Picture an American-Irish storyteller who galloped from the equestrian world to weave Celtic myths into modern masterpieces—meet Morgan Llywelyn! Born in 1937, this historical fiction luminary has sold over 40 million books, bringing Ireland’s ancient heroes and legends to life with a magical blend of fact and fantasy.
With a passion for her Celtic roots, Llywelyn’s novels transport readers to misty isles and epic battles, earning her the 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year Award. Her vivid storytelling makes history feel like a thrilling adventure you can’t put down.
The Making of Morgan Llywelyn
Born Sally Snyder in New York, Llywelyn’s early life was far from the quill and ink. Raised in Dallas, she fell in love with horses, competing in professional shows by age 16 and nearly making the 1976 U.S. Olympic dressage team. This equestrian spirit gallops through her work, especially in novels like The Horse Goddess. Inspired by her mother’s Welsh heritage, tracing back to Llywelyn the Great, she began exploring her Celtic ancestry, publishing her first novel, The Wind from Hastings, in 1978.
A pivotal moment came when a horse training article caught her mother’s eye, sparking a career shift. Llywelyn dove into historical research, blending her love for Ireland’s myths and history into a prolific writing career that would captivate millions.
Morgan Llywelyn’s Unforgettable Stories
Llywelyn’s novels are a tapestry of Celtic mythology, historical accuracy, and emotional depth. Her breakout hit, Lion of Ireland (1980), chronicles the life of Brian Boru, Ireland’s legendary High King, with a vividness that makes readers feel the clash of swords. This novel, praised for its historical depth, has sold millions and remains a cornerstone of her Celtic World series.
The Horse Goddess (1982) showcases her equestrian roots, following Epona, a Celtic woman whose love story unfolds against the backdrop of ancient Europe. Critics lauded its “towering imagination,” earning Llywelyn the Novel of the Year Award from the National League of American Penwomen. Bard: The Odyssey of the Irish (1985) explores the druids’ mystical world, while 1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion (1998) kicks off her Irish Century series, blending historical events with poignant human stories.
Her style is immersive, weaving meticulous research with lyrical prose. Whether retelling myths or chronicling Ireland’s fight for independence, Llywelyn’s works resonate with readers who crave history brought to life with heart and soul.
Why Morgan Llywelyn Matters
Llywelyn’s impact extends beyond her 40 million books sold. She’s a bridge to Celtic culture, making ancient Ireland accessible to global audiences. Her novels, praised for their emotional complexity, have inspired countless readers to explore Irish history and mythology. Awards like the Irish Children’s Book Trust Bisto Award for Brian Boru: Emperor of the Irish highlight her ability to captivate younger readers, ensuring her legacy endures.
By blending fact and fiction, Llywelyn has preserved Celtic heritage while crafting timeless stories. Her work reminds us that history isn’t just dates—it’s the heartbeat of a people, pulsing through her pages.
About Morgan Llywelyn
- Born: December 3, 1937, New York City
- Key Works: Lion of Ireland, The Horse Goddess, Bard, 1916
- Awards: 1999 Exceptional Celtic Woman of the Year, Novel of the Year for The Horse Goddess
- Fun Fact: She nearly competed in the 1976 Olympics for dressage!
Snag Lion of Ireland and dive into Morgan Llywelyn’s spellbinding world of Celtic historical fiction!