Who are the first settlers in Wales? Persian fairies, of course!

In the winter months of 1891 and 1892, British writer and photographer, P. H. Emerson (pictured), paid a visit to Anglesey, not knowing that it would inspire him to publish a book of folktales. Being best known for his work on animals and nature, dedicating his time on mythical stories may have come as a surprise to those who knew him best. Nonetheless, in 1894, he wrote up 24 folktales - six of which weren't Welsh - in "Welsh fairytales and other stories".

Of these 24 short stories, one jumps out, which will be of particular interest to Cymranians. The folktale is called "Origin of the Welsh" and it is about a King of Persia and his quest to get rid of some large birds who were bothering him and his garden. The following paragraph does contain spoilers so if you wish to read the story in full, head to the World of Tales website first.

For these birds to go, the King of Persia called on a magician to help. This magician pledged to turn these birds into fairies and will be put under a spell to never bother the King again. After thinking about it a little, the King agreed and the magician's powers worked. But of course, the King was still annoyed by the fairies' existence, and the feelings appeared mutual. So, they fleed Persia and headed west. Many of them settled in Russia, Spain and France. But others travelled beyond the British Channel and were reportedly the first people to settle in Great Britain - "They were the Welsh," the folktale concluded.

Certainly, as like any folktale, this story is incredibly far-fetched, but it's incredible to see such an obscure link. Where on earth did he get these stories from? Who would tell P. H. Emerson a story about Persian fairies becoming the first Welsh settlers?