Welsh Death Omens and Apparitions: Unveiling the Haunting Legends With Dr. Delyth Badder

In Wales, a land rich in myth and folklore, tales of death omens and apparitions have long held the fascination of its people. Welsh folklore is teeming with eerie stories of supernatural encounters that serve as harbingers of impending doom. One such omen is the dreaded "Cŵn Annwn," spectral hounds said to be the guardians of the Otherworld. These ghostly dogs, with eyes as fiery as embers, are believed to roam the night, baying mournfully, signaling an imminent death. Another chilling apparition often spoken of is the "Wrachod," the tormented spirits of departed souls. These wraith-like figures are said to appear on moonlit nights, clad in tattered garments and veiled in sorrow. Crossing paths with a Wrachod is believed to foretell a tragic fate or even one's own demise. The tales of Welsh death omens and apparitions are haunting reminders of the ancient beliefs and superstitious customs that continue to captivate audiences.

My Special Guest is Dr Delyth Badder  

Dr Delyth Badder is a folklorist, author, and antiquarian book collector who has channelled a lifetime’s interest in Welsh folklore into academic study, and an extensive library of some of Wales’s rarest antiquarian folkloric texts. She has expertise in Welsh death omens and apparitions, with a particular academic interest in the appearance of spirits within the Welsh tradition. She is an Honorary Research Fellow in Welsh folklore at Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales), and is currently pursuing a masters degree in this field at Cardiff University. Delyth has co-authored 'The Folklore of Wales: Ghosts' with researcher and podcast host Mark Norman - an exciting new study of Welsh ghost-lore through the ages examined through a contemporary lens, using rare, unpublished and never before translated material.

The Canwyll Corph

In the folklore of Wales, there exists a chilling death omen known as Canwyll Corph, also referred to as Canwyllau Cryff, meaning "corpse candles" in English. These eerie phenomena are said to manifest as ghostly lights or flickering flames that appear in proximity to an impending death or funeral procession. The Canwyll Corph are described as ethereal lights, often seen hovering above the ground or floating along remote paths and desolate landscapes. It is believed that each flame represents a soul, guiding the departed to the afterlife or warning the living of an impending tragedy. The appearance of Canwyll Corph is met with both trepidation and awe, for they serve as a spectral reminder of the delicate balance between the mortal realm and the realm of the dead.

The Tolaeth

Within the rich tapestry of Welsh folklore, one encounters the chilling legend of the Tolaeth, a formidable death omen that inspires both fear and fascination. As described in ancient tales and passed down through generations, the Tolaeth is said to manifest as a ghostly figure, often clad in flowing white garments, appearing before an individual as a harbinger of impending doom. This spectral apparition is believed to be relentless, appearing to those whose time on this mortal plane is drawing to a close.

In this episode, you will be able to: 

1. Uncover the common Welsh death omens and apparitions.

2. Explore some of the common motifs.

3. Explore the fascinating uniqueness of Welsh folklore.

4. Discover some of the regional differences between common death omens and apparitions.

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