Llyn Barfog was a gloomy dark lake where no fish or birds were ever seen. It was said to be haunted by a group of elfin ladies all dressed in green. They were glimpsed sometimes at night with their hounds and white cows.
Only one farmer had really seen them because one of their cows fell in love with his cattle. The arrival of the Stray Cow changed the farmer’s fortune. He had never seen such creamy milk or butter or cheese, or such beautiful calves. The farmer became rich, with large herds and flocks.
His wealth, however, had made him forget that he owed all his good fortune to the Stray Cow. He was slightly maddened by all his money and fame. So, he decided to fatten the cow for slaughter.
When she was fattened, she was still very different from other cows. Her coat was rich and glossy and she looked beautiful and coveted.
When the day of the slaughter came, all the people from the villages around came to watch. The cow lowed and wept, looking at the farmer in a pleading way to spare her life. But the farmer did not stop. He asked the butcher to do his job.
As the butcher raised his arm to kill the Stray Cow, a sharp cry was heard ringing around the valley. He stopped, petrified. The bludgeon in his nerveless hand fell with a loud crash.
Everyone turned to look at the crag from which the cry was heard. There stood a lady in green robes with her arms raised. She spoke in a voice like thunder calling the Stray Cow and all her children to return home.
As soon as they heard her, the Stray Cow and her children began to run towards the lake. The farmer and all the villagers were too stunned to move for a while. Then the farmer began to chase the Stray Cow and the herd in an effort to catch them.
The farmer reached a slight rise in the ground ahead of the others and saw the elfin lady standing on the surface of the lake with all the cows surrounding her in a circle. In front of his astonished eyes, he watched them descend into the dark and gloomy waters of the lake. Only a beautiful yellow lily marked the spot where they had vanished.
The farmer returned to his house but his good fortune had deserted him. He was reduced to poverty again for having been so ungrateful disrespectful to the Stray Cow.
