The Mightiest Heart

by Lynn Cullen, Laurel Long (Illustrator)

A talented new illustrator makes her debut with this touching story based on the legend of Llywelyn, a thirteenth-century Welsh prince who shared a special relationship with his loyal hound Gelert.

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Childrens, Medieval, Animals, Historical Fiction, Art

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Marquise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This charmingly illustrated book tells one legendary story about Prince Llywelyn the Great (you may remember him from Sharon Kay Penman's Welsh trilogy) and his dog, Gelert, an insanely loyal pup that goes far beyond canine duty to protect both ungrateful master and ungrateful master's whelp. It's a bittersweet story, with perhaps more bitter than sweet, as Gelert is such a brave, brave little wolfhound, deserving of a better fate. Llywelyn, you're an idiot, but at least you did learn your lesson.

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one tore my heart out, and stomped that sucker flat!

The story of Prince Llywelyn and his faithful dog Gelert is based on a Welsh folktale, though there WAS a Prince Llywelyn, AND his loyal wolfhound's grave can be found in the town that was named after him - Beddgelert.





I loved this one, though it makes me tear up just thinking about it.

And, oddly enough, the first time I heard this part of the tale - where Llywelyn thinks that Gelert has eaten his newborn son - was in one of Jan Brunvand's urban legend books.
Definitely a tale that transcends time.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are incredibly lovely. However, I found the story very, very sad, to the point of being depressing, even though it seems to be tweaked a bit to have a happier middle and ending than some versions of this tale.

I have to give it 4 stars because it’s a very well done book, but I don’t recommend it to those who are overly sensitive to sad dogs. This story captures the loyalty so many dogs have to their people and also how some people don’t appreciate that gift until it’s too late.

I recommend having something cheery to read (or do) immediately after reading this.

[Stephen Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give the book 4 stars for the artwork. The story of Gelert is a Welsh Legend, but with an actual monument and grave you can see pictures of online. The story in the book is a kinder one than the story that goes with the monument. Kleenex is still needed at the end, but at least the dog doesn't die by the hands of his master in the book.

I like the Authors note in the end telling of Snowdonia in Wales, and Prince Llywelyn, and of Gelert's grave near the town named after him, Beddgelert. For those of who have watched the Wexham series on television, Wales has a more real place in our hearts now so makes you feel warmer toward stories about Wales.

From the Authors note:
'But is the story of Gelert true? In Wales, truth can be like the mountains, silent and unmovable. Or it can be like the brooks that trickle down the mountains-ever sparkling, ever changing, ever slipping into time.'

[Blair Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Prince Llywelyn and his loyal wolfhound Gelert. It is based on historical fact. Llywelyn was the Prince of Snowdonia who, in the mid-12th century, married the daughter of Prince John of England. Prince Llywelyn and his faithful canine companion were inseparable until the marriage. The Princess increasingly distances Prince Llywelyn from Gelert, but the dog remains faithful even when abandoned and forgotten. In a flurry of events Gelert saves both the lives of the Prince and his baby son, then disappears into the forest for good. Llywelyn finally realizes his own unfaithfulness and ingratitude and is left to live out his sad life with the shame of how he treated his great and loyal friend, until the day his son arrives home with a puppy that looks exactly like the faithful Gelert so many years ago. This rich tale is beautifully supported by deep jewel tone and gilded illustrations that remind the reader of antique velvet tapestries and their vast hunting scenes. The theme of this touching story is faithful love and companionship in the truest sense. The kind that forgets self completely for the greater good of the beloved. This theme is very personal as I have witnessed this kind of relationship, and its opposite. The first was the beautiful marriage of my maternal grandparents. Both husband and wife gave themselves so completely to ensuring the happiness of the other that they each lacked for nothing. Often, though, this is not the case, as in the unhappy marriage of Prince Llywelyn himself. More commonly, and especially these days, faithful love and companionship are seen as something to possess and use for one's own needs and advantage, with little thought of a return to the other. This is the antithesis of sacrificial love and therefore twists and corrupts all that is good in our humanity and in our world. I recommend this book as a stirring read aloud that incorporates historical fact, heroic virtue and a poignant poetic ending. This book will evoke fireside discussions of companionship, loyalty, and the love that stirs in mighty hearts.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and tragic story is that of Prince Llywelyn and his dog Gelert of Snowdonia. The book is based on a true story although it was altered a bit at the end for the younger ones. The illustrations of this book are gorgeous and the scenery and foliage is a masterpiece. The author's notes inform that Llywelyn became a monk after his wife's unfaithfulness which implicates that a dog's loyalty is greater than that of family; I cannot refute that.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I came across this book thanks to the wonderful storyteller that comes to visit our 6th graders once a year. She told of the story of Llewylan. The illustrations in the book are vibrant. I love them. This is a great book to share with elementary ages students. I can read this many times. I definitely recommend the book to all. A great book about a dogs love for his master.

[Amalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel Long's illustrations are equal to Kinuko Kraft's illustrations, in uniqueness, memorability and spectacularity.

[Kathryn]

Laurel Long illustrations.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My hands down favorite children's book. It may be biased because I'm a big dog lover, but I cried like crazy. Great story. <3

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less enamored with the story, but the illustrations are spectacular.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up amidst the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia, Prince Llywelyn was the luckiest boy alive, with every advantage and blessing, including the greatest one of all: the love and loyalty of his dog, Gelert. Constant companions, the two grew up together, and were inseparable, until Llywelyn married and his new wife did not care for Gelert. Pushed further and further away from his best friend, Gelert eventually found himself attacked by the one he loved most in all the world, when Llywelyn mistakenly thought that the faithful dog had attacked his infant son. Realizing his mistake too late—in fact, Gelert had defended the baby from a wolf attack—Llywelyn searched the forests for his friend, never finding him until the day he was attacked by a wolf himself, and his mighty friend came to his rescue...

The fabulously talented artist and illustrator Laurel Long, who has worked on such gorgeous picture books as The Lady and the Lion and The Magic Nesting Doll (both done with Jacqueline K. Ogburn), as well as her own The Twelve Days of Christmas , made her debut here, in Lynn Cullen's retelling of a traditional Welsh folktale. I have loved The Mightiest Heart since its first publication in 1998, and once owned a copy of my own, now lost in a flood. I'm not sure why I haven't reviewed it before, but decided to do so after reading another folkloric retelling from Cullen, Godiva . In any case, this is just a gorgeous book, pairing a heartbreaking but intensely involving narrative with breathtakingly beautiful illustrations. I always have a lump in my throat when I think of Gelert wandering lonely in the wilderness, driven off by the one who should have most protected him. I appreciated the afterword here, giving more information about the tale—this is a fairly benign retelling, as in most versions Gelert is slain by Llywelyn before he discovers his mistake—and the real-life Prince Llywelyn, and the real-world grave of Gelert, for whom the Welsh town of Beddgelert ("grave of Gelert") is named. Recommended to folklore enthusiasts, to those seeking Welsh stories, and to anyone who appreciates beautiful picture book art.

[Edith · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY WOW! My heart is in pieces upon the floor. There is NOTHING I love more than heartwarming stories about dogs. Actually, I don’t think there’s anything I love more than dogs. My own warm little beaglador bean was curled up beside me as I read this beautiful Welsh fairy tale about a brave prince and his loyal doggy companion.
Phenomenal illustrations by Laurel Long, by far the greatest children’s book illustrator I’ve ever come across.
Totally 100% pure magic ✨💫✨

[Kaleigh Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this when I was in high school. My younger brother brought it home, and, on a whim, I read it at the kitchen table. This book was truly touching. I cried over the depiction of friendship and sacrifice and I still remember the story to this day. I'm planning on purchasing this story for my classroom library.

[Just a Girl Fighting Censorship · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And mind you this- the mightiest heart can come in the humblest vessel"



Yep, the last few pages were a little blurry from tears, dog lovers beware.

This is a lovely Welsh folktale about man's best friend. The illustrations are stunning.

[RumBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for new books to adapt as plays the other day, and stumbled across this one. I laughed, I cried, I got outraged, I rejoiced all from this small picture book. It truly did have a mighty heart, and it taught you a lot about love and knowing what was truly important.

[Jose Narbona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful story, everything based on Welsh history, including the in situ research by the author. First book by the American illustrator who did an amazing job. Very beautiful book. Story could be a bit too dramatic for some kids.

[Deanna Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave it 4 stars because it is somewhat based on a legend. And the reason I gave it 4 stars is because the author did not make this book even sadder by totally following the legend. Instead she did her best to make it a story with a lesson.

[Marg Corjay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful folktale from Wales with beautifully detailed illustrations.

[Abbie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly heartwrenching and heartwarming legend based on a real life Welsh prince and his dog. Incredibly beautiful illustrations!

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous art in this version of the Gelert legend. This is the first version I've read in which the prince didn't kill Gelert in a moment of grief/rage, so that was interesting.

[Rodopa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story about loyalty, suspicion, broken hearts, regrets. Historical fiction based on a real Welsh royal figure. Captivating illustrations.

[Bookewyfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The artwork is stunning. A timeless tale that will always have deep meaning, centuries later.

[Paul Gramling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welp i almost cried while my mentee and i were reading this book today

[Meandmy Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a Beautiful heartfelt story with Wonderful illustrations

[Haley Reddick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This folktale is a really good story but it is very sad.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story, superbly illustrated.

[Shealtiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a possibly partly true tale (legend) about a Welsh prince and his dog. He has the dog from his childhood. Gelert faithfully protects his master and never leaves his side. When the prince gets married one day, his new wife does not like his dog. First Gelert is banned from the new couples bedroom, and then the nursery of their new son. After a misunderstanding, Gelert runs away. The prince Llywelyn spends some time searching for his dog, and is found by him when he needs him most. He never sees his dog again after that, until his son finds a puppy with a striking resemblance.
I think this book could be great when coupled with other culture's legends, or in talking about faithfulness or pets dying. The culture in the book is represented by some information, but not a ton.

[raccoon reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly loved this beautiful story of a boy and his dog. As the boy grows into a man he takes his dog for granted until a selfless sacrifice proves to the Prince once and for all what a mighty heart his canine had. The artistry in the book is just as beautiful as the story. It is based around people who really did exist in Wales and I appreciated the author's note at the end of the story which delved into the real possible history of the story. I found it a lovely picture book for children. It is also approved by my cat BabyCat, who though admittedly not fond of dogs, did find the book very pleasant to sleep on.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a terrific story based on a Welsh legend that tells of the love between a man and his dog. It has amazing illustrations and a fairy tale like narrative that is heartbreaking, but has a surprisingly uplifting ending. The love between Llywelyn and Gelert shines through in the tale and the expressive pictures and we were in tears at the end of the book. We also enjoyed reading the author's note at the end, with additional information about the legend and the fact that Gelert's grave can still be found in Wales.