Welcome to the vale...

Moelbryn is the ancient celtic name for the Malvern Hills, a dramatic ridge of volcanic rock that spans the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire and dominates the surrounding countryside. Towards the south of the Malverns lies the Eastnor Vale, a picturesque valley amongst the woods and ridges of which lies the village of Eastnor.

This weblog focuses on the stories, folklore and history of the area - the hills, buildings, woods and ruins, tales of faerie folk, witches, druids and giants.

Please leave a comment if you have found this blog useful or have enjoyed reading.

Peace x

Friday, July 17, 2020

The Oak of Raggedstone

At the southern reaches of the Malvern Hills on slopes at the base of Raggedstone Hill, a wise old woman lived with her two children. So beautiful was her smile, so wondrous her stories and so deep her wisdom, that people would come from far and wide to visit and spend time at her hearth, just listening, singing and relaxing.


She relished the attention and the love and warmth her extended family brought. Friends would come with gifts that covered every inch of her home; sparkling with ornaments, trinkets, ribbons and gems.

Image credit unknown

Much as she welcomed the company and love of the many visitors, as she grew ancient she also grew tired. One evening, she had been entertaining her family just as she always would, but then that night, she was gone.

Image by Ledbury Fire Station

The wise old woman who lived at the foot of Ragged Stone Hill never lost her spirit. She didn't fall on a windy night and lie prone on the hillside, slowly returning to the earth. No, The Magic Oak left in a moment so powerful that all that was left behind for us to learn from were the ash and memories in the earth and air.

Image credit unknown

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