Rowynn Ellis – illustratör

Dragons are deeply embedded in the folklore of the British countryside, their presence echoing through the history of countless hamlets and villages. These mythical creatures snarl from church carvings, linger in the traditions of mumming plays and pageants, and live on in the stories passed down through generations. Tracing their remnants—whether in art, legend, or ritual—offers more than just a fascinating pursuit; it provides a window into the lives, beliefs, and practices of our rural ancestors. To them, dragons symbolized evil and destruction, embodying the fears and challenges of their time.This updated edition of Here Be Dragons is meticulously illustrated by Welsh artist, Rowynn Ellis, reviving a classic piece of British history. Here Be Dragons contains over 28 mesmerizing illustrations in which dragons are brought to life in vibrant colour and detailed sketches 59 engravings and photographs from the original book blend with art to create this invaluable resource for folklorists and would-be dragon-hunters alike.

"A love letter to the Welsh language... Ellis’ detailed watercolor illustrations are the main attraction, providing fresh artistic representations to inspire a new generation of readers. Mythology fans and art enthusiasts alike will enjoy this beautiful book." — Booklist ‘‘Packed with lore, history, and beautiful illustrations, Welsh Monsters & Mythical Beasts is an indispensable registry of everything that lurks in the shadows, glides just beneath the surface, or goes bump in the night. I love it!’’ — Todd Lockwood ''My first thought upon seeing Welsh Monsters was “Goodness, what a useful book!” —John Howe 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.