. In Seanan McGuire's 'October Daye' series, Addanc is described as a swamp creature the size of a cow. The TV series 'Juken Sentai Gekiranger' features a warrior named Genju Afanc-Fist Sojo modeled after Addanc, and it also appears in 'Power Rangers Jungle Fury'. In J. R. R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings Online' video game, the Dunland culture features Addanc as a wild monster based on Welsh mythology. In the 2024 YA novel 'The Wild Huntress', the protagonist Branwen uses a dagger made from Addanc's fang, Prince Pryderi is raised by Addanc in his childhood, and another kingdom's huntress Cigfa wears a cloak made from Addanc scales. David Williams emphasizes in 'Welsh Folklore: A Guide to the Mythical and the Mysterious' that Addanc symbolizes danger and courage in Welsh mythology.
This article is based on the Wikipedia article "Afanc" (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikipedia