Chwedlau Cymru ceffylau

Many readers found this book to be a valuable resource for Welsh learners, especially those at the Mynediad (entry) level. It was frequently praised for being easy to read, allowing learners to progress quickly and build confidence in their Welsh comprehension. The author's background as a professional storyteller was evident in the engaging and accessible style, which many appreciated. Reviewers also enjoyed the traditional Welsh subject matter, finding the tales interesting and easy to follow, often aided by a helpful vocabulary key on each page. The concept of grouping tales around a "horse" theme was considered a good idea for vocabulary retention, and the book's appealing illustrations and cover were also noted positively.

However, a significant point of contention was the perceived target audience. Despite being marketed for adult learners, many felt the book's content and style were more suited to a younger audience, such as children aged 7-12. Reviewers familiar with the original Welsh tales expressed disappointment that these stories were considerably simplified or "sanitized," omitting more dramatic or complex elements found in the adult versions. This led some to feel patronized and that a valuable opportunity to present mature versions of these stories to adult learners was missed. Additionally, some readers found the book's focus on Northern Welsh dialect (Cymraeg Gogledd) could be intimidating for Southern Welsh learners (Cymraeg y De) if not clearly indicated. A few stories were also noted for having little connection to the "horse" theme, and some endings were described as anti-climactic or lacking full resolution.

In conclusion, this collection of Welsh tales offers a mixed experience for adult learners. While it serves as an accessible and confidence-building tool for those at the very beginning of their Welsh learning journey, particularly at the Mynediad level, its simplified content and narrative style may not fully satisfy readers seeking the depth or complexity of the original adult versions of these traditional stories. The book would likely appeal most to absolute beginners in Welsh who prioritize ease of comprehension and a gentle introduction to reading in the language, or to those who might use it as a resource for reading to children. Adult learners looking for mature retellings of classic Welsh literature or a more challenging linguistic experience might, however, find it too basic or feel that the tales have been overly adapted.