Geoffrey’s account also tells of the prophecy of Myrddin (or Merlin) of a long fight between a red dragon and a white dragon, symbolising the historical struggle between the Welsh (red dragon) and the English (white dragon). Geoffrey of Monmouth in his Historia Regum Britanniae, written between 11, links the dragon with the Arthurian legends, including Uther Pendragon the father of Arthur whose name translates as Dragon Head. Later, around the seventh century, it became known as the Red Dragon of Cadwaladr, king of Gwynedd from 655 to 682. It is considered that the Welsh kings of Aberffraw first adopted the dragon in the early fifth century in order to symbolise their power and authority after the Romans withdrew from Britain. One legend recalls Romano-British soldiers carrying the red dragon (Draco) to Rome on their banners in the fourth-century, but it could be even older than that.

But why a dragon? The answer to that particular question is lost in history and myth. The red dragon itself has been associated with Wales for centuries, and as such, the flag is claimed to be the oldest national flag still in use. The current flag was officially adopted in 1959, and is based on an old royal badge used by British kings and queens since Tudor times. As with any ancient symbol, the appearance of the dragon has been adapted and changed over the years, and hence several different variations exist. The proud and ancient battle standard of the Welsh is The Red Dragon ( Y Ddraig Goch) and consists of a red dragon, passant (standing with one foot raised), on a green and white background.

Although an integral part of the United Kingdom, Wales is not represented on the national flag, or Union Flag, more popularly known as the Union Jack.

Legend of the red dragon drinking game