Date of Award

Spring 4-15-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

English

First Advisor

Rosemary O'Neill

Abstract

Inspired by Celtic folktales and mythology, Amongst the Hounds is a fantasy adventure novel set in an alternate version of early 20th-century Ireland. After a long war against the imposing Empire that has been draining the nation’s limited resources, the island country of Íre is briefly at peace. When Ailbhe Mac Cárthaigh arrives in the nation’s capital, she discovers her brother Breandán, a physics prodigy, has gone missing. Having grown up with tales about the dangers of arrachtacha, massive wolf-like beasts that stalk the countryside, Ailbhe believes Breandán is the most recent victim. With the help of her brother’s friend from university, Colin, and an apprentice arrachtach hunter, Cecily, Ailbhe sets off to find him. While fighting monsters and family curses, the newfound friends find they may be close to uncovering long-buried secrets that could endanger both warring states. Challenging the anti-modernist and imperialist themes that have dominated the fantasy genre since J.R.R. Tolkien’s lecture “On Fairy-Stories,” Amongst the Hounds is a story about the immortality of legends and the effect they have on national and individual identities.

Rights Statement

All rights reserved. This copy is provided to the Kenyon Community solely for individual academic use. For any other use, please contact the copyright holder for permission.

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