Called
the 'Black Book' because it's got a black cover (obviously) .... it was
written in 12th - 13th century, totally in Welsh, and the best bit of
all is that it mentions Merlin (Myrddin)..... the legendary wizard .....
you know, the one who was best buddies with King Arthur.
The
book itself is kept at The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth (here's
a link to their website).
The
most exciting bit about this story of Merlin and his magic is the 'Old
Oak' though - a truly magnificent work of art that sat quite happily for
centuries on the corner of Priory Street. Entombed in it's stone base
and surrounded by steel spikes it's plaque said "When Merlin's Oak
shall tumble down ....then will fall Carmarthen Town" (or something
along those lines anyway) ..... the reason I can't quite remember is
that when you're a nipper on your way home from Priory Street School and
you have to walk past the 'Old Oak' each night you don't so much walk as
run ...... 'cos that's Merlin's Oak see and it's full of magic and
stuff.
Anyway, that Old Oak never did do anybody any harm, even
when they ripped it up a few years ago - were they evil swines who
should have left one of the World's greatest historical monuments where
it was, or brave heroes challenging the might of Merlin and all his
mystical powers. I don't know really, that's for you to decide .... but
I wish the swines had left it there. |
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