The Holly King has ruled for too long. People are freezing, and the food supplies are running low. The king's brother, Gwythur, sees the land encased in snow and ice and watches the people struggle in the cold. Feeling the magic of the turning seasons rising in him, Gwythur challenges the king for the throne. If he wins this battle to the death, he can bring back the sun and the promise of spring. If he loses, it will remain winter forever. This fanciful tale will delight young children and introduce them to a popular legend about the Winter Solstice and the Yule high holiday. This mythical tale of seasonal change introduces young and old to the pagan legend of the Yule season. Each page of text contains a colorful illustration of the story helping to set the tone of the mythology and keep children engaged for family reading. A wonderful read in front of the fire on those dark winter nights when we need reminders that spring and light will return. This is the second offering in the series of The Wheel of the Year. As the wheel, turns a battle must be fought to bring in the new season. Traditionally during Yule (Winter Solstice), the Oak King clashes with the Holly King. In this powerful rendering, magic is afoot. This story draws character names from Welsh and Arthurian myths and legend. Gwythur experiences the rising of his potential and his call to action. It is restless and primal, but still doubt hangs in the air. Counseled by his wizened companion, Myrddin, Gwythur assesses the difficult living conditions of the people and his own readiness to fight. The writing is vivid and evocative. The struggle for life and the desire to turn the wheel underlies the very fabric of time itself. If Gwythur does not rise to the challenge or eventually fails, how can the people survive in the cold, darkness of perpetual winter frozen in time? The stakes could not be higher. Gwythur must confront Gywn. Still, the kings are evenly matched in this epic cyclical battle for survival. Ellis N It's so exciting to be able to share these stories and make pagan family holiday traditions with my little granddaughter! Thank you for sharing these. I'm looking forward to having a copy of every holiday in the series! Nicole B