The lake Llyn Llydaw is located in Snowdonia National Park in Wales.
After King Arthur was mortally wounded in his final battle at Camlann, he realized that he would not survive. In this moment, he instructed one of his knights, often Sir Bedivere, to return his sword, Excalibur, to the waters, to ensure its safekeeping.
It is said that Sir Bedivere made three attempts to throw Excalibur into the lake as per King Arthur’s command. After the third attempt, a hand rose from the water to catch the sword and take it beneath the surface. This mystical hand was believed to belong to the Lady of the Lake, who reclaimed the sword.
While Llyn Llydaw is one of the most famous locations linked to this story, other lakes have been mentioned in different Arthurian texts and adaptions.
Llyn Cerrig Bach
Located on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales, Llyn Cerrig Bach is another lake that has been mentioned in Arthurian lore as a possible location for the Excalibur legend.
Llyn Peninsular
This lake has been mentioned in some adaptions of the Excalibur legend. Its exact location can vary depending on the source.
Llyn y Fan Fawr
A lake in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales. Llyn y Fan Fawr is known for its connection with the Lady of the Lake in Welsh folklore. While it may not be explicitly linked to Excalibur, it is part of the broader Arthurian and Welsh mythological landscape.
Llyn Ogwen
Llyn Ogwen is located in Snowdonia National Park and has been suggested as another possible location for Excalibur’s return in some versions of the Arthurian legend.
Dozmary Pool
In Cornish legend, Dozmary Pool on Bodmin Moor in southwestern England, is often associated with the Lady of the Lake and the place where Excalibur was returned.
Lago di Tenno
In Italian Arthurian legends, Lago di Tenno, is also associated with the Lady of the Lake and the return of Excalibur.
Lough Neagh
In some Irish Arthurian legends, Lough Neagh in Northern Irelands is linked the legend, although it’s more commonly associated with Irish folklore.
Loch Arthur
In Scottish versions of the Arthurian legend, Loch Arthur is sometimes mentioned as the place where Excalibur was thrown into the water.
Loch Ard
In Scottish Arthurian legends, Loch Ard in Scotland is sometimes associated with the Lady of the Lake and the Excalibur story.
Lough Gur
In Irish Arthurian tales, Lough Gur in County Limerick, Ireland, is sometimes mentioned in connection with Excalibur.
Sources
Le Morte Darthur | Sir Thomas Malory, 1469-1470