well-maiden

E853218

A well-maiden is a mythological guardian of sacred or protective wells, often tasked with maintaining the waters that safeguard a land in Celtic and Welsh legend.

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Statements (44)

Predicate Object
instanceOf figure in Celtic mythology
figure in Welsh mythology
guardian spirit
mythological being
appearsIn Welsh legend of the Wasteland
associatedMotif hospitality at the well
restoration of the waters
wasteland motif
withdrawal of the maidens
associatedWith holy springs
protective wells
sacred wells
consequenceOfNeglect blighting of the land
drying of wells
withdrawal of divine protection
culture Celtic
Welsh
foundInMythology Celtic mythology NERFINISHED
Welsh mythology
gender female
hasRole caretaker of sacred wells
guardian of water
protector of the land
provider of hospitality
interactionWithHumans punishes discourtesy
rewards respectful visitors
tests courtesy of travelers
narrativeFunction explains sacredness of wells
links moral behavior to land’s prosperity
mediates between human kings and the land
relatedConcept holy well
land goddess
sovereignty goddess
symbolizes fertility
hospitality
rightful kingship
sovereignty
the health of the land
taskedWith guarding access to wells
maintaining sacred waters
offering water to worthy visitors
withholding water from the unworthy
typicalSetting border of kingdoms
rural landscape

Referenced by (1)

Full triples — surface form annotated when it differs from this entity's canonical label.

sunken kingdom of Cantre'r Gwaelod hasAssociatedCharacterRole well-maiden
subject surface form: Cantre'r Gwaelod