The Island of the Mighty: The Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi (Former title: "The Virgin and The Swine") [Paperback]

Evangeline Walton (Author), Lin Carter (Introduction)

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (July 1, 1970)
• ISBN-10: 0345019598
• ISBN-13: 978-0345019592
• ASIN: B0007DRZGW
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 3.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,822,751 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars no title, December 21, 2005

By 

C. L Wilson (Elmhurst, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Island of the Mighty: The Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi (Former title: "The Virgin and The Swine") (Paperback)

This ranks with Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" as one of the best fantasies ever written, I think. As that was, this too is a great work of fiction. It is an actual retelling the diverse legends of the Mabinogion (Welsh myth) in novel form. Walton, like all great writers, deals with the larger issues of Good, Evil, Love, all the while unraveling one terrific yarn . Written in 1936, she was still alive in Tucson in 1993. About druids and their magical powers, this is a monumental tragedy in the vein of Hamlet, Lear, Macbeth. Elegantly written, rich with the power of Welsh myth, an absolutely spellbinding story - of love, ambition, betrayal. Formerly titled "The Virgin and the Swine"; current title refers to England. I was so sorry to have finished it, and must reread it someday. If you like Tolkien, don't miss this one!