Harvill Secker snaps up Brigid Lowe's retelling of The Mabinogion

Harvill Secker has acquired The Bloody Branch, Brigid Lowe’s "visceral retelling" of the Celtic myth The Mabinogion, a precursor of fantasy fiction.

Publishing director Liz Foley bought world English-language rights from Philip Gwyn Jones at Greyhound Literary, for publication in January 2026.

The synopsis states: "The novel tells the story of three women – slave queen Goewin, reclusive sorceress Arianrhod and Blodeuwedd, a woman conjured from flowers – as they seek to avenge themselves on the most dangerous man in ancient legend. Gwydion is a powerful sorcerer whose ambition and cruelty wreak havoc across the kingdom. When at last the earth itself is put at stake, Goewin, Arianrhod and Blodeuwedd each unleash uncanny powers to challenge him. Casting ancient light on desire, sex and our relationship with nature, Lowe brings Celtic myth to explosive, sensuous, blossoming new life."

Foley said: "The Bloody Branch is a uniquely voiced, violent and dazzling delight and Brigid’s writing casts an irresistible spell."

Lowe added: "This epic narrative has haunted me all my life, and I’m deeply grateful to my agent Philip and all at Harvill Secker for their courage and ambition in helping me bring it to a new audience. The story is vaster and stranger than any of us, and it has taken the full stretch of many minds and hearts to place it on the page and honour the female pantheon that has inspired it."