Vela was one of the last priestesses of the cult of Morrigan at Gwydberg Castle in Lower Angren. Renowned for her devotion to the Holy Sycamore of Ard Gwyd, she became the central figure in the tragedy that led to the fall of Gwydberg. Her accusation against Count Constans of Gwydberg, subsequent banishment, and the curse that followed transformed her into one of the most influential and tragic figures in the history of the sanctuary.

Biography

Vela served as a priestess at Gwydberg Castle during the final years of its prominence as the foremost center of the cult of Morrigan. The sanctuary, built around the Holy Sycamore of Ard Gwyd, attracted pilgrims from across the region and remained a place of great spiritual significance.

As one of the last priestesses maintaining the ancient traditions of the cult, Vela held a respected position within the religious community.

In the late 1250s, Vela accused Count Constans of Gwydberg of raping her. The allegation shook the castle and placed the ruling family at the center of a growing scandal.

Rather than receiving support, Vela was condemned by the authorities of Gwydberg. Countess Ailen of Gwydberg sided with her husband and ordered the priestess's expulsion from the sanctuary. Stripped of her position and cast out from the place she had served, Vela departed in despair.

As she left Gwydberg, Vela unconsciously uttered a curse born from grief, injustice, and anguish. According to later accounts, the Holy Sycamore itself heard her plea.

Soon afterward, a catastrophic storm struck the mountain. The castle suffered severe damage, and swarms of ravens descended upon its inhabitants, forcing them to abandon the sanctuary. What had once been a flourishing center of worship was reduced to a haunted ruin.^[1]