What’s the difference between Welsh fairy tales and folk tales? Fairy tales are stories that have to do with fairies—in this case, the Tylwyth Teg—or other magical beings and supernatural occurrences. Folk tales are stories handed down in a culture but may or may not contain magic. Below, we’ll explore some great books with one or both types of stories.
In addition to having to do with the supernatural, Welsh fairy tales also usually teach a lesson of some sort. Folk tales, on the other hand, are stories that people pass down to their children that teach cultural beliefs and traditions, often related to the area where they live. These stories may or may not contain magical elements. As you can see, fairy tales and folk tales aren’t the same, but they can certainly overlap sometimes. Some folktales are also fairy tales, and vice versa.
In Welsh fairy tales, you’ll of course find the Tylwyth Teg, which are the mythical fae of Wales. These beings aren’t all innocence and glitter by a long shot, and they’re known for having a mischievous streak! They like playing tricks on unsuspecting humans. Tylwyth Teg societies also have strict laws that they abide by, and they expect humans to show the proper respect for their ways of doing things. If you violate their rules, they might curse you, make you sick, or even take you with them to the spirit world to be a servant.
This post is about books of Welsh fairy tales.
Books of Welsh Fairy Tales
As mentioned above, Welsh fairy tales commonly involve, well, fairies! What is a Welsh fairy called? Welsh fairies are called the “Tylwyth Teg,” which means the “fair folk.” You’ll find about as much lore on these creatures as you’ll find fairy tales themselves. Storytellers often depict the Tylwyth Teg as extraordinarily beautiful, tall, and elegant. However, there are different types, and some aren’t so pleasing to the eye. More importantly, some can be quite dangerous.
Where do the Tylwyth Teg come from? Some people believe they are nature spirits, quietly in the natural places of Wales, since the beginning of time. Others see the fairies as descendants of the ancient gods worshipped long ago. They live in different places, such as underground, in lakes, in the hills and valleys, and in the Otherworld.
Types of Tylwyth Teg (Fair Folk)
There are five types of Tylwyth Teg, one being the Ellyllon, which are very much like elves. They wear gloves made of foxglove flowers and like to eat toadstools and poisonous mushrooms. They can use their powers to either help or harm humans. If they like you, they may even make you rich.
Another type of Welsh fairy is the Coblynau. You may have heard of the Cornish “Knockers.” Coblynau are the Welsh version. You can think of these helpful spirits as a bit like gnomes in appearance. However, they dress in mining gear, such as a smock frock and trousers. They stand only 18 inches tall and help miners by knocking on the cave walls to see what minerals or precious metals might be hidden there.
The other types of Tylwyth Teg appearing in Welsh fairy tales include the Bwbachod, who are household helpers, the Gwragedd Annwn or “Annwn Wives” (Wives of the Otherworld), and the Gwyllion. The Gwyllion are frightening hags who live in the mountains, and they are more similar to witches than faeries in ways. They like to haunt lonely paths through the hills, confuse travelers, and make them lose their way.
Y Gwyllgi (The Gwyllgi—Dog of Darkness)
Another creature you’ll sometimes see in Welsh fairy tales is the gwyllgi. A gwyllgi is essentially a black ghost dog with glowing red eyes, the Welsh “Dog of Darkness.” Gwyllgŵn (the plural of gwyllgi) are large and menacing in stature, about the size of a dire wolf. They haunt desolate places, such as empty roads, especially at night. Their presence is an omen telling anyone who sees them that tragedy or death is on the horizon.
Yr Afanc (The Afanc)
Tales that tell of yr Afanc say that it’s a terrifying lake monster, with several variations. Stories almost always mention it as a large beast. It may appear as a very bizarre-looking giant beaver, dwarf, or crocodile. As it’s highly protective of its surroundings, the Afanc will attack and consume anyone who fishes in its waters or enters without first asking permission.
Welsh Fairy Tales: A Timeless Collection of Classic Fairy Tales and Folktales by William Elliot Griffis
From the blurb: Explore the enchanting world of Welsh Fairy Tales by William Elliot Griffis, a captivating anthology that brings the rich tradition of Welsh storytelling to life. With tales of brave maidens, fearsome monsters, and clever wizards, this collection captures the essence of Welsh folklore and mythology. From the saintly teachings of Saint David to magical moments of love and bravery, each story offers a glimpse into a mystical past where the supernatural weaves through everyday life. Perfect for fans of classic fairy tales and mythological adventures, this book is a timeless treasure of cultural heritage.
In his heartfelt preface, Griffis reflects on his Welsh roots and the enduring power of storytelling. The opening tale, “Welsh Rabbit and Hunted Hares,” introduces Monacella, a maiden whose compassion transforms a prince’s life and earns her a sacred sanctuary. With moral lessons and whimsical magic, these stories are perfect for bedtime reading or discovering the soul of Welsh culture. Whether you’re drawn to mythical creatures, heroic deeds, or simply the charm of old-world legends, this book promises to captivate your imagination.
Welsh Fairy Tales and Other Stories: 24 Welsh Tales (Myths, Legend and Folk Tales from Around the World) by P.H. Emerson
From the blurb: This volume contains 24 tales collected in and around Wales by P. H. Emerson whilst living in Anglesea during the winter of 1891-2. With the exception of the French story, they were written as they were told to the collector. In most cases, he amended them as little as possible, preferring to record the stories as told, staying true to the original so that the written story would enchant readers as though it were being presented by the storyteller.
Herein, you will find stories like The Legend of Gelert (the tale of the brave hound who gave us the story of Beddgelert, the town of this namesake), The Fairies Of Caragonan, The Craig-Y-Don Blacksmith, Old Gwilym, The Baby-Farmer, The Old Man And The Fairies and many more. Like most pre-1900 societies, storytelling, mythology, and history was an oral tradition and passed on in the same way by specialists such as storytellers or druids.
Why do we call such a collection Fairy Tales? Well, when last did you hear a child say, ‘One more folk tale, please’ or ‘Another nursery tale, please, grandma’? Fairy tales are stories in which occurs something ‘fairy’, something extraordinary—fairies, giants, dwarfs, speaking animals, or the remarkable stupidity of some of the characters. Stories of fairy interaction with humans—where the kind and thoughtful are blessed, and the thoughtless and spiteful are punished.
So take some time out and travel back to a period before television and radio, a time when families would gather around a crackling and spitting hearth and granddad or grandma or uncle or auntie would delight and captivate the gathering with stories passed on to them from their parents and grandparents from time immemorial.
Legends and Lore From Wales
If you’re looking for Welsh folktales, the three-volume Welsh Folk Tales series by James Evans is the perfect introduction. This new author released these fascinating books in 2024. They are suitable for anyone 12 and older who wants to learn about the lore of Cymru (Wales). This series blends Welsh fairy tales and folklore and focuses on the stories handed down in specific regions.
Tales of Pembrokeshire: Legends and Lore from the Welsh Coast (Welsh Folk Tales) by James Evans
From the blurb: Tales of Pembrokeshire Legends and Lore from the Welsh Coast invites you to explore the captivating stories woven into the fabric of this stunning region, from the mysterious Preseli Bluestones linked to Stonehenge to the haunting ghost stories of Pembrokeshire’s ancient castles.
Dive into the world of Welsh folklore with legends of fairies, giants, and the sunken kingdom of Cantre’r Gwaelod, often dubbed the “Welsh Atlantis.” Uncover the tales of pirates who once roamed the rugged coastlines and the enchanting selkies who embody the mysterious allure of the sea. Meet legendary figures like Merlin and Saint David, whose stories continue to inspire wonder and fascination.
Perfect for lovers of mythology, history, and adventure, this collection of tales reveals the rich cultural heritage of Wales, where every hill and hollow whispers a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler, a history buff, or simply curious about the magic of the world around you, this book offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of Pembrokeshire’s legends.
Tales of Ceredigion: Legends and Lore from Cardigan Bay (Welsh Folk Tales) by James Evans
From the blurb: Step into the enchanted world of Ceredigion Folk Tales, where the rugged beauty of Wales’ western coast collides with ancient legend and timeless mystery. Nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay, Ceredigion is a land steeped in folklore, where history and myth blur and the natural landscape comes alive with the magic of its past.
Discover tales that have been passed down through generations, like the haunting legend of Llyn y Fan, where a mysterious Lady of the Lake emerges from the waters to shape a farmer’s fate, or the story of Cantre’r Gwaelod, the legendary sunken kingdom whose bells still echo from beneath the sea. From enchanted creatures and fair folk to tragic love stories and miraculous events, this book transports readers to a place where nature is alive with spirits and hidden forces.
Ceredigion Folk Tales explores the deep connection between the people of Ceredigion and their environment, offering a rich tapestry of Welsh culture and tradition. Whether you’re a lover of mythology, history, or folklore, these stories will captivate your imagination and give you a new appreciation for the magical land of Ceredigion.
Perfect for anyone intrigued by Welsh history, myths, and the natural beauty of the region, this book will leave you enchanted by the timeless tales that continue to shape the heart of Wales. Journey into a world where every hill, river, and ancient stone has a story to tell—and let the legends of Ceredigion capture your heart.
Tales of Carmarthenshire: Legends and Lore from Sir Gaerfyrddin (Welsh Folk Tales) by James Evans
From the blurb: Carmarthenshire, nestled in the heart of Wales, is a land that seems carved from ancient dreams. Its landscape, with rolling hills, shadowed forests, mist-cloaked lakes, and windswept coastlines, calls to the imagination as few places can. This is a region where the past is palpably alive, where every stone, stream, and summit carries echoes of the stories that have unfolded upon it. Here, myth and reality intertwine, blurring the boundary between the every day and the enchanted. In Carmarthenshire, even the air seems to hold secrets—secrets that speak of sorrow and heroism, of treachery and redemption, and of worlds beyond the one we see.
Within these pages, we journey into the heart of this storied land to uncover the legends that lie buried beneath its surface, awaiting discovery by those with open minds and curious hearts. From the ancient Black Mountains to the banks of the River Towy, from the tranquil waters of Llyn y Fan Fach to the ghostly shores of Laugharne, Carmarthenshire holds tales that are as timeless as they are transformative. These stories do more than entertain; they connect us to the essence of Welsh heritage, binding us to an age-old tradition where landscape and legend are forever entwined.
Each chapter in this book delves into a unique piece of Carmarthenshire’s folklore, offering a window into the values, beliefs, and fears of those who came before us. Through these tales, we meet ghostly warriors who roam the Black Mountains, guardians whose eternal vigil warns travelers of the dangers that lie in wait. We encounter cursed bells and enchanted oaks, each a reminder of the past’s power to shape the present.
Welsh Fairy Tales List
Here’s a list of famous Welsh fairy tales and folk lore you can also look up for more reading.
- The Baby-Farmer
- The Craig-y-don Blacksmith
- The Crows
- Eva’s Luck
- Ellen’s Luck
- The Fairy of the Dell
- The Fairies’ Mint
- The Fairies of Caragonan
- The Giantess’ Apron-Full
- Gwrgan Farfdrwch fable
- Kaddy’s Luck
- The Long-Lived Ancestors
- The Old-Man and the Fairies
- Old Gwilym
- The Pellings
- Robert Roberts and the Fairies
- The Story of Gelert
- Tommy Pritchard
This post was about books of Welsh fairy tales.
You might also enjoy 7 Witchy and Wonderful Welsh Mythology Books and Curl Up With a Welsh Folklore Book (a Sure Cure).
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