Podcast
Questions and Answers
What outcome is predicted to happen to Carmarthen if Merlin's Oak is destroyed?
What outcome is predicted to happen to Carmarthen if Merlin's Oak is destroyed?
Who is believed to have planted the acorn that grew into Merlin's Oak?
Who is believed to have planted the acorn that grew into Merlin's Oak?
Where can a fragment of the dead tree be viewed?
Where can a fragment of the dead tree be viewed?
Flashcards
Who is Merlin?
Who is Merlin?
A legendary figure in Welsh folklore, often associated with magic and prophecy.
What did Merlin's prophecy entail?
What did Merlin's prophecy entail?
A prophecy, believed to be made by Merlin, that the town of Carmarthen would suffer consequences if a specific oak tree fell.
What is the significance of the Carmarthen Oak?
What is the significance of the Carmarthen Oak?
An oak tree in Carmarthen, believed to have been planted in 1659 in commemoration of King Charles II's restoration to the throne.
What happened to the Carmarthen Oak?
What happened to the Carmarthen Oak?
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Why did the council keep the dead tree?
Why did the council keep the dead tree?
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What became of the space around the oak tree?
What became of the space around the oak tree?
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Where can a piece of the oak tree be found?
Where can a piece of the oak tree be found?
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When was the last part of the oak tree removed?
When was the last part of the oak tree removed?
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Study Notes
Merlin's Oak Prophecy
- Carmarthen, Wales, is linked to a prophecy concerning Merlin and an oak tree.
- One version predicts Carmarthen's downfall if the oak falls, the other that the town will flood or drown.
The Oak Tree's History
- The oak is believed to have sprung from an acorn planted in 1659 by a master Adams from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School.
- This planting commemorated the restoration of King Charles II.
- It's possible the oak once stood within the Carmarthen Priory grounds.
- The tree's location is approximately 91 meters northwest of the former priory gatehouse.
- The tree's location became a central point in the town with market crowds, and it was near busy traffic routes.
The Oak's Decline and Preservation
- A local shopkeeper is accused of poisoning the tree in the early 19th century due to the tradition of gatherings under its branches.
- The tree died in 1856.
- Due to the prophecy linking the tree's fate to Carmarthen, council members resisted cutting the dead tree.
- The tree's space was later converted to a traffic island.
- In 1951, a branch broke off and is now in the Carmarthenshire County Museum.
- The tree stump's last remnant was removed in 1978 to improve traffic flow.
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Description
Explore the intriguing story of Merlin's Oak in Carmarthen, Wales, and its prophetic significance. Learn about its historical background, the traditions associated with it, and the events leading to its decline. This quiz will test your knowledge of the folklore and historical events surrounding this famous oak tree.
