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Pangur Bán Celtic Fantasies #1
Pangur Bán the White Cat
"Now! Now you shall see what happens to those who would break the spell of mermaids!" Deep down in the underwater kingdom, Princess Finnglas is in the deadly grip of an evil sea monster, and the mermaids have bewitched Niall. Pangur Bán, the white cat, is desperate. He must rescue them-but how? Only Arthmael can do it. But who is Arthmael? And where is he? Can Pangur Bán find him in time?
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
1 person is currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Fay Sampson
63Ìýbooks35ÌýfollowersFay Sampson graduated in Mathematics, and trained as a teacher. Combining teaching with writing, Fay's children's books were frequently featured in 'Children's Books of the Year'. When she became a full-time writer, she turned to writing novels for adults, based on history and legend. She now lives with her husband in a Tudor cottage in mid-Devon.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 17, 2021
Mermaids, ancient Ireland, a feisty princess, a hapless young monk, and of course a mischievous cat! What is not to love!
This was a delightful book which was reminiscent of fantasy I grew up reading, such as Narnia, Lloyd Alexander's books, and George MacDonald. So that made me super happy!
I never knew what was going to happen next and I so enjoyed the adventure! The Irish setting felt like coming home. The perilous mermaids and other creatures (eagle, dolphin, etc.) we met were intriguing. Pangur himself is such a, well, CAT, and I absolutely loved him! Princess Finglass was fierce and a good heroine. And of course Arthmael was so neat -- but you'll have to meet him yourself!
The timeless writing style was refreshing, and as a longtime fan of Celtic myth and legend, I found the essence of that Irish fairy tale feeling on Pangur Ban's quest in particular to be marvelous.
With mishaps, adventure, a quest or two, and a touching allegory, it's perfect for anyone who loves Irish fantasy or is looking for a slightly-wilder Narnia-esque story. Young adults and adults will find things to delight them, and children (who can handle a couple of violent/scary bits, so...caution on that) will love it.
This quick read is perfect if you need a brief adventure of mermaids and Ireland in your life! Which, of course, you absolutely do!
(Note: it's not related to the Secret of Kells film, but since both were I think inspired by the Pangur Ban poem, there are similarities, and I think any fans of the movie would also, separately, enjoy this book.)
A timeless tale, originally published in England in the 1980s, this book is rereleasing with a new cover, and in ebook form for the first time, for a new set of readers to enjoy.
Now available from Spring Song Press!
(I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.)
This was a delightful book which was reminiscent of fantasy I grew up reading, such as Narnia, Lloyd Alexander's books, and George MacDonald. So that made me super happy!
I never knew what was going to happen next and I so enjoyed the adventure! The Irish setting felt like coming home. The perilous mermaids and other creatures (eagle, dolphin, etc.) we met were intriguing. Pangur himself is such a, well, CAT, and I absolutely loved him! Princess Finglass was fierce and a good heroine. And of course Arthmael was so neat -- but you'll have to meet him yourself!
The timeless writing style was refreshing, and as a longtime fan of Celtic myth and legend, I found the essence of that Irish fairy tale feeling on Pangur Ban's quest in particular to be marvelous.
With mishaps, adventure, a quest or two, and a touching allegory, it's perfect for anyone who loves Irish fantasy or is looking for a slightly-wilder Narnia-esque story. Young adults and adults will find things to delight them, and children (who can handle a couple of violent/scary bits, so...caution on that) will love it.
This quick read is perfect if you need a brief adventure of mermaids and Ireland in your life! Which, of course, you absolutely do!
(Note: it's not related to the Secret of Kells film, but since both were I think inspired by the Pangur Ban poem, there are similarities, and I think any fans of the movie would also, separately, enjoy this book.)
A timeless tale, originally published in England in the 1980s, this book is rereleasing with a new cover, and in ebook form for the first time, for a new set of readers to enjoy.
Now available from Spring Song Press!
(I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.)
Read
February 17, 2021A delightful, fast-moving, sea-faring fantasy adventure for children! This is soon to be republished with a gorgeous new cover, and I had the privilege of getting a review copy.
Pangur Ban is a mischievous cat, Niall is a large monk, and Finnglas is the vengeful warrior princess whose brother Pangur Ban and Niall have accidentally killed. Together, they're set adrift on the sea, where they will battle mermaids, face sea monsters, and undergo a quest to find the great Salmon Hen, before returning home to the devastation they left behind.
Some things I really enjoyed about this story: the beautiful writing style, the blend of noblebright flavour with flashes of darkness, the enemies-to-unlikely-friends character arcs, and the fact that the fantasy world is based on Irish history and feels vivid and real because of it. Some young readers will also appreciate that there's no romance.
There are some light elements of Christian allegory as well, some of which worked better for me as a literary device than others, and made me wonder how broad the book's appeal might be. Overall, however, this was a really fun, quick-moving adventure story and I'm glad to see it setting sail again!
Pangur Ban is a mischievous cat, Niall is a large monk, and Finnglas is the vengeful warrior princess whose brother Pangur Ban and Niall have accidentally killed. Together, they're set adrift on the sea, where they will battle mermaids, face sea monsters, and undergo a quest to find the great Salmon Hen, before returning home to the devastation they left behind.
Some things I really enjoyed about this story: the beautiful writing style, the blend of noblebright flavour with flashes of darkness, the enemies-to-unlikely-friends character arcs, and the fact that the fantasy world is based on Irish history and feels vivid and real because of it. Some young readers will also appreciate that there's no romance.
There are some light elements of Christian allegory as well, some of which worked better for me as a literary device than others, and made me wonder how broad the book's appeal might be. Overall, however, this was a really fun, quick-moving adventure story and I'm glad to see it setting sail again!
June 15, 2024
An absolute delight to reread, I can see why this book made such an impression on me when I was 9. The narrative is more of a fairytale than logical story with logical developments. But this allows for enchanting, poetic prose that had me quite in awe.
I like what fairytales and poetic prose do for my mind, especially ensuring that one be reminded of the fantasy genre's roots. All too often new fantasy books lack the imagination and magical quality that fantasy tales of the past had.
The characters are just wonderful, particularly Arthmael. I laughed out loud when Pangur first encounters him, and his role in the story had great symbolism. I very nearly cried as well! Each character also has a distinct journey of personal growth, which is quite impressive for a 100pg children's book!
Overall a stunning little tale, and a great deal better than the prequel, The Naming of Pangur Bán, which I know was written after this book.
I like what fairytales and poetic prose do for my mind, especially ensuring that one be reminded of the fantasy genre's roots. All too often new fantasy books lack the imagination and magical quality that fantasy tales of the past had.
The characters are just wonderful, particularly Arthmael. I laughed out loud when Pangur first encounters him, and his role in the story had great symbolism. I very nearly cried as well! Each character also has a distinct journey of personal growth, which is quite impressive for a 100pg children's book!
Overall a stunning little tale, and a great deal better than the prequel, The Naming of Pangur Bán, which I know was written after this book.
September 9, 2018
Bit meh about this one - had all the ingredients for a good fantasy - but didn’t quite light my fire.
March 13, 2022
After three years of work, Niall the monk is on the verge of finishing a stunningly illustrated gospel page. Then Pangur Ban, the white cat, springs after a mouse and, dashing back and forward through the scriptorium after it, knocks over a pot of ink. The page is ruined and Niall is furious.
In his murderous rage, he goes after the cat intent on eliminating it. Martin from the kitchen tries to intervene but Niall is too angry to stop. He intends to smash Pangur but hits Martin instead. To his horror it is a killing blow. Martin dies.
Niall and Pangur are both sentenced to exile for a year and a day by Drusticc the abbess. Niall is horrified that they are to be given a coracle without oars and set adrift on the sea - until it becomes obvious that Drusticc is trying to save his life. Martin was a prince of the Summer Isle and the armies of his father Kernac arrive swiftly to avenge his death. Martin's sister Finnglas is warrior-bred and she launches her horse Melisant into the sea after the coracle. It tries valiantly to reach the small craft while arrows are whizzing towards it but, once out of its depth, there is no hope. It sinks into the ocean.
Finnglas is saved. As the coracle heads into a storm, Niall hears singing. A song that summons him irresistibly. Mermaids are singing an enchanting song to enthrall sailors and draw them to Ancovfa, the Halls of Forgetting. Leaving Finnglas on an island, Niall follows the song. But Finnglas follows him, and is mistaken for a warrior lad by the mermaid Morwenna. When it's discovered Finnglas is an earthmaid with the power to bring memory to the men in the Halls of Forgetting, she is taken to the monster Pengoggen to be his next meal.
It's up to Pangur to find someone to rescue her. A merman reveals that the Salmon Hen at Plynlimmon is the Wisest One but how can a small white cat possibly make such a long, difficult and perilous journey in time to consult the Salmon Hen?
Throughout the book, Pangur is capable of speech and everyone is capable of understanding him. The characters simply accept that cats talk. So do dolphins - particularly Arthmael, the Dancer and bringer of joy.
In his murderous rage, he goes after the cat intent on eliminating it. Martin from the kitchen tries to intervene but Niall is too angry to stop. He intends to smash Pangur but hits Martin instead. To his horror it is a killing blow. Martin dies.
Niall and Pangur are both sentenced to exile for a year and a day by Drusticc the abbess. Niall is horrified that they are to be given a coracle without oars and set adrift on the sea - until it becomes obvious that Drusticc is trying to save his life. Martin was a prince of the Summer Isle and the armies of his father Kernac arrive swiftly to avenge his death. Martin's sister Finnglas is warrior-bred and she launches her horse Melisant into the sea after the coracle. It tries valiantly to reach the small craft while arrows are whizzing towards it but, once out of its depth, there is no hope. It sinks into the ocean.
Finnglas is saved. As the coracle heads into a storm, Niall hears singing. A song that summons him irresistibly. Mermaids are singing an enchanting song to enthrall sailors and draw them to Ancovfa, the Halls of Forgetting. Leaving Finnglas on an island, Niall follows the song. But Finnglas follows him, and is mistaken for a warrior lad by the mermaid Morwenna. When it's discovered Finnglas is an earthmaid with the power to bring memory to the men in the Halls of Forgetting, she is taken to the monster Pengoggen to be his next meal.
It's up to Pangur to find someone to rescue her. A merman reveals that the Salmon Hen at Plynlimmon is the Wisest One but how can a small white cat possibly make such a long, difficult and perilous journey in time to consult the Salmon Hen?
Throughout the book, Pangur is capable of speech and everyone is capable of understanding him. The characters simply accept that cats talk. So do dolphins - particularly Arthmael, the Dancer and bringer of joy.
February 28, 2021
Pangur Ban, the White Cat draws inspiration from the Irish monk’s poem penned in a long ago in the days of painstakingly hand copied books where precious treasures.
Pangur Ban, the White Cat draws inspiration from the Irish monk’s poem penned in a long ago in the days of painstakingly hand copied books where precious treasures.
This tale sets the scene immediately like the brisk breeze from the sea across a sun soaked hill of Irish green... and a flare of temper, a sudden death, and banishment for the angered party fleeing righteous revenge.
And the White Cat who started the trouble happens to scurry aboard to save his own skin, and thus inadvertently shares the exile he has carelessly caused.
This is historical, fantasy mash-up of the finest water, the writing style is lavish and swashbuckling without being over done or melodramatic, the characters are instantly alive and sparklingly unique. The action follows one up on another in a cascade of realistic consequences, and the setting is poignantly drawn and beautifully lighted for an almost cinematic feel which lulls with its loveliness while providing stark contrast to the dramatic conflicts the characters find themselves in.
Although it's presented as a children's fantasy, this had me seriously sad! I would have serious re-thinking on letting anyone soft hearted/ sensitive read this... it's got some heart breaking moments.
Pangur Ban, the White Cat draws inspiration from the Irish monk’s poem penned in a long ago in the days of painstakingly hand copied books where precious treasures.
This tale sets the scene immediately like the brisk breeze from the sea across a sun soaked hill of Irish green... and a flare of temper, a sudden death, and banishment for the angered party fleeing righteous revenge.
And the White Cat who started the trouble happens to scurry aboard to save his own skin, and thus inadvertently shares the exile he has carelessly caused.
This is historical, fantasy mash-up of the finest water, the writing style is lavish and swashbuckling without being over done or melodramatic, the characters are instantly alive and sparklingly unique. The action follows one up on another in a cascade of realistic consequences, and the setting is poignantly drawn and beautifully lighted for an almost cinematic feel which lulls with its loveliness while providing stark contrast to the dramatic conflicts the characters find themselves in.
Although it's presented as a children's fantasy, this had me seriously sad! I would have serious re-thinking on letting anyone soft hearted/ sensitive read this... it's got some heart breaking moments.
August 3, 2014
L wanted to know more about Pangur Ban after seeing the beautiful animated movie, Secret of Kells. We know Pangur Ban was a real white cat who belonged to an Irish monk in the 9th century because that monk wrote a poem about him. This story doesn't have much to do with the real Pangur Ban, as it is about magic and spirits, but it does take place at an Irish abbey during the 9th century and we both learned quite a bit about that time and place. It wasn't terrifically well-written, but it served its purpose.
January 30, 2021
I loved this book (well, the whole series) as a child, and I was delighted to see it's being republished now. I have to admit that reading it as an adult (and as an author myself) I realized it wasn't quite as perfect as I thought at age ten. It would have been nice to see a little more showing and less telling, and to have a few more details filling in the blanks between certain parts of the story. Still, it's a lovely adventure tale with vivid and memorable characters and some great lessons for young readers to learn. I recommend this to older elementary students or middle-schoolers who enjoy fantasy, or to the young at heart.
January 12, 2023
It is a WEIRD little book but if you like George MacDonald or Charles Kingsley and that sort of bizarre but beautiful religious allegory that has kind of a dreamlike feel to it ... this is very good. A little old fashioned, but definitely memorable.
December 26, 2011
I did enjoy it though even if most of the characters seem to want to kill each other at some point.
The characterisation is very good. Each character goes on a journey throughout the book and comes out differently at the end. Its got a Narnia like twist and it is very original in its own right. Mermaids and celtic adventure galore.
The characterisation is very good. Each character goes on a journey throughout the book and comes out differently at the end. Its got a Narnia like twist and it is very original in its own right. Mermaids and celtic adventure galore.
March 16, 2016
Brilliant. A fantastic writer. I couldn't stop reading until I finished this book. I had lots of ideas for illustrating it. The following books in the series were wonderful too.
April 8, 2021
Confession:Ìý
I spite-read this book after impulsively ordering it based on the title and the cover and then getting angry after the first couple chapters because it was nothing like I expected. So, some of the negativity I have directed at the book might be my own fault because of mismatched expectations.Ìý
But in my defense, I'm not sure anyone expects a dolphin Jesus.Ìý
I don't have anything against a good allegory. I adore Narnia and Pilgrim's Progress. But unfortunately, Pangur Ban is a very bad allegory. Everything is spelled out in nauseating detail for the readers rather than letting us make connections for ourselves. All telling. No showing. The characters are object lessons rather than real people.
Worst book I've read this year, for sure. I kept going, hoping that it truly couldn't be *that* bad. And then I turned another page and, yep, it really was that bad.
I spite-read this book after impulsively ordering it based on the title and the cover and then getting angry after the first couple chapters because it was nothing like I expected. So, some of the negativity I have directed at the book might be my own fault because of mismatched expectations.Ìý
But in my defense, I'm not sure anyone expects a dolphin Jesus.Ìý
I don't have anything against a good allegory. I adore Narnia and Pilgrim's Progress. But unfortunately, Pangur Ban is a very bad allegory. Everything is spelled out in nauseating detail for the readers rather than letting us make connections for ourselves. All telling. No showing. The characters are object lessons rather than real people.
Worst book I've read this year, for sure. I kept going, hoping that it truly couldn't be *that* bad. And then I turned another page and, yep, it really was that bad.
May 26, 2021
Pangur Ban—the white cat—is based on an old Irish poem dating back to the 9th century. That poem is about a monk and his companion, and this story is true to that theme—but goes far beyond a quiet evening at work. Pangur Ban and the monk Niall, after causing a terrible tragedy, are sent away on a journey of recompense.
This is technically a children’s chapter book. I adored it, but it was a bit…gruesome� at times, I think, for young children. Nevertheless, it is a story I would happily share with my kids when they’re slightly older, as it is a perfectly lovely introduction to Irish folklore(and the folk story style in general, where the strange and bewildering are accepted and commonplace). It was whimsical and heartfelt, and the characters all grew a great deal by the end of the story. This is definitely one to remember and reread.
This is technically a children’s chapter book. I adored it, but it was a bit…gruesome� at times, I think, for young children. Nevertheless, it is a story I would happily share with my kids when they’re slightly older, as it is a perfectly lovely introduction to Irish folklore(and the folk story style in general, where the strange and bewildering are accepted and commonplace). It was whimsical and heartfelt, and the characters all grew a great deal by the end of the story. This is definitely one to remember and reread.
May 3, 2017
How did I never find this book before this? This is one I wish I had written myself-- not only because the story is right up my alley, but also because it is beautifully written. Narnia fans will enjoy this one. There are apparently several sequels as well.
April 4, 2019
A short book and a quick read. Reminds me of the Chronicles of Prydain and Narnia. Not my favourite in the series - I prefer Finnglas and the Stones of Choosing.
May 26, 2021
Strange but good
It was as strange as the old myths often are, as baffling and beautiful and heartwrenching. I enjoyed it greatly.
It was as strange as the old myths often are, as baffling and beautiful and heartwrenching. I enjoyed it greatly.
July 31, 2024
Beautiful, lyrical tale of sacrifice and redemption.
A fairytale like no other fairytale.
A fairytale like no other fairytale.
November 12, 2024
Pangur Ban’s character was not cat like in this book.
September 5, 2021
Are you looking for a Celtic Fantasy novel to read in March in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day? Pangur Ban by Fay Sampson is a delightful and wild middle-grade / young adult novel following the misadventures of a 9th century Christian priest, a vengeful warrior princess, and a white cat named Pangur Ban. This would be a splendid book to read out loud with your whole family!
Click here to find places where you can purchase the book. The indie publisher Spring Song Press is republishing this hidden gem from the 80s with a beautiful new cover. If you pre-order the ebook or a new paperback before March , you can send the receipt to Spring Song Press and get desktop wallpaper of the new cover art.
The novel was inspired by a poem about a cat named Pangur Ban written by a 9th century monk. The novel adds an otherworldly underwater adventure, a race against time and a warrior princess to the mix! It manages to capture the wild, dangerous adventure of Redwall and the spirit of Narnia. There is some colorful language and a brief moment of violence that may be too much for younger children.
If you’re middle grader (and young adult) love classic fantasy stories with high stakes, mermaids, princesses with swords and monsters, Pangur Ban is worth checking out!
Click here to find places where you can purchase the book. The indie publisher Spring Song Press is republishing this hidden gem from the 80s with a beautiful new cover. If you pre-order the ebook or a new paperback before March , you can send the receipt to Spring Song Press and get desktop wallpaper of the new cover art.
The novel was inspired by a poem about a cat named Pangur Ban written by a 9th century monk. The novel adds an otherworldly underwater adventure, a race against time and a warrior princess to the mix! It manages to capture the wild, dangerous adventure of Redwall and the spirit of Narnia. There is some colorful language and a brief moment of violence that may be too much for younger children.
If you’re middle grader (and young adult) love classic fantasy stories with high stakes, mermaids, princesses with swords and monsters, Pangur Ban is worth checking out!
June 22, 2013
I read these books when I was about 12 and absolutely loved them - I have been trying to remember what they were called for years, I'm so glad I found them here!
My rating is based on my younger self - I'm a little hesitant to read them again in case they don't live up to my memories, I'm worried I might find them a bit silly now... I think I will try and find a copy though - another reading may or may not change a future rating!
My rating is based on my younger self - I'm a little hesitant to read them again in case they don't live up to my memories, I'm worried I might find them a bit silly now... I think I will try and find a copy though - another reading may or may not change a future rating!
Read
December 8, 2016Once it got going I could hardly put this book down. In the opening chapters the storytelling style is rather stiff and choppy, and there was too much action and tragedy among characters I didn't yet know and or care about. But around the 40% point I really began to like the characters and enjoy this mythological/fairy-tale story with interesting allegorical touches. I definitely enjoyed it enough to read the sequel.
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