The Song of Castle Mere

The Song of Castle Mere

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The Song of Castle Mere is a song regularly connected to the life and death of King Nanteleod of Escavalon. It is said that the song was commissioned by King Idres, to teach his enemies the danger of trying to deceive "The Lions of Cornwall".

The word Castamere is likely a reference to "Castle Mere", a Castle in Summerland that King Nanteleod took from King Idres in 506 after he in turn had taken it from King Cadwy during the interregnum. It is said that King Nanteleod took the castle through deceit and cunning, and that it was the first time King Idres felt he was outdone, something his pride could not deal with. The story of exactly what happened at Castle Mere is still hidden in the fogs of history. But most agree that the story probably does not paint King Nanteleod in a good light.

The Castle Mere lies in ruins, a shadow of what it once was and it is said that it almost always rains there. Cornish often refer to King Nanteleod as "The King of Castle Mere". And they are said to mean that he is "the king of nothing" or "the king of the ruins".

The saying has spread somewhat, and it's not uncommon for people to say "Here comes the King of Castle Mere", referring to a pompous and overconfident lord, who in reality is only lord over rubble or commoners.

One night, I hold on you
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, you
Castle Mere, Castle Mere, Castle Mere, Castle Mere

A coat of gold, a coat of red
A lion still has claws
And mine are long and sharp, my Lord
As long and sharp as yours

And so he spoke, and so he spoke
That Lord of Castle Mere.
And now the rains weep o'er his halls
With no one there to hear

Yes, now the rains weep o'er his halls
And not a soul to hear
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh