54 Cader Idris by Paintings by Norman Neasom (1915 - 2010)
Cader Idris
Watercolour: Signed - Dated 1954
Image: 350mm x 520mm - Framed 590mm x 740mm
The most widespread explanation for the name of the mountain is based on the fact that Cadair means "chair". Cadair Idris thus translates as "the chair of Idris", and the Idris in question is usually taken to be a giant from Welsh mythology who was said to have used the mountain as an enormous armchair to gaze at the stars
Alternatively, it may refer to Idris ap Gwyddno (or Gweiddno), a 7th-century Meirionnydd prince who won a battle against the Irish on the mountain. Since Idris ap Gwyddno was himself referred to as Idris Gawr ("Idris the Giant") in some mediaeval genealogies of Meirionydd. An alternative origin for the name of the mountain, which is more consistent with the story of Idris ap Gwyddno than that of the mythological giant, is Irish cathair, meaning "city" or "stronghold"
While the name of the mountain is typically spelled Cadair Idris on current maps, it is usually referred to as Cader Idris locally, in both Welsh and English. The summit of the mountain is known as Penygader (top of the chair or stronghold)
