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The Tales of Wales Trivia Quiz

How much do you know about the beasts, fairies, and other mystical beings found in Welsh folklore? Take this challenging quiz and find out.

A multiple-choice quiz by doublemm. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
doublemm

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
329,170

Updated
Jul 23 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
328

Awards
Top 35% Quiz

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Henwen is the name of a goddess who was pursued by King Arthur, who aimed to kill her after hearing a prophecy that she would lead to the destruction of Britain. In what form is Henwen usually depicted? Hint

A cow

A goat

A sheep

A pig

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. Bran the Blessed was a being so huge that he was able to use his body as a bridge between Wales and Ireland, across which his army walked. Why did Bran lead his army into Ireland? Hint

To rescue his sister from the abusive Irish king

To make a truce with the Irish king

To take Irish land

To find Irish gold

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. The Cyhyraeth produces a noise which nobody wants to hear, but which will be heard sooner or later, for she groans when the death of a loved one is imminent. With this in mind, which other mythical figure is the Cyhyraeth most similar to? Hint

The Wendigo

The Sigbin

The Aswang

The Banshee

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. The Cwn Annwfn is a pack of fairy hounds, which are controlled by their master, Arawn. Which of the following are these hounds most associated with? Hint

Evil

Justice

Hunger

Childbirth

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. The Bwbach, like the Brownie, is a small creature which helps keep a clean and tidy house. However, these beings are not helpful towards everyone. Which type of person is most likely to be tormented by the Bwbach? Hint

A rich man

A blind man

A cripple

A priest

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. If you wandered the mountainous regions of North Wales, you may be warned by locals to watch out for the Ceffyl Dwr, which is known to strangle and kick its victims to death. What type of creature is Ceffyl Dwr? Hint

A spider

An eagle

A dog

A horse

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. Perhaps the most iconic beast of Welsh folklore is the Red Dragon. What is the Welsh name for this creature? Hint

Coranyeidd

Ddraig Goch

The Gwillion

The Pwca

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. The Tylwyth Teg is a race of Welsh fairies which, although being beautiful and gentle looking, have the dark habit of stealing human babies. What is "Tylwyth Teg" translated as? Hint

Winged Ones

Invisible Day

Late Bloomers

Fair Folk

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. Cath Palug, a large cat from Welsh folklore, was the offspring of a figure already featured in this quiz. Which figure is this? Hint

Henwen

The Ceffyl Dwr

The Cyhyraeth

The Bwbach

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. The Afanc is commonly talked about in Welsh folklore, and is sometimes held as the cause of the Great Flood. What type of creature is Afanc? Hint

A squid

A beaver

A shark

A jellyfish

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Most Recent Scores

Oct 30 2024 : workisboring: 3/10
Oct 30 2024 : chianti59: 8/10

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

Answer: A pig

Henwen is known for her strange offspring, giving birth to a grain of barley, three grains of wheat, a wolf pup, and three bees. The wheat and the bees were left in Gwent, and are said to be the reason for this county's fine honey and wheat.

2. Bran the Blessed was a being so huge that he was able to use his body as a bridge between Wales and Ireland, across which his army walked. Why did Bran lead his army into Ireland?

Answer: To rescue his sister from the abusive Irish king

Bran's sister, Branwen, was given as the wife to the Irish king, but after her brother learnt of the king's abusive ways, he invaded and fought to gain his sister back. He was killed during this conflict and was beheaded by his own soldiers, who buried his head at White Mount in London. This is the site of the Tower of London, which holds many ravens (Bran's name means "Raven").

Answer: The Banshee

The Cyhyraeth and the Banshee are more or less identical female spectres, but from different areas (the Banshee is found in Irish folklore and the Cyhyraeth in South Wales). Another similar figure is the Caointeach of Scotland.

4. The Cwn Annwfn is a pack of fairy hounds, which are controlled by their master, Arawn. Which of the following are these hounds most associated with?

Answer: Justice

These white hounds with red ears have terrific noses and can smell the souls of those who abused their fellow humans whilst alive. These hounds will chase the souls deep underground, tormenting them, until they can run no more.

Answer: A priest

The Bwbach is said to hate ministers, and will do all it can to distract a minister during his prayers. Such actions exhibited by the Bwbach include making noise and shape shifting into disturbing figures.

Answer: A horse

The Ceffyl Dwr is said to lurk in water pools in the mountains of North Wales, waiting for victims. Though it is a horse, the Ceffyl Dwr has hooked hooves and emits an eerie glow. Tales in the south of Wales describe this beast as having wings.

7. Perhaps the most iconic beast of Welsh folklore is the Red Dragon. What is the Welsh name for this creature?

Answer: Ddraig Goch

The Red Dragon is a symbol of power and heroism in Welsh folklore, and is believed to have originated from a 12th century story by Geoffrey of Monmouth. It was said to have defeated the invading White Dragon many centuries ago.

8. The Tylwyth Teg is a race of Welsh fairies which, although being beautiful and gentle looking, have the dark habit of stealing human babies. What is "Tylwyth Teg" translated as?

Answer: Fair Folk

All of the incorrect answer options give clues as to the other traits of the Tylwyth Teg. These fairies have wings and long blonde hair, they must wait until 100 years of age before becoming mature, and they are invisible during the daylight hours. These Fair Folk will often replace the babies they steal with their own children.

9. Cath Palug, a large cat from Welsh folklore, was the offspring of a figure already featured in this quiz. Which figure is this?

Answer: Henwen

Whilst she was being chased by King Arthur, Henwen fell into the sea, releasing the litter of kittens she held. These kittens were very much at home in the sea, but chose to spend most of their time on land. One of these kittens grew into Cath Palug, a fearsome cat which has killed hundreds of warriors.

10. The Afanc is commonly talked about in Welsh folklore, and is sometimes held as the cause of the Great Flood. What type of creature is Afanc?

Answer: A beaver

The story goes that the Afanc created the flood by thrashing its giant tail (the Afanc is a particularly large beaver). However, a man known as Dwyfan foresaw this and so built an ark for many types of animals.

On its quieter days, the Afanc was said to wait in the water for travellers, which it would attack if they ventured to near to the edge.

Source: Author doublemm

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor CellarDoor before going online.
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