by Peter Freeman

Created on: March 06, 2009

In 410AD the Roman legions, led by the Governor Macsen Wledig (Maxim Maximus in Roman history) left the island of Britain.

The Roman Empire split in half for a period and Macsen Wledig became Emperor of the West but that's another tale.

The island of Britain was left in the hands of Gwrtheyrn (Vortigern to the Romans). During this time he had a castle built in the land of the Lloegri. It is told that one of the towers kept falling. The foundation could not be maintained and the Masons were unable to explain their failure to erect the one tower. A young Druid named Taliesin, who was later to become the Merlin of Britain, suggested that they dig deeper into the earth below the tower. Deep below the ground they discovered a cave. In the cave were two Dragons, one white and one red. They were locked in a bitter struggle and it was this fighting that was making the castle foundations unstable.

As they watched, the white dragon appeared to gain the advantage and the red dragon barely escaped, flying away to the mountains of the west. The white dragon flew east and the builders were now able to construct the castle. Gwrtheyrn asked Taliesin what this meant. Taliesin replied with what is known today as "The prophecy of Merlin"

Our land we shall lose.

Our Lord we shall worship.

Our language we shall keep

In wild Wales.

He said that the white dragon was the Saxons. They would come and conquer the land. The red dragon was the people of the island who would be driven away to find refuge in the mountains of the west (Wales). There the red dragon would rest and build its strength until it could again reclaim the island.

The red dragon plays an important role in the Welsh culture. The flag of Wales is a red dragon on a white and green field.

As you cross the border into Wales you are greeted by a large sign, depicting a dragon with the words; Croeso I Gymru" (Welcome to Wales)

The dragon's tongue (Tafod y Ddraig) is the symbol of the Welsh language.

When Joe Calzaghe, the light middleweight champion of the world, steps into the boxing ring he has the red dragon embroidered on his shorts. His nickname is "The Italian Dragon" a reference to his mixed heritage.

The Welsh national rugby team has, for their song, "Let the dragon roar" It's an inspiring tune; check it out on You Tube.

Everywhere you look in Wales the symbol of the dragon is all around you. There would be little doubt in your mind that you have entered the "Land of the Dragon".

In mythological terms the dragon is the most powerful of creatures. It embodies the four elements;

The ability to fly and the large wings associate the dragon with the element of air.

The fiery breath associates with fire.

Dragons live in caves associating them with earth.

In their caves the legends tell of them dwelling on an island on an underground lake associating them with water.

As an archetype, we all have a dragon inside us. Immeasurably powerful, indescribably beautiful, powerful, confident in our abilities and ready to come forth and fight again no matter how badly we may have been beaten in the past.

You are the Dragon. Let your Dragon roar.

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