Glastonbury Tor | Legends and Myths | Glastonbury, Somerset

Glastonbury Tor Holds Centuries of Extraordinary Myths and Legends:

Glastonbury Tor

Like a beacon, Glastonbury Tor lets you know when you’re drawing close to Glastonbury. With its enigmatic St Michael’s church tower, the Tor dominates the landscape in the region.

Glastonbury Tor is shrouded with centuries of legends, myths and mystical beliefs. It is a strange hill which seems to attract different myths, legends and happenings through the centuries. And, according to the interpretation of the time, some might believe that Glastonbury Tor was the hiding place of the Holy Grail, or the seat of the King of the Fairies, a Druid sanctuary, a beacon for UFOs, or maybe it’s just an innocent hill of glass.

Some Tor Legends and Myths:

According to one legend, after the crucifixion of Christ, Joseph of Arimathea brought the Holy Grail to Glastonbury. On arriving, Joseph thrust his staff into the ground. By morning, the stick had taken root and became the sacred Glastonbury Thorn. At the spot where he buried the Grail, a spring known as the Chalice Well began to flow. It is believed that if you drink from it, you’ll have eternal youth.

The fairies were believed to be the first group that moved into the Glastonbury Tor and this was where Gwyn ap Nudd, the King of the Fairies, established his court. For those interested in exploring the fairy world, the Tor holds a wealth of myths and fascinating stories. Some believe that climbing the Tor uplifts the the spirit and people can be seen trundling up, and with happy faces when they come down.

King Arthur and the Tor

Then, there’s King Arthur and the Tor. Together with Tintagel and Cadbury Castle, Glastonbury Tor was believed to be an important stronghold. An English legend here tells of how a local chieftain with a stronghold on the Tor, kidnapped Guinevere and held her prison there. Because of the marshes and swamps surrounding the Tor, it was difficult for Arthur to attack and he had to ask for assistance from St. Gildas. When Guinevere was returned to Arthur, he saw the importance of the Tor and returned to conquer it. This time he was better prepared, and perhaps with the inside knowledge that his wife had of the Tor, he won.

And so the legends and myths go on and on.

These days, Glastonbury Tor is still seen as a spiritual place and believers come here to worship. And even if you’re not into legends, myths or the mystical world, the panoramic view from the top of the Tor makes it worthwhile climbing up there to watch the sunset. Glastonbury Tor is also very popular during the Summer Solstice when visitors come to watch the sun rise on June 21st.