CHAPTER III. LAKE FAIRIESThe Gwragedd Annwn, or Dames of Elfin Land--St Patrick and the
Welshmen; a Legend of Crumlyn Lake--The Elfin Cow of Lyn Barfog--Y Fuwch Laethwen Lefrith--The Legend of the Meddygon Myddfai--The
Wife of Supernatural Race--The Three Blows; a Carmathenshire Legend-Cheese and the Didactic Purpose in Welsh Folk-Lore--The Fairy
Maiden's Papa--The Enchanted Isle in the Mountain Lake--Legend of the Men of Ardudwy--Origin of the Water Fairies--Their prevalence in many Lands
I.
THE Gwragedd Annwn (literally, wives of the lower world, or hell) are the elfin dames who dwell under the water. I find no resemblance in the Welsh fairy to our familiar mermaid, beyond the watery abode, and the sometimes winning ways. The Gwragedd Annwn are not fishy of aspect, nor do they dwell
