The Folklore of Wales: Ghosts by Delyth Badder & Mark Norman
Description:
“Wales is a land with a vast wealth of ghost stories, including fantastical animals, flickering death omens and unseen things that go bump in the night. Whether these tales are based on true events, or are the creations of active imaginations, is known only to those who have experienced them – but what is certain is that their power to delight and scare us remains undimmed to this day.
In The Folklore of Wales: Ghosts, renowned folklorists Delyth Badder and Mark Norman present an intriguing and comprehensive selection of ghostly accounts, illuminating key themes running through them, and giving insights into the history and culture of Wales’s varied regions and communities.
With original Welsh texts, many translated into English for the first time, the authors present a wide panorama of stories and first-hand accounts that will be new to even the most seasoned folklore reader. Ranging from the distant past right up to the present day, this collection shines a spotlight on the unique qualities of folkloric ghost beliefs in Wales.”
My review:
I am giving this book a rating of 5 out of 5.
This is a non-fiction book, and it definitely reads that way. It’s likely my own fault for assuming this, though I expected more of a mystical or ethereal tone for this book, to accompany its content. However, I found this book to be a purely academic-style read, much like a textbook.
While there were the occasional amusing comments, I’d warn readers not to expect a light-hearted adventure into the paranormal realms of Welsh folklore.
This book was packed with fascinating stories and information, despite its academic feel, which inspired me to keep reading.
My favourite chapter was the one on ghostly animals, and I would’ve enjoyed it the same way I’d enjoy a novel had the authors delved into this topic even more.
I also found the Welsh stories accompanying the English versions of those stories to be a nice touch – and I’m sure I’d have enjoyed reading the Welsh versions had I kept using the Welsh language beyond my A Levels.
Both authors clearly have considerable expertise in Welsh folklore, and their passion for the subject shines through.
Ultimately, I’d recommend this book for anyone interested in Welsh folklore focused on ghost tales from North Wales – but don’t expect a charming, light-hearted, easy read, because, at its heart, this is an academic text as opposed to a novelistic-style exploration of Welsh ghost stories.
Read in: August 2026
Format: Hardcover
I’m including the date and format in which I experienced this story for transparency, since whatever is going on in the world (and a reader’s private life) at the time of reading, along with a book’s reading format, can influence an individual’s enjoyment of a story.
Disclaimer: This book was gifted to me by a loved one, meaning they either purchased it in person (e.g. at a bookshop, supermarket, charity shop, etc.) or purchased it online. All opinions expressed in this review are mine and have not been influenced by the authors or publisher in any way. This book review does not contain affiliate links.