Culhwch (pronounced Kulhook) may have been brought up by a single dad, but he grew up to be a hero. When he fell in love with a giant’s daughter, Olwen, any lesser man would have been daunted by the conditions her father put on their relationship. Culhwch’s father is the king of Wales and a cousin of King Arthur, and has many powerful knights with marvellous skills. With their help Culhwch sets off to tackle the tasks that Olwen’s father, the giant, has set.
Danger and adventure follow, as their powers are put to the test by the giant’s challenges. But love is the greatest power of all, so Culhwch and his band eventually prevail.
The mysterious tale of Culhwch and Olwen was first written down nearly 1000 years ago in Welsh as part of the Mabinogion, and is one of the longest medieval stories we have. Catherine’s retelling explores the gaps in this “hedgerow of stories”. She explains her fascination with this “treasury of wonder” on her website here: www.catherine-fisher.com/culhwch-and-olwen
‘The exciting prose is combined throughout with beautiful poetry and hand-drawn line illustrations, and all three of these elements come together into what feels like a true labour of love.’ Wonderfully Bookish
‘With a richly detailed world and a cast of memorable characters, Catherine Fisher weaves a tale that is both heartwarming and thrilling.’ British Folklore
