Gelert - A Man's Best Friend

Gelert - A Man's Best Friend by Cerys Matthews

A classic Welsh legend retold by singer and songwriter, Cerys Matthews. Gelert is one of the best-loved traditional tales from Wales. In this version, the beautiful atmospheric illustrations by Fran Evans combine with author Cerys Mathews's retelling of the story in rhyme, making it an ideal read-aloud book.

..in the fireside lore of nearly every Aryan people

This description of the faithful hound leitmotif, which even has a specific number in the scholarly Arne-Thompson categorisation of folk tales(178A), might bring disappointment to all those adults brought up to believe in the unique Welshness of the tear-jerking legend of Gelert. Yet the story has retained its excitement, its pathos and its cultural integrity. It has been shared by countless generations of children,in classrooms and homes across Wales and far beyond.

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There is so much more to explore in the legend of Gelert that I am sure this entertaining interpretation in picture book form will inspire children, parents and teachers to reach for their laptops, tablets, and even reference books! There they will discover earlier poetic interpretations of the story, earlier illustrations (the Victorians loved the subject) and some fascinating links with real history see the detailed notes on Beth Gellert in Celtic Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs (1892).

Indeed its a chance for readers and researchers, of whatever age, to make up their own minds about the historical validity of the story and its contribution both to the Welsh folk legend canon and to Snowdonias tourist industry. Beddgelert here we come!

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

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