Tradition: Welsh mythology
Alternative Names: Dragon-like Monster of the Lake
Category: Dragon
The Myth
The creature was a monstrous, dragon-like being that lived hidden beneath a lake in Britain. From its watery lair it caused disastrous floods, sending the waters across the land and bringing destruction to the people who lived there.
When Hu gained dominion over Britain, he did not conquer the island through war or bloodshed. Instead, he established his rule through justice and peace and taught his people agriculture, organized them into federated tribes, and laid the foundations of literature and history through the tradition of bardism.
But the land remained threatened by the floods caused by the monster in the lake. Hu went to the water and dragged the dragon-like creature from its hiding place. Once the monster had been removed, the floodwaters finally subsided and the danger was brought to an end.
With the waters gone, Hu became the first to draw a furrow through the soil of Britain with a plough. For this reason he was remembered as one of the Three National Pillars of the Isle of Britain, the great figures who established and shaped the country.
Sources
Squire, Charles. The Mythology of Ancient Britain and Ireland. London: A. Constable, 1906.