Ynys Wydryn (Glastonbury Tor)

Gold cherry
Poem of the week

By marandina

Wed, 05 Jan 2022
  • 6259 reads
26 comments
 

Audio version at https://soundcloud.com/user-62051685/tor-mp3

 

Ynys Wydryn (Glastonbury Tor)

 

Blue skies shimmer, winter light,

offerings hang from willow branches,

gifts made to ancient Celtic spirits,

sacred place of archaic reverence.

 

St Michael’s Tower sits atop,

tor of elemental clay and rock,

silent winds, tainted-glass souls,

lost memories of Arthurian times.

 

Majestic isle, Ynys yr Afalon,

foretold home of the Holy Grail,

and Gwyn ap Nudd – First Lord,

king to the faeries of Annwn.

 

Sun arcs lower, setting due west,

Someret Levels fade in the mist,

dusk turned to obsidian darkness,

blazing fires summon pagan mystics.

 

Midnight whispers, ethereal veil thins,

gateway revealed, Land of the Dead,

spiritual setting of myths and magic

where Merlin will return, once again.

 

Footnotes:

Ynys Wydryn is the Celtic name for Glastonbury Tor. It is also known as Ynys yr Afalon which means “The Isle of Avalon” and identified with King Arthur since the alleged discovery of his and Queen Guinevere’s coffins in 1191, recounted by Gerald of Wales.

Gwyn ap Nudd is a figure from Welsh mythology. He was King of the faeries and ruler of the Welsh Otherworld – Annwn – closely associated with Glastonbury Tor.

 

 

Image free to use via WikiCommons at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glastonbury_Tor#/media/File:Glastonbury_To...(geograph_5500644).jpg

Certificate U
Poem
Miscellaneous Poems
Spiritual

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I noticed this straight away as I didn't recognise the Welsh of the title. I checked my dictionary, and, as I thought, it said Ynys Afallon (note the 'll', double 'l'!), but then I checked around and realised that  Ynys Wydryn is quite correct, and both are used. Afallon obviously relaties to Avalon.

I grew up with many Welsh fairy tales (our fairies always seemed human sized in what I was familiar with, and I think rather unpleasant), and the tales of the Mabinogion. But I've always disliked relating such things to places atmospheric either to encourage mystery in the supernatural, or fear. I think they are best kept in humour, imagination, and the beauty you describe for the Tor, a lovely description (we were in such a place in borderland yesterday, and as the setting sun began to colour the clouds, and the darkness settle on hill and trees) but to joy in such a created world and the care of its Shepherd, not revel in or tease about spookiness! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

Ah thanks for reading it, Rhiannon. Yes, Glastonbury Tor is one of the most spiritual places in the UK. The references in poem are drawn from lore and legend and, I feel, all part of the magic and mystery of the Tor. Needless to say, it is a stunningly beautiful place that I have visited many times. Thanks again for the thoughtful comment. Paul :)

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

this poem is magical, it sums up the wonder and mystery of. Galstonbury Tor, which is one place I've been many times. You've done a fine job of conveying all my thoughts.

Hope Merlin does return again, we could do with some good old fashioned kind magic. wink

So beautiful and thank you so much for sharing.

Jenny. 

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for reading it, Jenny. It's hard not to write about the Tor without reference to King Arthur et al. Glad that came through. Thanks again for the kind feedback. Paul :)

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thank you for the cherries, ABC Eds. Much appreciated. Paul

 

Submitted by David Kirtley on

Good poem Marandina! You brought me back to the romantic legends of King Arthur and Avalon etc. which I have always enjoyed. I am, in a sense, surprised that tower hasn't blown away, as it was exceedingly windy when I went there some years ago. Great place, very romantic!

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for reading it, David. A venue for Mr & Mrs Muggins at some point? Thanks again. Paul :)

 

Submitted by David Kirtley on

That's a good idea. Alfred has never taken Mrs Muggins there! But he knows she would enjoy the romance of it. He might start to call her Guinevere if he ever gets her there, as Arthur is one of the royal names he would love to style himself as!!

Submitted by donignacio on

This is so wonderful! I'm not sure I'll ever get to visit this place, but your poem lets me imagine what it is like. Really such a beautiful, evocative poem!

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thank you. It's one of my favourite places in the world. I have visited many times. It is very spiritual there. Paul

 

Submitted by Hades502 on

Good stuff, Paul. I really like the legend surrounding this and the way you have woven your words is quite fitting. Good job and congrats on the cherries.

GGHades502

Submitted by marandina on

Cheers Hades. The Tor is a special place. I have tried to do it justice in my own clumsy way. Thanks again. Paul

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

I've never been to Glastonbury Tor, but this beautiful poem has made me put it on my wishlist - thank you!

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Submitted by marandina on

Oh thank you, so much insert. Yes, it's one of the most spiritual places in the UK and the most peaceful of spots at the summit. You can see for miles on a clear day. St Michael's Tower is steeped in history, much of it connected to Henry VIII and the dissolution of the monasteries (some of it grim). Thanks again. Paul

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Great stuff Paul.

I lived for a long time in Wiltshire and very close to Avebury stone circle and Silbury Hill. There, along with nearby Somerset, I found mystical and magical places and as Celtic as you can get in England.

Your poem reminds me so wonderfully well of the atmosphere of the area. I read it twice to remind myself of what I left behind.

smiley

Turlough

Submitted by marandina on

Ah thanks for reading it, Turlough. Yes, I have been to those places as well. There are so many places that look innocuous but are rich in history and an important part of our heritage. One of the unsung "attractions" *of Glastonbury Tor is the amazing willow tree at the bottom of the hill. Its branches are full of offerings. It's quite a sight and very special. Thanks again. Paul

 

Submitted by Ray Schaufeld on

You make me want to return there. 

Submitted by marandina on

Do it, Rachel. It's a wondrous place. Thanks for reading it. Paul

 

Submitted by celticman on

We're waiting for King Arthur (not Scargill, well maybe Scargill). 

 

Submitted by marandina on

Is that a legend as well, CM? The return of Arthur Scargill at the end of days? It could happen. Thanks for reading it. Paul :)

 

Submitted by onemorething on

This is our Poem of the Week. Congratulations! 

 

Submitted by marandina on

What a wonderful surprise. Thank you, so much! Paul :)

 

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

Reading this poem left me feeling relaxed. I haven't been to Glastonbury Tor but now I will be making a trip down there. There's so much on offer in the UK to connect us with our ancient ancestors. I like to go to Stonehenge when my birthday falls on the winter solstice but it's easy to forget about all these other places. Love obsidian darkness and blazing fires summon pagan mystics. Nature and magic merging together.

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for reading it, Jane. Glastonbury village/Town is about as unique as it gets and there is so much to see and do like the Abbey, Cheddar Gorge not far away and so on. That would be amazing to see Stonehenge during a Solstice. We live in a country full of ancient wonders. Paul

 

Submitted by jeand on

Hi Paul

I enjoyed the historical aspects of this, as well as the very fine use of words.

Jean Day

Submitted by marandina on

Ah thanks for reading it, Jean. Paul