A true story that survived through the oral tradition is the subject of a new novel published by Y Lolfa publishers this week.

Pantywennol by Ruth Richards tells the story of Elin Ifans – a lively young woman in her teens who is hindered by the rural life of Pen Llŷn during the nineteenth century. Because of her obsession with the supernatural Elin is given the name ‘Bwgan Pantywennol’ (the Pantywennol Ghost) by the locals, which raises tensions and conflicts within the community between religion and supersition.

The novel is based on a true story which was kept alive by word of mouth.

‘I suppose what inspired me what the combination of studying nineteenth century literature for my MA and memories of old stories from Pen Llŷn I heard from my two Nain (Grandmothers)’ said Ruth Richards, ‘I got hold of a book by Moses Glyn Jones and Norman Roberts about the history of the ‘bwgan’ (ghost) and was somewhat surprised that no one had turned the story into a novel. What was so exciting was that there was plenty of history that had survived to form a basis which allowed me to construct a narrative around it myself.’

The novel revolves around the frustrations of a teenager who realises that the contraints of her Victorian life will allow little opportunity or adventure for her.

‘The fact that Elin was so young when the trouble happened was very appealing to me,’ explains Ruth, ‘I tried to recognise a certain ‘punk’ spirit that belonged to her. The kind of energy and raw defiance that makes the process of shaming her so much more unjust, and her fate even sadder still’.

The novel recieved high acclaim during the Medal Ryddiaith (Prose Medal) competition during the National Eisteddfod in y Fenni this year and came close to winning the top prize.

Fe gafodd y nofel ganmoliaeth uchel yng nghystadleuaeth y Fedal Ryddiaith yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Fenni 2016 gan ddod yn agos at gipio’r brif wobr.

Judging the competition, Dafydd Morgan Lewis said,

‘From the outset I doted on this novel. I fell in love with her really’ says Dafydd, ‘This isn’t just a compelling story but very powerful writing as well’

Jane Aaron added that the novel echoed some American Gothic literature, such as Arthur Miller’s famous play, The Crucible .

Pantywennol is Ruth Richards’s first novel.

Ruth grew up in Cemaes, Anglesey, but now lives in Beaumaris. She was a student on the MA Creative Writing course at Bangor University and works for the lobbying organisation, Dyfodol i’r Iaith.

The novel will be launched at Oriel Plas Glyn Widow in Pwllheli at 2pm on Saturday 26th November . There will be readings from the novel and performances of ‘Baled y Bwgan’ (‘Ballad of the Ghost’) which is an old ballad about the story. Professors Angharad Price and Gerwyn Wiliams will also be in conversation with Ruth Richards.

Pantywennol by Ruth Richards (£7.99, Y Lolfa) is available now.

Please note: this book is in Welsh