Wales is a Celtic country and the Celts have always treasured oral learning and recitation, with a passion for committing facts to memory rather than the written word. It is no surprise then, that Welsh folklore and story-telling is so rich and varied.

The landscape is studded with the remains of ancient monuments, which were seen as the creation of gods and heroes. Every lake had its legend, whether inhabited by a grim, monstrous afanc, or by a beautiful, enchanted maiden. Giants stalked the land, while fairies could be dangerous, demanding propitiation. Omens of potential marriage partners were avidly sought by girls, while ghostly death-lights – corpse candles – could be seen moving relentlessly towards those doomed to die. A whole world of the past can be

Individual chapters examine the role of the medieval church in oral tradition; legends associated with place-names; calendar customs; giants and monsters; omens and second sight; witches, ghosts and fairies; supernatural birds and animals; folk healing and herbal remedies.

Dr ANNE ROSS was one of Britain’s leading Celtic scholars. Her seminal work was Pagan Celtic Britain and she authored three other titles published by The History Press.