When they bore round to the left

Then, when they bore round to the left the lake came into view. It was a black and monstrous pool, hunkered down in a hollow on the head of the hill. All round its edge grew a dense green weed that floated on the water, thick threads of hair that reached out towards the centre. Ripples moved on the top of the water, though no breeze was there. The knight crossed himself for fear, remembering the foul Afanc that might rise and rupture the surface.

Encounter the Afanc: Sir Gawain and the Green Maiden

Image: Llyn Barfog, North Wales.