Ffynnon Eilian
"The Most Dreadful Well in Wales" (British Goblins, 1881)
Quest
Consider your visit carefully. We do not condone cursing.
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Information
Ffynnon Eilian (‘Eilian’s Well’), is at the foot of a rocky outcrop by the sea. We do not advise visiting this well, sometimes known as “the witching well”.
The well-keeper (she often seems elderly and harmless) will offer to place a curse on someone by scribing their name in a specific form, then placing it into the well with a pin. She will also offer three draughts, or three anointings with the water.
DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS.
Locals know well the Welsh saying “Cledyf melltigyat a thorry deuweith.” – a cursed blade cuts in both directions, meaning that placing a curse drains the life of the one placing it as well as the victim.
The origin of the well’s curse is that Eilian (sometimes known as St. Eilian, although as you may see, the sainthood may be misplaced!) damned the ground on which a greyhound killed his pet deer.
