By Catherine Fisher (author) , Efa Lois (illustrator)
"Packed with the thrilling peril and magic of an ancient Welsh quest story, this reawakens the magic of The Mabinogion for new generations."
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Retelling a quest story from The Mabinogion — a collection of medieval tales about Welsh folklore and legend — Catherine Fisher’s Culhwch and Olwen presents an ancient love story for a new generation. Rippling with courage and magic, with a storyline driven by striving to fulfil the seemingly impossible tasks set by a formidable giant, it’s big on adventure, and rich in poetic language.
Soon after he’s born in “the depths of this tanglewood”, Culhwch’s mother dies, just after declaring “the boar is a sacred animal for him. It will shape his destiny”. In time, his father marries King Doged’s daughter — a woman who proclaims, “You will never have a wife, ever, in all your life, unless you marry Olwen, the daughter of Ysbaddaden, Chief of Giants”.
Immediately, “deep inside Culhwch’s heart, a flame sprang into fire. Olwen. The name left small white prints in his heart”. When Olwen and Culhwch meet, they fall in love instantly, but she tells him, “When I take a husband, the Giant will die. So of course, he will try to kill you”. Undeterred, Cuhlwch sets about bringing the Giant the thirteen treasures he demands in exchange for his daughter’s hand…
Beautifully complemented by Efa Lois’ illustrations, Catherine Fisher’s re-telling of Culhwch and Olwen retains the spirit of the ancient story while highlighting relatable perennial themes, such as courage, commitment and love.
You can find out more about Culhwch and Olwen here as Joanne Owen chats to author Catherine Fisher:
Culhwch and Olwen, is a retelling of a famous story from The Mabinogion, a collection of tales written in medieval times about Welsh mythology, folklore and legend.
Read the full description
Culhwch and Olwen , is a retelling of a famous story from The Mabinogion , a collection of tales written in medieval times about Welsh mythology, folklore and legend.
Culhwch falls madly in love with Olwen, the daughter of the malevolent giant Yspaddaden Penkawr. But Olwen’s father isn’t happy about the pairing and sets Cuhlwch a test – he must complete several perilous feats and bring him the 13 treasures he desires.
Black and white illustrations by well-known Welsh illustrator Efa Lois perfectly complement this traditional story of courage and adventure.
Catherine Fisher says , ‘I'm delighted that Graffeg will be publishing my new reimagining of the classic Welsh story of Culhwch and Olwen. It's even more exciting as this will be the first book in their new Cadno imprint and I'm very much looking forward to working with them on such an intriguing project.’
Catherine Fisher is a New York Times bestselleing author. Her novel Incarceron was the Times Book of the Year. She has twice won the Tir na n’Og prize, and has been shortlisted for the Blue Peter, Carnegie, Costa and WHSmith prizes. She has published over 35 novels, been translated into in more than 40 languages and is also a prize-winning poet. Catherine is based in Newport, South Wales.
Catherine was Wales’ first Young People's Laureate (2011-2013) and has won a number of awards for her work.
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Culhwch and Olwen, is a retelling of a famous story from The Mabinogion, a collection of tales written in medieval times about Welsh mythology, folklore and legend. Culhwch falls madly in love with Olwen, the daughter of the malevolent giant Yspaddaden Penkawr.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Culhwch and Olwen and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Culhwch and Olwen features in the following genres: Fantasy / Magical, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Interviews with Authors and Illustrators, Mystery / Mythology, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Romance / Relationship Stories, Featured Books for 9+ readers
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
Culhwch and Olwen was written by Catherine Fisher and published by Graffeg Limited
Culhwch and Olwen has 104 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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