Here Be Dragons
Encyclopedia
Here Be Dragons is a historical novel
written by Sharon Kay Penman
published in 1985. The novel is the first in a trilogy
known as the Welsh Princes series set in medieval England, Wales and France that feature the Plantagenet
kings. Penman is known for providing accurate descriptions of historical events and creating strong characterisations.
about the medieval princes of Gwynedd and the monarchs of England. England's King John
uses his out-of-wedlock daughter Joanna
as a negotiating tool by marrying her to the Welsh king Llewelyn
to avoid war between England and Wales.
Joanna and Llewelyn's marriage is marred by resentment from Llewelyn's illegitimate son, Gruffydd
. Joanna gives birth to two legitimate children, Elen and Davydd. Growing animosity between the English and Welsh results in Joanna having to act as a diplomatic intermediary between her husband and her father, and the situation deteriorates when Gruffydd is taken hostage by John and narrowly escapes execution. Joanna becomes determined that her own son, Dafydd, will be his father's heir as ruler of Gwynedd, disregarding the Welsh law that all sons should receive equal shares of their father's inheritance. Family disagreements lead Joanna into an affair with William de Braose, whom she has met earlier in the story when he was a hostage in Llewelyn's household. Their affair is discovered and William is executed. Joanna is placed in secluded captivity, but at the end of the book Llewelyn comes to find her and offers her forgiveness.
Llewelyn's seneschal
Ednyfed Fychan, the forebear of King Henry VII, is important as Llewelyn's trusted friend. Of Fychan, Penman remarks: “I can’t recall a time when I didn’t know that Ednyfed was the ancestor of Henry Tudor. I assume I must have encountered that fact early in my research. Despite his dubious descendants, I was rather fond of Ednyfed as a character.”
Although set in the 12th and 13th centuries, narrative in her novels takes place in medieval
sites that still exist and can be visited, including castles, churches and archeological areas. Areas such as Aber Falls
and Dolwyddelan Castle
have important scenes in Here Be Dragons. The possible remains of the Palace have recently been excavated in Abergwyngregyn
.
In a discussion about teaching with historical fiction, scholars Alun Hicks and Dave Martin note that Penmen is careful to make the details of her novel reflect the needs of the genre, talking about objects and practices which give the reader historical immersion.
and Llewelyn the Great against a tapestry of medieval conventions, wars for territory, and the conflict between Llewelyn's fight to maintain an independent Wales and to appease the English King John. Of her research and characterization of Joanna, Penman explains: “All we know about Joanna…are the bedrock facts about her life. I took those facts and did my best to breathe life into them, seeking to create a woman who would have acted as we know she did....Joanna is a rare exception, a woman who made an impact upon her times and who is still remembered today in Wales as Llewelyn’s Siwan.” In the early 1980s, Penman moved to the Welsh mountains to conduct research for the novel.
In particular, Penman's characters are strong individuals, sometimes, as some reviewers pointed out, too strong. However, Rhian Piprell looks to Penman's treatment of Joan as a reminder that the idea of women wielding power and being influential is not a something unique to the modern world.
Penman explains in an interview: “I think Dragons ... was virgin territory for most readers. The saga of the Plantagenets was much better known, but not many people were familiar with medieval Wales or its princes. And then, too, the story of Llewelyn and Joanna, King John
’s illegitimate daughter, is a remarkable one, which struck an emotional chord with many readers.”
cautions readers about the book's slow start, and confusing use of names, but concedes the novel is "involving" and "enjoyable." Moreover, the reviewer believes Joanna's character lacks depth, but other characters "are bigger than life."
New York Times Book Review was critical of list-like story telling which is too "brisk" and a tendency for tropes which slow the reader down too much. Other reviews are positive. For example, School Library Review claims Here Be Dragons "keeps readers enthralled," and that the novel is a "wonderful melange of historical fiction." A Publishers Weekly
review of one of Penman's subsequent books, describes Penman's writing as a "magnificent combination of history and humanity that Penman's readers have come to expect again animates her latest work (after Here Be Dragons)".
(ISBN 0-00-222960-9). In England a paperback
edition was released in 1986, published by Fontana
(ISBN 000617342x). In August 1987 Avon Books
issued a paperback edition (ISBN 0-380-70181-2). In 1991 Penguin
reissued a paperback edition (ISBN 0140133402). In May 2008 Macmillan
reissued a trade paperback the United States by Macmillan
(ISBN 0312382456).
and Abergwyngregyn
.
Historical novel
According to Encyclopædia Britannica, a historical novel is-Development:An early example of historical prose fiction is Luó Guànzhōng's 14th century Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which covers one of the most important periods of Chinese history and left a lasting impact on Chinese culture.The...
written by Sharon Kay Penman
Sharon Kay Penman
Sharon Kay Penman is an American historical novelist, published in the UK as Sharon Penman. She is best known for the Welsh Princes trilogy and the Plantagenet series. In addition, she has written four medieval mysteries, the first of which, The Queen's Man, was a finalist in 1996 for the Best...
published in 1985. The novel is the first in a trilogy
Trilogy
A trilogy is a set of three works of art that are connected, and that can be seen either as a single work or as three individual works. They are commonly found in literature, film, or video games...
known as the Welsh Princes series set in medieval England, Wales and France that feature the Plantagenet
House of Plantagenet
The House of Plantagenet , a branch of the Angevins, was a royal house founded by Geoffrey V of Anjou, father of Henry II of England. Plantagenet kings first ruled the Kingdom of England in the 12th century. Their paternal ancestors originated in the French province of Gâtinais and gained the...
kings. Penman is known for providing accurate descriptions of historical events and creating strong characterisations.
Plot
Here Be Dragons (1985) is the first of Penman's trilogyTrilogy
A trilogy is a set of three works of art that are connected, and that can be seen either as a single work or as three individual works. They are commonly found in literature, film, or video games...
about the medieval princes of Gwynedd and the monarchs of England. England's King John
John of England
John , also known as John Lackland , was King of England from 6 April 1199 until his death...
uses his out-of-wedlock daughter Joanna
Joan, Lady of Wales
Joan, Princess of Wales and Lady of Snowdon was the wife of Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Wales and Gwynedd and effective ruler of most of Wales.-Early life:...
as a negotiating tool by marrying her to the Welsh king Llewelyn
Llywelyn the Great
Llywelyn the Great , full name Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, was a Prince of Gwynedd in north Wales and eventually de facto ruler over most of Wales...
to avoid war between England and Wales.
Joanna and Llewelyn's marriage is marred by resentment from Llewelyn's illegitimate son, Gruffydd
Gruffydd ap Llywelyn Fawr
Gruffydd ap Llywelyn was the first born son of Llywelyn the Great . His mother Tangwystl probably died in childbirth.-Hostage:...
. Joanna gives birth to two legitimate children, Elen and Davydd. Growing animosity between the English and Welsh results in Joanna having to act as a diplomatic intermediary between her husband and her father, and the situation deteriorates when Gruffydd is taken hostage by John and narrowly escapes execution. Joanna becomes determined that her own son, Dafydd, will be his father's heir as ruler of Gwynedd, disregarding the Welsh law that all sons should receive equal shares of their father's inheritance. Family disagreements lead Joanna into an affair with William de Braose, whom she has met earlier in the story when he was a hostage in Llewelyn's household. Their affair is discovered and William is executed. Joanna is placed in secluded captivity, but at the end of the book Llewelyn comes to find her and offers her forgiveness.
Style and genre
Penman casts characters in who are in conflict and develops them well. Penman's characterizations are strong, with innocuous historical figures added to the story. She takes the slight historical mention of a character, such as Llewelyn's brother Adda, and adds him to the story, about whom she says, "All we know of Adda is his name.”Llewelyn's seneschal
Seneschal
A seneschal was an officer in the houses of important nobles in the Middle Ages. In the French administrative system of the Middle Ages, the sénéchal was also a royal officer in charge of justice and control of the administration in southern provinces, equivalent to the northern French bailli...
Ednyfed Fychan, the forebear of King Henry VII, is important as Llewelyn's trusted friend. Of Fychan, Penman remarks: “I can’t recall a time when I didn’t know that Ednyfed was the ancestor of Henry Tudor. I assume I must have encountered that fact early in my research. Despite his dubious descendants, I was rather fond of Ednyfed as a character.”
Although set in the 12th and 13th centuries, narrative in her novels takes place in medieval
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
sites that still exist and can be visited, including castles, churches and archeological areas. Areas such as Aber Falls
Aber Falls
Aber Falls is a waterfall located about two miles south of the village of Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd, Wales....
and Dolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle was a native Welsh castle located near Dolwyddelan in Conwy County in North Wales. It was built in the 13th century by Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd and North Wales.-Construction:...
have important scenes in Here Be Dragons. The possible remains of the Palace have recently been excavated in Abergwyngregyn
Abergwyngregyn
Abergwyngregyn is a village of historical note in Gwynedd, a county and principal area in Wales. Under its historic name of Aber Garth Celyn it was the seat of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd....
.
In a discussion about teaching with historical fiction, scholars Alun Hicks and Dave Martin note that Penmen is careful to make the details of her novel reflect the needs of the genre, talking about objects and practices which give the reader historical immersion.
Themes
Penman juxtaposes the central love story between JoannaJoan, Lady of Wales
Joan, Princess of Wales and Lady of Snowdon was the wife of Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Wales and Gwynedd and effective ruler of most of Wales.-Early life:...
and Llewelyn the Great against a tapestry of medieval conventions, wars for territory, and the conflict between Llewelyn's fight to maintain an independent Wales and to appease the English King John. Of her research and characterization of Joanna, Penman explains: “All we know about Joanna…are the bedrock facts about her life. I took those facts and did my best to breathe life into them, seeking to create a woman who would have acted as we know she did....Joanna is a rare exception, a woman who made an impact upon her times and who is still remembered today in Wales as Llewelyn’s Siwan.” In the early 1980s, Penman moved to the Welsh mountains to conduct research for the novel.
In particular, Penman's characters are strong individuals, sometimes, as some reviewers pointed out, too strong. However, Rhian Piprell looks to Penman's treatment of Joan as a reminder that the idea of women wielding power and being influential is not a something unique to the modern world.
Penman explains in an interview: “I think Dragons ... was virgin territory for most readers. The saga of the Plantagenets was much better known, but not many people were familiar with medieval Wales or its princes. And then, too, the story of Llewelyn and Joanna, King John
John of England
John , also known as John Lackland , was King of England from 6 April 1199 until his death...
’s illegitimate daughter, is a remarkable one, which struck an emotional chord with many readers.”
Reception
One critic wrote of Here Be Dragons that although it is a "good solid book" the 700 page read "lacks magic". The review in Library JournalLibrary Journal
Library Journal is a trade publication for librarians. It was founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey . It reports news about the library world, emphasizing public libraries, and offers feature articles about aspects of professional practice...
cautions readers about the book's slow start, and confusing use of names, but concedes the novel is "involving" and "enjoyable." Moreover, the reviewer believes Joanna's character lacks depth, but other characters "are bigger than life."
New York Times Book Review was critical of list-like story telling which is too "brisk" and a tendency for tropes which slow the reader down too much. Other reviews are positive. For example, School Library Review claims Here Be Dragons "keeps readers enthralled," and that the novel is a "wonderful melange of historical fiction." A Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents...
review of one of Penman's subsequent books, describes Penman's writing as a "magnificent combination of history and humanity that Penman's readers have come to expect again animates her latest work (after Here Be Dragons)".
Publication history
Here Be Dragons was initially published in 1985 by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston (ISBN 0-03-062773-7) and a year later in England by CollinsHarperCollins
HarperCollins is a publishing company owned by News Corporation. It is the combination of the publishers William Collins, Sons and Co Ltd, a British company, and Harper & Row, an American company, itself the result of an earlier merger of Harper & Brothers and Row, Peterson & Company. The worldwide...
(ISBN 0-00-222960-9). In England a paperback
Paperback
Paperback, softback or softcover describe and refer to a book by the nature of its binding. The covers of such books are usually made of paper or paperboard, and are usually held together with glue rather than stitches or staples...
edition was released in 1986, published by Fontana
Fontana
-Places:*Fontana, Chaco, a settlement in San Fernando Department in Chaco Province, Argentina*Fontana, Cape Verde, a settlement in the island of Sal, Cape Verde*Fontana, Gozo, on Gozo Island, Republic of Malta*Fontana , a neighborhood of Belgrade, Serbia...
(ISBN 000617342x). In August 1987 Avon Books
Avon (publishers)
Avon Publications was an American paperback book and comic book publisher. As of 2010, it is an imprint of HarperCollins, publishing primarily romance novels.-History:...
issued a paperback edition (ISBN 0-380-70181-2). In 1991 Penguin
Penguin
Penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the southern hemisphere, especially in Antarctica. Highly adapted for life in the water, penguins have countershaded dark and white plumage, and their wings have become flippers...
reissued a paperback edition (ISBN 0140133402). In May 2008 Macmillan
Macmillan Publishers (United States)
Macmillan Publishers USA, also known as Macmillan Publishing, is a privately held American publishing company owned by the Georg von Holtzbrinck Publishing Group. It has offices in 41 countries worldwide and operates in more than 30 others....
reissued a trade paperback the United States by Macmillan
Macmillan Publishers (United States)
Macmillan Publishers USA, also known as Macmillan Publishing, is a privately held American publishing company owned by the Georg von Holtzbrinck Publishing Group. It has offices in 41 countries worldwide and operates in more than 30 others....
(ISBN 0312382456).
Legacy
Here Be Dragons along with the subsequent novels Falls the Shadow and The Reckoning, inspired a sightseeing trail in backed by the Tourism Partnership North Wales. The "Penman Trail" as it has been dubbed visits locations which feature prominently in the books including Dolwyddelan CastleDolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle was a native Welsh castle located near Dolwyddelan in Conwy County in North Wales. It was built in the 13th century by Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd and North Wales.-Construction:...
and Abergwyngregyn
Abergwyngregyn
Abergwyngregyn is a village of historical note in Gwynedd, a county and principal area in Wales. Under its historic name of Aber Garth Celyn it was the seat of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd....
.