A Century of Welsh Myth in Children's Literature - (Contributions to the Study of Science Fiction & Fantasy) by Donna R White (Hardcover)

About the Book

Myth, legend, and folklore have been entrenched in children's literature for several centuries and continue to be popular. Some of the most ancient traditional tales still extant come from the Celtic cultures of France and the British Isles, whose languages are among the oldest in Europe. Among these tales are four native Welsh legends collectively known as the Mabinogi, which were first translated into English in 1845 by Lady Charlotte Guest. Numerous children's books have been based on the Mabinogi since then, and many have received awards and critical acclaim. Because these books are written for children, they are not necessarily faithful retellings of the original tales. Instead, authors have had to select certain elements to include and others to exclude. This book examines how authors of children's fantasy literature from the 19th century to the present have adapted Welsh myth to meet the perceived needs of their young audience.

The volume begins with a summary of the four principle tales of the Mabinogi: Pwyll Prince of Dyfed, Branwen Daughter of Llyr, Manawydan Son of Llyr, and Math Son of Mathonwy. Books based on the Mabinogi generally fall into two categories: retellings of the myths, and original works of fantasy partially inspired by the Welsh tales. Beginning with Sidney Lanier's The Boy's Mabinogion, the first part of this book examines versions of the myths published for children between 1881 and 1988. The second part discusses imaginative literature that borrows elements from the Mabinogi, including Alan Garner's The Owl Service, which won a Carnegie medal, and Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain, the final volume of which received the ALA Newbery Award for outstanding children's book.

Book Synopsis

Myth, legend, and folklore have been entrenched in children's literature for several centuries and continue to be popular. Some of the most ancient traditional tales still extant come from the Celtic cultures of France and the British Isles, whose languages are among the oldest in Europe. Among these tales are four native Welsh legends collectively known as the Mabinogi, which were first translated into English in 1845 by Lady Charlotte Guest. Numerous children's books have been based on the Mabinogi since then, and many have received awards and critical acclaim. Because these books are written for children, they are not necessarily faithful retellings of the original tales. Instead, authors have had to select certain elements to include and others to exclude. This book examines how authors of children's fantasy literature from the 19th century to the present have adapted Welsh myth to meet the perceived needs of their young audience.

The volume begins with a summary of the four principle tales of the Mabinogi: Pwyll Prince of Dyfed, Branwen Daughter of Llyr, Manawydan Son of Llyr, and Math Son of Mathonwy. Books based on the Mabinogi generally fall into two categories: retellings of the myths, and original works of fantasy partially inspired by the Welsh tales. Beginning with Sidney Lanier's The Boy's Mabinogion, the first part of this book examines versions of the myths published for children between 1881 and 1988. The second part discusses imaginative literature that borrows elements from the Mabinogi, including Alan Garner's The Owl Service, which won a Carnegie medal, and Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain, the final volume of which received the ALA Newbery Award for outstanding children's book.

Review Quotes

?[A] highly readable volume....[S]e makes some fascinating points about the importance of fantasy, its appeal to certain types of readers, and the different perceptions of the genre in England and America. A significant study to support children's literature courses and for those with an interest in these distinctive myths.?-School Library Journal

?[W]ell-written and insightful book....White has done a wonderful job analyzing the fictional stores without shredding their artistic power. In fact, reading this story inspires one to rush out and read or reread the works she discusses. White writes with a down-to-the-bones feel for the book's literary qualities as well as an understanding of their Celtic influences. Her book...is written in an accessible style, which makes it inviting fare for story lovers and scholars alike. This book would be especially interesting for authors, who can explore how masters of fiction incorporate mythological elements without overwhelming their own storylines or flattening their own characters. And it might inspire librarians or other custodians of the bookshelves to promote wider availability of authors such as Jenny Nimmo, who are not as well knows in the United States as they should ought to be.?-Children's Literature Association Quarterly

?From Alan Garner to Lloyd Alexander, any follower of children's fantasy writings will recognize the unique value of this survey.?-Midwest Book Review

?This insightful book is valuable for research libraries or in schools where specific genres receive individulal emphasis.?-The Book Report

?[I]nteresting and often entertaining.?-Cambrian Medieval Celtic Studies

?[I]nteresting and often entertaining.??Cambrian Medieval Celtic Studies

"ÝA¨ highly readable volume....ÝS¨e makes some fascinating points about the importance of fantasy, its appeal to certain types of readers, and the different perceptions of the genre in England and America. A significant study to support children's literature courses and for those with an interest in these distinctive myths."-School Library Journal

"ÝI¨nteresting and often entertaining."-Cambrian Medieval Celtic Studies

"ÝW¨ell-written and insightful book....White has done a wonderful job analyzing the fictional stores without shredding their artistic power. In fact, reading this story inspires one to rush out and read or reread the works she discusses. White writes with a down-to-the-bones feel for the book's literary qualities as well as an understanding of their Celtic influences. Her book...is written in an accessible style, which makes it inviting fare for story lovers and scholars alike. This book would be especially interesting for authors, who can explore how masters of fiction incorporate mythological elements without overwhelming their own storylines or flattening their own characters. And it might inspire librarians or other custodians of the bookshelves to promote wider availability of authors such as Jenny Nimmo, who are not as well knows in the United States as they should ought to be."-Children's Literature Association Quarterly

"[A] highly readable volume....[S]e makes some fascinating points about the importance of fantasy, its appeal to certain types of readers, and the different perceptions of the genre in England and America. A significant study to support children's literature courses and for those with an interest in these distinctive myths."-School Library Journal

"[I]nteresting and often entertaining."-Cambrian Medieval Celtic Studies

"From Alan Garner to Lloyd Alexander, any follower of children's fantasy writings will recognize the unique value of this survey."-Midwest Book Review

"This insightful book is valuable for research libraries or in schools where specific genres receive individulal emphasis."-The Book Report

"[W]ell-written and insightful book....White has done a wonderful job analyzing the fictional stores without shredding their artistic power. In fact, reading this story inspires one to rush out and read or reread the works she discusses. White writes with a down-to-the-bones feel for the book's literary qualities as well as an understanding of their Celtic influences. Her book...is written in an accessible style, which makes it inviting fare for story lovers and scholars alike. This book would be especially interesting for authors, who can explore how masters of fiction incorporate mythological elements without overwhelming their own storylines or flattening their own characters. And it might inspire librarians or other custodians of the bookshelves to promote wider availability of authors such as Jenny Nimmo, who are not as well knows in the United States as they should ought to be."-Children's Literature Association Quarterly

About the Author

DONNA R. WHITE is Assistant Professor of English at Clemson University. She has published several articles and reviews on Welsh myth and children's literature.