The love story of Gruffydd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd and the beautiful Angharad, daughter of Owain ap Edwin, is often overlooked while their children’s stories are much more familiar. Their daughter, the warrior princess Gwenllian and her elopement with landless Prince Griffith of Dehuebarth is a tale of daring and tragedy, while the love and marriage of their son, the firebrand Owain Gwynedd, for his cousin, Cristin, flouted church law. Gruffydd and Angharad, however, found passion in turmoil, loyalty in a time of challenge and a deep lingering love that stood the test of time.

The Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales, has long been celebrated as one of the cornerstones of Welsh mythology. They are very old writings found in the  White Book of Rhydderch (c. 1325) and the Red Book of Hergest (c. 1400). For centuries, the identity of the author of these stories has remained a mystery, with most scholars assuming it was a man, possibly a monk from North Wales. However, some years ago, a new theory proposed by Dr. Andrew Breeze sparked considerable interest and debate in the field of medieval Welsh literature. Dr. Breeze argued that the author of the Four Branches of the Mabinogi—the core tales of the Mabinogion—was none other than Gwenllian, a 12th-century Welsh princess who died fighting the Normans.

Welsh childhood experience in the Middle Ages was influenced by whether a child was born into a noble family. Children who were not noble were expected to participate in physical work at an early age. Those who supported their parents in agricultural work learnt early to tend livestock, collect eggs, shoo birds away from seedlings or help with planting, weeding and harvesting. The children learnt what they would need to do in later life by watching their parents.

Down Under Interviews: Author Arianwen Nunn

"Bards Sing of Love and War" is a gripping historical novel set in 12th-century Wales, where love, honor, and ambition clash amidst the Norman invasion. Chief bard Rhoddri imparts wisdom to young Tal, setting the stage for a tale of political intrigue, familial loyalty, and forbidden romance. As King Henry I campaigns against the Welsh, Griffith ap Rhys raids to reclaim his kingdom and win the hand of Gwenllian, daughter of King Gruffydd ap Cynan. Gruffydd faces betrayal from within his court and the threat of Norman lords, leading to a web of deception, secret marriages, and daring rescues. Rich in historical detail, this novel promises to enchant fans of epic romance and adventure.

Historical fiction is a delicate balance between rigorous research and creative storytelling. As an author, I dedicate myself to staying true to the characters from history while weaving authenticity and creativity into the narrative. This is the balance I strive to achieve in my series about Gruffydd ap Cynan and his family, a significant dynasty in Welsh history—a balance that is both challenging and rewarding.