What do you think?
Rate this book
An Illustrated Guide to Welsh Monsters and Mythical Beasts
A collection of art from Collette J. Ellis featuring magical and mythical creatures from Wales.
82 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2020
6 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 14, 2021
This slim volume is all about the mythical beasts of Wales. Each two-page spread is devoted to one beast and has large beautifully drawn illustrations. There is a handy guide to Welsh letter pronunciations in the front of the book so you can expertly pronounce each beast’s name.
Welsh Monsters & Mythical Beasts would make a great gift for those interested in mythology.
Welsh Monsters & Mythical Beasts would make a great gift for those interested in mythology.
October 9, 2023
If you ever wondered about the mystic legends of Welsh monsters and faeries, you will learn all about them in this book! There are separate sections for types of dragons, strange beasts, elves and faeries, and ghostly spirits. Some of the legends are similar to ones everyone across the world is familiar with, such as dragons or griffins, but some are uniquely Welsh like Cath Palug (Palug's Cat). Some creatures are benevolent like the Bwbachod (House Faeries), some are merely mischievous like the Llamhigyn y Dwr (Water Leaper frog), but others are dangerous and deadly like the Gwyllgi (Twilight Dog).
One of the best things about this book is that the reader gets to learn a few Welsh words and how to pronounce them. The whole book is vibrant with the Welsh culture and language! I found myself attempting to say the Welsh words aloud, rolling them around my mouth like a piece of candy.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous! I love the delicate lines of the artwork and the lovely designs. Of course, some of the designs are scary for the monsters and spirits of death. But that just shows the genius of the artist in depicting both beauty and hideousness.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
One of the best things about this book is that the reader gets to learn a few Welsh words and how to pronounce them. The whole book is vibrant with the Welsh culture and language! I found myself attempting to say the Welsh words aloud, rolling them around my mouth like a piece of candy.
The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous! I love the delicate lines of the artwork and the lovely designs. Of course, some of the designs are scary for the monsters and spirits of death. But that just shows the genius of the artist in depicting both beauty and hideousness.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
August 28, 2017
Look what my friend brought over recently!
This is the first Kickstarter I ever wanted to back, and the reason I found out that Kickstarter doesn't accept PayPal or JCB cards. So I asked Yiyin if she would help me pay first and then I'd pay her in cash, but this sweet girl bought it for me as a grad gift (':
The Kickstarter met its stretch goals so there were extra rewards like this green man bookmark:
This postcard:
And another postcard of a Llamhigyn y dŵr, which is basically a frog/toad with bat-like wings, horns and when feeling adventurous with their diet, eat chickens and ducks and geese.
And I think this is a name card? It's really beautiful and it makes me think of the final form of that deer from Princess Mononoke!
The book itself was lovely. There are 15 monsters and mythical creatures featured, plus a short introduction to Wales. Each monster/creature gets its own illustration plus a short explanation of what it is.
I do not know anything about Welsh mythology so I found this book to be fascinating. Plus the illustrations really are lovely (and suit the dark nature of many of these monsters) and I enjoyed looking at the art + reading the descriptions.
I'm not sure if this book will be sold in stores but I definitely hope that it makes it there (or on Amazon at least). Welsh mythology isn't as famous as Greek or Roman mythology, and this beautifully illustrated book is a great way to learn a little about this. I am so curious about Welsh mythology now - hopefully I remember (and can find) some books about it!
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
This is the first Kickstarter I ever wanted to back, and the reason I found out that Kickstarter doesn't accept PayPal or JCB cards. So I asked Yiyin if she would help me pay first and then I'd pay her in cash, but this sweet girl bought it for me as a grad gift (':
The Kickstarter met its stretch goals so there were extra rewards like this green man bookmark:
This postcard:
And another postcard of a Llamhigyn y dŵr, which is basically a frog/toad with bat-like wings, horns and when feeling adventurous with their diet, eat chickens and ducks and geese.
And I think this is a name card? It's really beautiful and it makes me think of the final form of that deer from Princess Mononoke!
The book itself was lovely. There are 15 monsters and mythical creatures featured, plus a short introduction to Wales. Each monster/creature gets its own illustration plus a short explanation of what it is.
I do not know anything about Welsh mythology so I found this book to be fascinating. Plus the illustrations really are lovely (and suit the dark nature of many of these monsters) and I enjoyed looking at the art + reading the descriptions.
I'm not sure if this book will be sold in stores but I definitely hope that it makes it there (or on Amazon at least). Welsh mythology isn't as famous as Greek or Roman mythology, and this beautifully illustrated book is a great way to learn a little about this. I am so curious about Welsh mythology now - hopefully I remember (and can find) some books about it!
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
March 20, 2024
More accurate rating: 8.5/10.
This was a lovely art- and reference book about (some of) the folklore, mythology, etc... of Welsh fantastical creatures. I loved the author/artist's art style, and the fact they featured all of the creatures' original Welsh names (and yes, a pronunciation guide is provided at the beginning of the book). I enjoyed recognising some of them from my having read The Mabinogion a few years ago as well. 🙂
My two complaints, and why this isn't a +9/10 for me: I feel like more textual information could've been provided for each creature, beast, spirit, etc... and that the book could've been a little longer. But I'm also a greedy bish when it comes to this stuff, so make of that what you will! 😜
This was a lovely art- and reference book about (some of) the folklore, mythology, etc... of Welsh fantastical creatures. I loved the author/artist's art style, and the fact they featured all of the creatures' original Welsh names (and yes, a pronunciation guide is provided at the beginning of the book). I enjoyed recognising some of them from my having read The Mabinogion a few years ago as well. 🙂
My two complaints, and why this isn't a +9/10 for me: I feel like more textual information could've been provided for each creature, beast, spirit, etc... and that the book could've been a little longer. But I'm also a greedy bish when it comes to this stuff, so make of that what you will! 😜
Want to read
January 7, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
February 26, 2025
I love mythology and the illustrations in this are just stunning!
November 4, 2020
Really beautifully illustrated and designed. Informational too. Absolutely stunning!
June 30, 2020
I'd been really keen to receive a copy of Welsh Monsters after backing Collette's kickstarter, and it doesn't disappoint. It's a lushly illustrated guide to Welsh monsters, looking at dragons, fairies and elves, and Collette's artwork is fantastic.
I'm not entirely sure how to review an illustrated guide with words, but I really love Collette's colourful and evocative style - it really brings the creatures to life!
My only real complaint is that there isn't more of it - there have obviously been a few limitations on how much text could be on each page, and I would have loved to hear more about each creature. Similarly, the pictures would have looked fantastic on a huge, glossy, Thames and Hudson-style coffee-table book! But perhaps if we all keep supporting Collette and promoting her work, then one day...
I'm not entirely sure how to review an illustrated guide with words, but I really love Collette's colourful and evocative style - it really brings the creatures to life!
My only real complaint is that there isn't more of it - there have obviously been a few limitations on how much text could be on each page, and I would have loved to hear more about each creature. Similarly, the pictures would have looked fantastic on a huge, glossy, Thames and Hudson-style coffee-table book! But perhaps if we all keep supporting Collette and promoting her work, then one day...
July 2, 2017
I really, really like this book and the art. I learned a bit about welsh folklore and it definitely made me want to learn more. I'm a tad disappointed only about 32 out of 51 pages in this edition are actually devoted to content, however, I do think it was worth the investment. Hopefully there will be another printing that will correct some of the extra blank "filler" pages (or better yet, more have more monsters added to fill them.)
December 7, 2023
The Publisher Says: Upon the dramatic landscape of Wales there have been born many creatures and beings of legend. This lushly illustrated guide delves into the dragons, beasts, fair folk, and spirits of Wales. Tales become blended and one with history, and this history meets illustration with C.C.J. Ellis’ rich renderings of these creatures. Detail and colour lift these beings off the page and bring this compendium to life.
Now available worldwide, this new edition includes a Welsh language guide so that each of the creatures might be known by their original Welsh names. You may have heard of the Red Dragon (Draig Goch) featured on the national flag of Wales, but have you heard of the Water Leaper (Llamhigyn Y Dŵr) or of the Mary White (Mari Lwyd)? Ellis aims to re-introduce the beasts of Welsh myth and legend to the world and bring a touch of Wales to your shelves. Part of the Wool of Bat series focused on the preservation and promotion of folklore and oral history from around the world.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: The kind of visual feast all mythology and folklore lovers must have for prominent display, quiet perusal, and the abiding pleasure of supporting the maintenance and dissemination of an ancient culture in its ongoing renaissance.
The language guide.
Some of the fascinating creatures, as the author/illustrator imagines them for us.
Do I really need to say anything more than, "It's all this beautiful, and the stories of the creatures are all as perfect and evocative as the art"? How about this one, the most gorgeous thing I've seen in 2023:
Hurry right out to get one for your young myth-loving giftee...and let's not front, one for yourself as well. It's Yule! Bring the bling to all corners of your life!
Now available worldwide, this new edition includes a Welsh language guide so that each of the creatures might be known by their original Welsh names. You may have heard of the Red Dragon (Draig Goch) featured on the national flag of Wales, but have you heard of the Water Leaper (Llamhigyn Y Dŵr) or of the Mary White (Mari Lwyd)? Ellis aims to re-introduce the beasts of Welsh myth and legend to the world and bring a touch of Wales to your shelves. Part of the Wool of Bat series focused on the preservation and promotion of folklore and oral history from around the world.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: The kind of visual feast all mythology and folklore lovers must have for prominent display, quiet perusal, and the abiding pleasure of supporting the maintenance and dissemination of an ancient culture in its ongoing renaissance.
The language guide.
Some of the fascinating creatures, as the author/illustrator imagines them for us.
Do I really need to say anything more than, "It's all this beautiful, and the stories of the creatures are all as perfect and evocative as the art"? How about this one, the most gorgeous thing I've seen in 2023:
Hurry right out to get one for your young myth-loving giftee...and let's not front, one for yourself as well. It's Yule! Bring the bling to all corners of your life!
February 2, 2022
Thank you to Edelweiss for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
This was such an interesting look into the mythical beasts and monsters in Wales. I was surprised to learn more about the different creatures inhabiting Welsh folklore, as well as how many I've seen portrayed in some form or another in recent fantasy novels.
My main issue with this ARC is that it clearly wasn't formatted to be read on a Kindle, although that's what it was sent to me as. The gorgeous drawings were hard to appreciate, since they are broken up and spread over multiple pages (sometimes 3-4, as many as 13 pages). From what I could see, the colors and detail were great, but I honestly wish I could have gotten to see them as they should have been. In addition, the paragraphs were difficult to read at times - two different sections were frequently mashed into one, making it extremely hard to differentiate between one section and the next. The sentence would start off talking about one thing and morph into something else mid-sentence.
I absolutely appreciated the fact that the author included phonetic pronunciations for Welsh words, since I'm not familiar with the language and it can be difficult to figure out how words are pronounced without help.
This was such an interesting look into the mythical beasts and monsters in Wales. I was surprised to learn more about the different creatures inhabiting Welsh folklore, as well as how many I've seen portrayed in some form or another in recent fantasy novels.
My main issue with this ARC is that it clearly wasn't formatted to be read on a Kindle, although that's what it was sent to me as. The gorgeous drawings were hard to appreciate, since they are broken up and spread over multiple pages (sometimes 3-4, as many as 13 pages). From what I could see, the colors and detail were great, but I honestly wish I could have gotten to see them as they should have been. In addition, the paragraphs were difficult to read at times - two different sections were frequently mashed into one, making it extremely hard to differentiate between one section and the next. The sentence would start off talking about one thing and morph into something else mid-sentence.
I absolutely appreciated the fact that the author included phonetic pronunciations for Welsh words, since I'm not familiar with the language and it can be difficult to figure out how words are pronounced without help.
December 27, 2021
Really cool reference work – and yes, such things do of course exist – that guides to the prime dragons, mythical beasts and fairy folk of Wales. Pronunciation guides are included as footnotes, to get an extra touch of otherworldly wonder across when it comes to what actually might seem universal critters – hellish horses, hellish dogs, hellish horned toads, Green Men and so on. But you might well end up feeling otherworldly yourself, having seen the red dragon on the Welsh flag and yet never once read about it. Not very British, at all, that. This corrective and so much more here is very welcome. Fine visual craft and variety make this quite the heirloom reference work, the existence of which you might have shelved alongside many of the contents here before now...
January 29, 2023
This is a beautiful guide to many of the monsters and mythical creatures common in Welsh mythology and Lore.
The book is divided up by type of beast or creature. Their are sections on dragons, Faire Folk, beasts and more. We learn about various species of dragons, fairies, and creatures like griffins and water horses. In addition, after describing the beasts, there is a short story from Welsh myth about each one.
The illustrations are beautiful, hand drawn and most are in color, bit even the black and white ones are stunning. They reminded me a little of the art used in detailed coloring books. A fun book if you love myths.
The book is divided up by type of beast or creature. Their are sections on dragons, Faire Folk, beasts and more. We learn about various species of dragons, fairies, and creatures like griffins and water horses. In addition, after describing the beasts, there is a short story from Welsh myth about each one.
The illustrations are beautiful, hand drawn and most are in color, bit even the black and white ones are stunning. They reminded me a little of the art used in detailed coloring books. A fun book if you love myths.
November 25, 2023
A stunningly gorgeous book of fantastical art that is also chock-full of creative inspiration in the brief (but intensely evocative) summaries given of all the various mythical Welsh creatures (some of them local to the area where I live, which is always fun). My 15-year-old got it for himself but loved it so much that he brought it to me to read next; now I'm already thinking about getting a second copy just for myself, since I have to give his back! Halfway through, I also messaged a friend to tell them how much I thought they would love it, and the rest of the family is clamoring for their turns with this book. It's THAT good and, obviously, I highly recommend it.
December 21, 2022
Gift from my sweetheart | Just lovely! | I appreciate that this is written in a style that presents each creature as a currently-existing being, and not as a silly old story. The artwork is perfect, and brings each to life. My partner ordered this for me as a 2021 Christmas gift, but the delivery went astray, arriving at my old residence in July, a month after I moved to the new. It was sent on to me this week, as part of a flat-rate Christmas parcel, and it really was worth the wait.
April 23, 2023
As a kid I spent many summers in north Wales. Though I cut my teeth on tales of Greek mythology, the more I explored Wales, the more I learned about its own myths and legends. I wish I'd had this book back then! The art is gorgeous; I'm a sucker for dragon art, but the illustrations in here are among my all-time favourites. If you've any interest in mythology at all, or even if you just like cool creature art, there's something here for you.
May 5, 2024
This will be a helpful guide when I travel to Wales for both the creatures and pronunciations. The author includes great information while maintaining interest. The illustrations are also excellent. Reading this has even helped me connect with some novels I've read such as Bravely and The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater and the Love, Lies, and Hocus Pocus books by Lydia Sherrer. I'd definitely recommend this for anyone interested in the fae, dragons, folklore, etc.
September 21, 2022
Beautiful illustrations! I enjoyed reading through the book. The images seemed to jump out at you - and with the distortions of a digital copy, I can only imagine how beautiful the print version is!
Great information on the monsters, mythical beasts, fairies, etc., that are contained in the book - and it was a fun way to spend the evening.
Great information on the monsters, mythical beasts, fairies, etc., that are contained in the book - and it was a fun way to spend the evening.
February 9, 2023
I read the newer book that isn't yet available on Goodreads, apparently. It's called Welsh Monsters & Mythical Beasts by C.C.J. Ellis.
Anyway, it's great. The author/illustrator enjoyed Miyazaki growing up, and after reading this book, I could totally see a similar animated world populated with Welsh mythical creatures being successful.
Anyway, it's great. The author/illustrator enjoyed Miyazaki growing up, and after reading this book, I could totally see a similar animated world populated with Welsh mythical creatures being successful.
March 6, 2025
Just a stunning completely captivating book. Loved learning some Welsh language again (took a semester in college!) and just absorbing the gorgeous illustrations. One of those books you should have on your coffee table for people of all ages to pour over when they come visit. Or freak your kids out with spooky campfire stories of these wicked creatures!
February 14, 2024
4,5⭐️
It's such a nice book that introduces nicely and easily the monsters and stories from Welsh mythology. I wish there had been some more details on etymology or the sources but the illustrations were so beautiful that I forgive it!
It's such a nice book that introduces nicely and easily the monsters and stories from Welsh mythology. I wish there had been some more details on etymology or the sources but the illustrations were so beautiful that I forgive it!
November 13, 2019
Stunning artwork. Excellent story telling. Can tell it was a project close to authors heart and a lot of love went into writing and illustrating it.
April 30, 2021
Brilliant account of Welsh myths and legends with detailed and beautiful illustrations.
December 16, 2021
I backed the Kickstarter of this and don't regret it! It has wonderful illustrations of many little known Welsh beasts as well as well researched factoids about them.
July 17, 2022
Superbly illustrated, quality little bestiary on an underappreciated collection of myths
November 28, 2023
Gorgeous artwork and guide.
February 11, 2024
I adore the art and found the pronunciation guide useful.
I think I will reference this book on the future!
I think I will reference this book on the future!
May 27, 2024
This covers a nice array of mythical Welsh creatures, at least half being new to me. Unfortunately the quality of illustrations fluctuates noticeable towards the end.
June 8, 2024
Gorgeous. Rich. Stunning!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews