The Red Dragon, or "Y Ddraig Goch" in Welsh, holds a place of great honor as the national symbol of Wales, prominently featured on the Welsh flag and an enduring emblem of Welsh identity and heritage. Despite being a creature of myth, the red dragon embodies traits highly valued in Welsh culture such as fierceness, strength, and a deep-rooted sense of resilience. The origin of the red dragon as a symbol of Wales is steeped in Celtic mythology and medieval legend, notably being associated with the story of the dragon battle beneath Dinas Emrys, a hill located in North Wales. According to this legend, the young Merlin prophesied that two dragons lay sleeping under the hill — a red dragon and a white dragon. The dragons were said to represent the Welsh (red dragon) and the Saxons (white dragon) and were in a perpetual struggle with each other, mirroring the ongoing conflicts between the Welsh and the Anglo-Saxons.
The red dragon was supposedly victorious in this mythical battle, a victory that symbolized the survival and resilience of the Welsh people and their culture over the centuries, despite numerous invasions and dominations by various conquerors. This legend was further popularized by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his pseudo-historical chronicle "Historia Regum Britanniae," which helped elevate the red dragon to a symbol of Welsh pride and resistance.
The use of the red dragon as a national symbol dates back centuries and was likely first adopted by the Welsh princes to signify their authority and connection to the mythical past. Over time, the red dragon became a fixture on flags and banners, particularly during times of conflict or national struggle, acting as a rallying symbol for Welsh identity. Its current depiction on the flag, with one claw raised and tongue protrused against a green and white background, is both imposing and defiant, perfectly encapsulating the enduring spirit of Wales.
The red dragon is more than just a symbol; it's a source of national pride, representing not only the historical and mythical past of Wales but also its aspirations and the vibrant culture of the Welsh people. Throughout festivals, national events, and cultural celebrations, Y Ddraig Goch continues to be a potent symbol of all that Wales was, is, and hopes to be, uniting Welsh people both in the homeland and the diaspora around their shared heritage and values.
