Owen's Stone

Near the village of Gorslas in the county of Carmarthen, there lies a small lake Known as Llyn Llech Owain, or the lake of Owen’s stone. In the summer the waters are covered with the big leaves and white flowers of the water lilies growing so abundantly there. Many years ago people believed that a magic well lay near what is now the centre of Owen’s lake. The fairies looked after the well, and saw that the water was always pure and cool for the shepherds when they drove their flocks there to drink. A huge stone covered the mouth of the well. It was a rule that all who removed the stone and drank of the water should replace it after use. One hot summer’s day Sir Owen, a Knight of King Arthur’s court, passed that way. He was returning to the home of his boyhood after weeks of fighting in a fierce war. The Knight and his faithful steed were weary and very thirsty after their journey. There was no house in sight, and no tree offered no shade from the merciless sun. Suddenly, Sir Owen remembered the well. He encouraged his horse. “on but a little way, Starlight. The well is at hand we will drink deep of it’s cool waters.” They made their way to the magic well , and quenched their thirst in the pure water. Refreshed, Sir Owen lay down and fell asleep. The horse wandered away a little, nibbling at tufts of grass growing amidst the heather. Half dreaming half waking, Sir Owen heard the waters of a rushing stream. “What can it be?” he exclaimed “the rushing noise seems to surround me” He sat up, then stood up in alarm. On every side lay a great stretch of water. “It’s my fault! Alas! It is my fault!” cried Sir Owen, as he raised his hands in despair. “I forgot to replace the stone that covers the mouth of the well” He looked around and saw that his horse was standing on a small slope of land. Sir Owen grieving bitterly for what he had done plunged into the water and swam to safety. The people of the village came and comforted the brave knight, for they knew of his many good deeds. “See,” they cried, pointing to the expanse of water, “is not this better?” now we have a lake where before we had but a small well”. In memory of the good knight they called the lake the Lake of Owen’s stone.

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