I recently recalled the C13th century Mabinigion story of the 'Lady of the Lake', centred in the Brecon Beacons.

This remote Carmarthenshire spot hasnow been listed by 'Lonely Planet' as one of the top one thousand places in the world to visit and the lake is listed as one of the top ten most unusual lakes. (I don't think it was anything to do with my blog).

It was here thata young farmer saw a beautiful womanemergingfrom a lake and, not unnaturally, fell in love with her instantly.

This was no ordinary goddess, though.She agreed to marry him but warned that if he struck her three times, however lightly, she would return to the lake.

The lady had three sons in quick succession and each time, for various reasons, her husband gave her a light tap.The third tap saw her returning to the lake with her cattle.

Her sons were devastated, but she appeared to the eldest and taught him herbal lore, which he passed on to his brothers. Eventually, thesons became famous for their healing powers and known as 'The Physicians of Myddfai'.

Another way to read the story is to see the lady as a study in neurosis. Her behaviour is dramaric and hysterical. Obviously, sheseeks attention.

If you would like to read what I have said about this aspect of the legend, you will find it on my blog:

Gillian Morgan Books