Forget giving useful but boring socks or a flannel nightie for the man or woman in your life and instead go completely Arthurian this Christmas.
A unique opportunity to be able to dub your loved one, or to treat yourself to become, Lady or Lord of the lake has emerged from the mysterious rippling waters of a lagoon near Trefnant, in Denbighshire, North Wales.
Girded with the ancient historical title of the lady or lordship of the manor of the lake you may well in future be able to stride, head high, through customs with the legendary title emblazoned across your passport.
Arthurian legend buff Deborah Bisley, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions, is already sensing a stirring of interest among the reeds of the rambling Vale of Clwyd marshlands.
Traditionally the Lady of the Lake, also known or identified as Viviane or Nimuë, is an enchantress who lived in a castle beneath a lake surrounding the believed-mythical island of Avalon. According to legend, the Lady of the Lake she is most famous for giving Arthur the magical sword Excalibur, for fostering Sir Lancelot after his father’s death and for imprisoning Merlin in a tree.
Deborah said: “The manorial title we’re selling has really grabbed the imagination of many I’ve spoken to and who’ve enquired about owning it and what it means to be Lady of Lord of the Lake.
“There’s massive and growing interest in all things Arthurian. I can’t think of anything else that has such authenticity to it than being able to call yourself the actual Lady of the Lake.
“As well as being a rare opportunity to buy a Christmas present for the person who has everything this may well allow the owner to use the title Lord/Lady of the Lake after their name.
“The title could potentially be used on all official documentation including passport and other legal documentation.”
Deborah, warming to her subject, said: “It’s surely a must have for Christmas/Yule for any avid Arthurian sword hunter or esoteric enchantress looking to entice her man into the virtual magical waters in search of the Grail or Excalibur!”
And as if this title is not enough another, the Lord/ Lady of Trefnant, is also up for sale at the same Paul Fosh Auction.
Deborah, who is also charged with selling the second title said: “This is surely another must have for Christmas for any watery nymphs as the translation from the Welsh of the words Tref Nant mean Stream Town. If combined as Trefnant the English translation from the Welsh means organise or arrange.
“So perhaps the perfect gift for the manager in your life, or a PA perhaps, or you could buy this title to compliment the other title up for sale so that the stream from your town can flow towards your Lake!”
The brace of lordship titles, which do not currently have auction guide prices, are included in a catalogue of some 94 varied lots which go up for sale from 12 noon on Tuesday, November 7 and end from 5pm on Thursday, November 9.