Experts warn that using Welsh culture in fairy porn is patronising and misrepresents the country
Cardiff: So, there’s been some chatter about this whole “fairy porn” thing that’s been inspired by Welsh culture. Experts are saying it’s pretty patronising. They feel like it’s not really doing justice to the rich history and mythology of Wales.
You know, Wales has this amazing background with legends like King Arthur. Plus, the Welsh language even inspired the Elvish in The Lord of the Rings. It’s a big deal! But now, some authors are mixing romance with fantasy in a way that feels a bit off.
Take Sarah J Maas, for example. Her series, A Court Of Thorns And Roses, has really taken off, especially among female readers. But some folks aren’t thrilled about how she’s using Welsh names and lore. Characters like Rhysand and Gwyneth are cool, but they feel a bit like a rehash.
Prof Dimitra Fimi, who’s been teaching fantasy literature, pointed out that while it’s great to explore new cultures, there’s a risk of creating a one-dimensional view of Wales. It’s not just this magical, rural place; there’s so much more to it.
Then there’s Bethan Hindmarch, a bookseller from Carmarthenshire, who’s also feeling a bit annoyed by the trend. She used to get excited about it, but now it’s more of a pet peeve. She thinks Tolkien did it right by being respectful, but some authors just want their fantasy to sound more mystical.
And it’s not just Welsh culture that’s getting mixed up. There have been issues with Scots Gaelic too. A US author, Rebecca Yarros, faced backlash for mispronouncing Gaelic words in her book. It’s a reminder that when you borrow from a culture, you’ve got to do it right!
