Glain Nadredd Serpent Stone of Celtic mythology
Glain Nadredd Serpent Stone of Celtic mythology
Serpent Stone, Les Nadredds Serpents
Oil on canvas, 48 inches by 36 inches
Original painting available from Saatchi Art
This picture is dedicated to Arthur Machen and his novel The White People.
Glain Nadredd is the Serpent Stone of Celtic mythology, sometimes called Adder Stone, which was believed to be created by a coming together of snakes, normally occurring in Spring, but more auspicious on May Eve.
The stones, thought to have been created from snake saliva, were claimed to have magical qualities, similar to mirrors, that would allow entry into the spirit world.
In the Mabinogion, Peredur is given a magical stone that allows him to see and kill an invisible creature called the Addanc, a water monster.
In another story, Owain marries his love the Lady of the Fountain. The hero becomes trapped in a castle and is given a stone by a maiden, which turns Owain invisible allowing him to escape confinement.
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