The TikTok-viral fantasy book series A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas has taken the genre by storm in 2024, with character names like Rhysand, Gwyneth, and Morrigan sparking interest.
However, some experts believe that Maas may have drawn inspiration from Welsh culture and language, a trend that has been gaining traction in fantasy literature since J.R.R. Tolkien’s influence.
Known as “the Tolkien effect,” this phenomenon highlights how Welsh language and mythology have shaped both classic and contemporary fantasy.
Bethan Hindmarch, a bookseller and fantasy blogger from Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, notes that while she once felt excited by the use of Welsh names and themes in fantasy literature, it has become increasingly frustrating.
She explains that some authors use the Welsh language for its mystical, magical quality without truly honoring the culture, unlike writers like Terry Pratchett, who used Welsh names respectfully.
Prof. Dimitra Fimi, a lecturer in fantasy and children’s literature at Glasgow University, explains that fantasy literature has long been influenced by myths, legends, and folk tales, with Wales providing a rich cultural foundation.
Tolkien, she points out, was particularly drawn to the Welsh language, which influenced the creation of his Elvish languages, such as Sindarin. However, Fimi also notes that many modern authors want to avoid replicating Tolkien’s work, leading them to draw inspiration from their own Welsh roots.
The rise of Welsh culture in fantasy literature has brought greater awareness of the country’s traditions, but Fimi cautions that this could lead to the development of a romanticized and unrealistic image of Wales as a magical, rural place.
This image can be patronizing and doesn’t reflect the full complexity of the country. Hindmarch agrees, noting that while fantasy literature opens up new cultural perspectives, it can also perpetuate inaccurate perceptions of Wales, reducing it to a mere backdrop for fantastical stories.
Both Hindmarch and Fimi also highlight the increasing snobbery within the fantasy genre itself.
Hindmarch laments the disdain for certain subgenres, like “romantasy,” which has gained popularity through social media platforms like TikTok.
Despite the criticisms, she appreciates how these books have brought new readers to the genre, opening up fantasy to a broader audience.
While the genre continues to evolve, Fimi and Hindmarch argue that it’s crucial for authors to distinguish between being inspired by Welsh culture and authentically representing it.
Fimi warns against the “pan-Celticism” that sometimes emerges, where authors blend elements from various Celtic cultures—Welsh, Gaelic, Irish, Manx, and Cornish—into a singular, often inaccurate, amalgamation. Hindmarch also points to instances where authors, such as Rebecca Yarros, have misused Celtic languages, which can lead to offense if not done respectfully.
The use of Welsh language in fantasy works, Fimi insists, requires justification. It’s important for authors to have a clear reason for incorporating Welsh elements, rather than using them for aesthetic purposes.
Hindmarch shares her experience of being approached as a sensitivity reader for an author who wanted to incorporate Welsh speech into a character’s dialogue.
She notes that many Welsh speakers are eager to help others learn about the language and culture.
Despite the challenges, both Hindmarch and Fimi agree that there is significant international interest in Welsh-inspired works.
Books like Morgan is My Name by Sophie Keetch and Welsh Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends by Claire Fayers have been well received, offering rich character development and cultural depth.
Fimi also points to Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones as a prime example of a fantasy novel that critiques the oversimplified perceptions of Wales while still drawing on its cultural traditions.
Ultimately, while Welsh culture has become a prominent source of inspiration for modern fantasy, both Hindmarch and Fimi stress the need for authors and readers to approach it with care and respect to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes or misunderstandings.
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