The Legend of Sabrina

In the heart of Wales is the little market town of Llanidloes. Set within stunning scenery, quite famous in its own right, having the only medieval market hall left in Wales. With a collection of local folk and an abundance of artists, musicians and alternative therapists all add to the eclectic mix of characters which make this one of the warmest and friendliest places you are ever likely to visit. The other claim to fame Llanidloes has is being the first town on the river Severn, nestling just miles below the source. Not the wide majestic river we see entering the sea at the Bristol Channel but a mere muddy pool high in the marshy hills of Plynlimon, the foothills of the Cambrian Mountains. The following is just one legend of Sabrina or the River Severn.

High in the hills of mid Wales lived five sisters who were the fountain nymphs of Plynlimon. One summer evening they all agreed to visit their father the Ocean and start out next morning.

Vaga (the river Wye) awoke first, lovely, comely, sweet and reasonable saying "I know where the sea lies and I know too the lovliest way to it." She began to pick her way over smooth mossy stones, to wonder through whinberry and moss making her way quietly southward to the sea.

Sabrina (the river Severn) was awake before dawn watching the east waiting for the sun to come up. As soon as she saw the sun she ran over the eastern moors saying "I know the sea lies to the south of me" as she leapt over tussocks of rough grass, "But I have time to spare." She ran away towards the east hastening through gorges and cliffs avoiding boulders, dropping down walls of rock, working her way through silent valleys. Not until she was alerted by a small bird did she become aware that Vaga was ahead of her. Quickly she turned southwards and made off at speed across the plains towards the coast.

Rhydiol did not awake until the sun was high in the sky as Sabrina was hastening far away through lush meadows and down avenues of willows and alders. While Vaga was entering the wooded gorges far to the south. She realised she had been lazy, jumped up in a panic and began to leap like a goat over rock and precipice. She knew the shortest way to the sea was westwards.

Llyfriant and Mynac slept even longer and had to take the hastiest routes possible. The journeys that the five sisters made on that summer day long ago, the five rivers still trace today.

Sabrina is the inspiration of this sculpture especially created for Llanidloes, to be set at Severn Port by the river Severn she represents. She is carved from oak standing over 6ft tall by artists Sue Thornton and Neil Reeves using materials sourced locally.

Look deep in to her eyes and journey with her from that muddy pool high on Plynlimon through hills and valleys and across plains towards the wide majestic estuary in the Bristol Channel and you may find a sense of mystery and wonder that only the age and wisdom of the river Severn can give. The trout and salmon leaping from her skirts represent the essence of rebirth flowing from her life giving waters.

A small sculpture of Sabrina is available for sale at Phoenix Gallery.