Introduction

Dinas Emrys is a small hillock in Snowdonia, North Wales, steeped in history, legend, and myth. This ancient site holds a unique place in Welsh culture as both an archaeological treasure and a setting for some of the most enduring tales from Welsh folklore, including stories about King Vortigern, the young Merlin, and two battling dragons.

This article delves into the rich history of Dinas Emrys, exploring its archaeological significance, the legends that surround it, and its impact on Welsh identity and mythology.

 Geographic and Historical Overview

 Location and Landscape

Dinas Emrys is located near Beddgelert in the Gwynedd region of Snowdonia National Park. The site is a rocky hill rising sharply above the Glaslyn River, providing natural defenses that made it an ideal location for ancient fortifications.

The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged mountains, dense forests, and clear lakes, which have inspired countless myths and legends.

 Early Occupation

Archaeological evidence indicates that the site has been occupied since at least the Iron Age, around 500 BCE. It was initially a hillfort, a type of defensive structure built on elevated ground.

Iron Age hillforts like Dinas Emrys served as tribal strongholds, centers of administration, and refuges during conflict shutdown123