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Afanc

Last reviewed Oct 25, 2026 Next review Nov 9, 2026

Painted illustration: beaver-like crocodile creature rising from a dark Welsh mountain pool — AI rendition based on witness descriptions, not an actual photo.

Llyn yr Afanc (the Beaver Pool) near Betws-y-Coed, the pool named after the afanc, in a 19th-century print; it shows the place, not the creature — Llyn yr Afanc (the Beaver Pool) near Betws-y-Coed, the pool named after the afanc, in a 19th-century print; it shows the place, not the creature · Rijksmuseum · CC0 (via Wikimedia Commons) · Image source · License

A lake monster of Welsh myth, pictured variously as a crocodile, a beaver, a dwarf-like being or even a platypus.

Folklore Verdict: A creature of Welsh legend, not a reported animal.

Region: Europe · United Kingdom (Wales)
First reports: Welsh medieval mythology

Key sightings

Tradition places it in several waters, including Llyn Llion, Llyn Barfog and a pool on the Afon Conwy named after it.

Best evidence

Story only; even its home lake varies by telling.

Sources

Wikipedia: Afanc ↗