masterlist of Celtic-language speculative fiction
I am slowly but surely collecting the titles of works of speculative fiction in the Celtic languages and it occurred to me that rather than keeping them all to myself on my computer it might be nice to make the list public. There are a few caveats/overall principles here:
- I’m only including original works for adults;
- there’s a strong bias towards sci-fi, not necessarily because there’s more of it or because I like it more but because that’s what’s been easier to find;
- I haven’t yet included anything from Dàna;
- my definition of “speculative fiction” in this case is broad enough to encompass texts like Mihangel Morgan’s Melog, which is realist except for its references to two countries that may or may not actually exist within the body of the text; in other words, there are texts on this list that have speculative elements but likely would not appeal to someone who enjoys, say, N.K. Jemisin or Ann Leckie (i.e., prototypical genre fantasy and sci-fi); and
- I’m indebted to a number of other scholars and bloggers for pointing me towards more titles; in particular, Tim Armstrong, Elidir Jones at fideo 8, Moray Watson (both in An Introduction to Gaelic Fiction and elsewhere), Philip O’Leary, Jack Fennell, Jane Aaron, and Duncan Sneddon have all provided titles and source information.
This list is organized by language and, within a given language, divided into sections for novels, short fiction published in collections, short fiction published in periodicals, and then texts I suspect are speculative but haven’t yet been able to confirm (if you know for sure, please let me know!). In cases where I know the particular genre of the text (i.e., whether it’s sci-fi, fantasy, or what) I’ve included that information. Texts are organized by author’s name and then by title. Texts that appeared in a periodical and were subsequently published in a collection will be listed in both categories.
Please let me know if there are other texts you’re aware of that should be added to the list — in particular there are distressingly few works by women on these lists, but I doubt that Gaelic is unique in having a bunch of short fiction — if no novels to date — written by women.
index
Brezhoneg
Dis-moi si tu connais davantage de science-fiction ou de fantasy pour adultes en breton!
novels
- Langleiz/Langlais, Xavier de: Enez ar Rod (1949, sci-fi)
- Langleiz/Langlais, Xavier de: Romant ar roue Arzhur: Marzhin (1975, fantasy)
- Langleiz/Langlais, Xavier de: Tristan hag Izold (1958, fantasy)
Cymraeg / Welsh
novels
- Bere, Cliff: Pennod yn Hanes Milwr (1981)
- Dafydd, Catrin: Gwales (sci-fi, 2018)
- Dafydd, Fflur: Y Llyfrgell (2009)
- Davies, Bryan Martin: Gardag (1988)
- Davies, E. Tegla: Rhys Llwyd y Lleuad (sci-fi, 1925)
- Edwards, Dyfed: Dant at Waed (1996)
- Elis, Islwyn Ffowc: Y Blaned Dirion (sci-fi, 1968)
- Elis, Islwyn Ffowc: Y Gromlech yn yr Haidd (fantasy, 1970)
- Elis, Islwyn Ffowc: Wythnos yng Nghymru Fydd (sci-fi, 1957)
- Emrys ap Iwan: Breuddwyd Pabydd wrth ei Ewyllys (speculative, 1890-1892)
- Emyr, Aled: Trigo (fantasy, 2024)
- Glyn, Peredur: Pumed Gainc y Mabinogi (fantasy, 2022)
- Gwanas, Bethan: Gwrach y Gwyllt (fantasy, 2003)
- Hunter, Jerry: Ebargofiant (sci-fi, 2014)
- Jones, Alun: Lliwiau’r Eira (fantasy, 2012)
- Jones, D. Griffith: Y Clychau (1972)
- Jones, D. Griffith: Ofnadwy Ddydd (1966)
- Jones, D. Griffith: Pe Symudai’r Ddaear (sci-fi, 1964)
- Jones, Elidir: Y Porthwll (2015)
- Jones, Ifan Morgan: Babel (fantasy, 2019)
- Jones, Ifan Morgan: Dadeni (fantasy, 2017)
- Jones, Ifan Morgan: Igam-Ogam (fantasy, 2008)
- Jones, Lloyd: Y Dŵr (sci-fi, 2009)
- Jones, R. Gerallt: Cafflogion (1979)
- Jones, W.J.: Dinas y Lloer (1961)
- Llywelyn, Robin: O’r Harbwr Gwag i’r Cefnfor Gwyn (sci-fi, 1994)
- Llywelyn, Robin: Seren Wen ar Gefndir Gwyn (sci-fi, 1992)
- Llywelyn, Siân: Darogan (speculative, 2022)
- Meirion, Dafydd: Ar Blaned Arall (sci-fi, 2004)
- Millward, Andras: Samhain (fantasy, 1994)
- Morgan, Mihangel: Melog (fantasy, 1997)
- Owain, Owain: Y Dydd Olaf (sci-fi, 1976)
- Owen, John Idris: Y Tŷ Haearn (sci-fi, 1984)
- Roberts, Emyr Wyn: Sibrydion o Andromeda (sci-fi, 2008)
- Ros, Manon Steffan: Llyfr Glas Nebo (sci-fi, 2018)
- Titus, Llŷr: Anfadwaith (fantasy, 2023)
- Vittle, Arwel: Y Ddinas ar Ymyl y Byd (sci-fi, 2010)
- Vittle, Arwel: Talu’r Pris (sci-fi, 2000)
- Wyn, Eirug: Blodyn Tatws (1998)
short fiction in collections
- Elis, Islwyn Ffowc: Cyn Oeri’r Gwaed (1952)
- “Mynd i’r Lleuad” (sci-fi)
- Lewis, Roy: Dawns Angau (1981)
- Owen, Morgan / Nerys Bowen / Eluned Winney / Siôn Tomos Owen: Lleisiau o’r Cymoedd (2020)
- Eluned Winney, “’Dyw Oedolion Ddim yn Gweld Hud” (fantasy)
short fiction in periodicals
- Jones, Elidir: “Y Brawd a’r Chwaer” (Y Stamp online, 2017, 3 parts)
- Williams, Rhiannon Llwyd: “Atgofion Annelwig” (Y Stamp online, 2017)
insufficient information
- Grynswth, Meurig: Yr Arweinydd (1856-1857)
- Meuryn: Chwedlau’r Meini (1946)
- Morgan, Mihangel: Pantglas (2011)
- Owen, Daniel: Gwen Tomos (1894)
Gaeilge na hÉireann / Irish
novels
I should not that some of these are, by word count, “not novels”, but they are things that were originally published as standalone volumes.
- Conán Maol (Pádraig Ó Séaghdha): Eoghan Paor (sci-fi, 1911)
- de Fréine, Celia: An Dara Rogha (sci-fi, 2021)
- de Róiste, Donach: Ceann v. Cloigeann (sci-fi, 1966)
- Duggan, Dave: Makaronik (sci-fi, 2018)
- Höglund, Panu Petteri: An tSlaivéin (fantasy, 2013)
- Mac Annaidh, Séamas: Cuaifeach Mo Londubh Buí (sci-fi, 1983)
- Mac Aodha Bhuí, Iarla: An Clár AMANDA (sci-fi, 2000)
- Mac Aodha Bhuí, Iarla: Domhan Faoi Cheilt (sci-fi, 1999)
- Mac Cóil, Liam: An Choill (fantasy, 2016)
- Mac Maoláin, Seán: Algoland (sci-fi, 1947)
- Mac Maoláin, Seán: Na hOileáin Séanmhara (1953)
- Mac Síomóin, Tomás: Ag Altóir an Diabhail (2003)
- Mac Síomóin, Tomás: An Tionsacadal (2007)
- Ó Béarra, Feargal: An Tromdhámh (fantasy, 2018)
- Ó Brolacháin, Mícheál: Pax Dei (sci-fi, 1985)
- Ó Ceallacháin, Colm: Fiche (sci-fi, 2024)
- Ó Riain, Art: An Tost (1927)
- Ó Súilleabháin, Diarmuid: Aistear (1983)
- Ó Súilleabháin, Diarmuid: Maeldúin (1972)
- Ní Ghráda, Máiréad: Manannán (sci-fi, 1940)
- Standún, Pádraig: A.D. 2016 (sci-fi, 1988)
- Ua Coinceanainn, Tomás: Gormfhlaith (fantasy, 1905)
retellings
these texts are not necessarily exactly novels but also not necessarily exactly translations.
- Johnson, Diarmuid: Conaire Mór (fantasy, 2017)
- Johnson, Diarmuid: Éadaoin (fantasy, 2020)
- Johnson, Diarmuid: Tuatha Dé Danann (fantasy, 2018)
- Ó Scolaí, Darach: Feis Tigh Chonáin (fantasy, 2019)
- Ó Scolaí, Darach: Táin Bó Cuailnge (fantasy, 2017)
short fiction in collctions
- Ó Conghaile, Micheál: An Fear a Phléasc (1997)
- “An Charraig” (fantasy)
- “Faoi Scáth Scáile” (fantasy)
- “An Mála Freagraí a Goideadh” (fantasy)
- “Seacht gCéad Uaireadóir” (fantasy)
- Ó Sándair, Cathal: Captaen Spéirling agus an Phláinéad do Phléasc (1960)
- Wren, Máire Dinny: Go mbeinnse choíche saor (2016)
- “Tír Hiúdaí” (fantasy)
- “Turais eadarbhuasacha” (fantasy)
short fiction in periodicals
- Mac Craith, Mícheál: “Cuairt ar an nGealaigh” (sci-fi, Fáinne an Lae, 17 Mar., 1923)
- Mac Craith, Mícheál: “Eachtra Fuirne” (Fáinne an Lae, 15 Dec., 1923)
- Myles na gCopaleen (Brian Ó Nualláin): “Díoghaltas ar Ghallaibh ’sa Bhliadhain 2032!” (Irish Press, 18 Jan., 1932)
- Myles na gCopaleen (Brian Ó Nualláin): “Teacht agus Imtheacht Sheáin Bhuidhe” (Irish Press, 25 Mar., 1933)
- Ó Conaire, Pádraic: “Páipéar a Fristadh i mBocsa” (Connacht Tribune, 29 May, 1926)
- Ó Flaithbheartaigh, Tomás: “Mallacht na Baintrighe” (Éireannach, 15 Feb., 1936)
- Ó Riain, Art: “Aisling” (sci-fi, Fáinne an Lae, Oct., 1927)
- Ó Rinn, Liam: “Oidhche Samhraidh” (Branar, Jun., 1925)
- Ó Torna, Seosamh: “Ceithre Bhuille an Chluig” (Bonaventura, spring, 1938)
- Ó Torna, Seosamh: “Duinneall” (Bonaventura, spring, 1938)
- Platt, Donn: “Na Néalladóirí” (An Reult, 1924)
- Tóibín, Nioclás: “An t-Aon a h-Art” (sci-fi, Scuab, Aug., 1923)
insufficient information
for a number of these I know that they’re speculative, or that they’re collections that contain at least some speculative short fiction, but I either don’t have more detailed publishing information or don’t know which story or stories in the collection is/are speculative.
- anonymous: “Éire i nAimsir Mhéidhbhe” (UCG University Annual, 1933-1934)
- Barra Ó Caochlaigh (Art Ó Riain): “An Tost” (1927) (= Art Ó Rain, An Tost?)
- Casáin, an tAth.: “Iompódh an Chlóca” (1933)
- “Conán” (?): “Marbhán” (Connacht Tribune, 25 Mar., 1933)
- Mac Grianna, Seosamh: “Taisgidh an Úcaire” (IF?, Nov., 1924)
- Mac Liammóir, Micheál: Diarmuid agus Gráinne
- Mac Meanman, Seaghán: “Tús Sgéil as an Leabhar Thuas” (1924)
- Muirghein (Pádraig Ó Gallchobhair): Caoineadh an Choimhighthigh (1934)
- Muirghein (Pádraig Ó Gallchobhair): “Céile Sheáin Mhóir” (1934)
- Muirghein (Pádraig Ó Gallchobhair): “Draoidheacht Mara” (1934)
- Ní Choileáin, Orla: Sciorrann an tAm (2014)
- Ní Dhuibhne, Éilís: Dún an Airgid (2008)
- Ó Broin, Leon: “Cruitín an Chóta Dubh” (1932)
- Ó Broin, Leon: “Sprid na Sean-Laoch” (Sguab, Nov., 1925) (unclear if it’s a short story or a play)
- Ó Cadhain, Máirtín: “Ag Déanamh Páipéir” (1977)
- Ó Cadhain, Máirtín: “Cé Acu?” (1967)
- Ó Cadhlaigh, Cormac: Cormac Mac Airt (1927)
- Ó Cadhlaigh, Cormac: Guaire an Oinigh (1939)
- Ó Cainín, Pól: Smaointe Beaga Cumhachtacha (2016)
- Ó Ceallacháin, Colm: I dTír Mhilis na mBeo (2017)
- Ó Ceallacháin, Colm: Ré na bhFathach (2021)
- Ó Conghaile, Micheál: An Fear nach nDéanann Gáire (2003)
- Ó Dálaigh, Seán: “Garsún agus an Sluagh Sidhe” (1933)
- Ó Dálaigh, Seán: “An Sagart agus an Amhailt” (1933)
- Ó Dubhda, Peadar: “An t-Óganach Ceann-Órdha”
- Ó Muireagáin, Seán: Bádh B’fhéidir (2022)
- Ó Muirí, Pól: Siosafas (1995)
- Ó Riain, Art: “Aisling” (sci-fi, 1927) (original publication unclear
- Ó Siadhail, Pádraig: Na Seacht gCineál Meisce (2001)
- Ó hUid, Tarlach: “An Cianadóir” (sci-fi, 1946) (original publication unclear)
- Ua Laoghaire, Pádraig: Séadna (1898)
Gaelg Vannin / Manx
novels
- Lewin, Christopher: Droghad ny Seihill (2008)
- Naylor, Graham: Brann Foillycan (sci-fi, 2008)
short stories in collections
- Lewin, Christopher: Jough-laanee Aegid as Skeealyn Elley (2007)
- “Jough-laanee Aegid” (fantasy)
insufficient information
- Stowell, Brian: Dunveryssyn yn Tooder-Folley (2005)
Gàidhlig na h-Alba
novels
- Armstrong, Tim: Air Cuan Dubh Drilseach (sci-fi, 2013)
- Caimbeul, Aonghas Pàdraig: Là a’ Dèanamh Sgèil Do Là (sci-fi, 2004)
- Caimbeul, Aonghas Pàdraig: Tilleadh Dhachaigh (fantasy, 2009)
- Eyre, Daibhidh: Cailèideascop (sci-fi, 2017)
- Lindsay, Coinneach: A’ Choille Fhiadhaich (fantasy, 2017)
- MacLeòid, Fionnlagh: Gormshuil an Rìgh (fantasy, 2010)
- MacLeòid, Iain F.: An Sgoil Dhubh (fantasy, 2014)
- MacLeòid, Iain F.: An Taistealach (sci-fi, 2017)
short fiction in collections
- eds. unknown: An Claigeann aig Damien Hirst (2009)
- MacIlleathain, Iain: “An Keppler”
- MacAsgaill, Alasdair I., ed.: Rosg nan Eilean (1966)
- Moireach, Dòmhnall: “Togail Chaisteal anns na Neòil” (sci-fi)
- MacCoinnich, Cailein T.: Oirthir Tìm (1969)
- “Crìochan Farsaing” (sci-fi) (also in Gairm #34, 1960)
- “An Galair” (sci-fi) (also in Gairm #42, 1963)
- “An Long-adhair” (sci-fi) (also in Gairm #61, 1967)
- “Searmon a’ Bhodaich” (sci-fi)
- “An Toradh Oillteil” (= “An Toradh Searbh” in Gairm #68, 1969?)
- NicDhòmhnaill, Joan and John Story, eds.: Saorsa (2011)
- Armstrong, Tim: “Luathas-teichidh” (sci-fi) (= ch. 1 of Air Cuan Dubh Drilseach)
- Mac a’ Ghobhainn, Iain: An Dubh is An Gorm (1963)
- “An Solus Ùr” (sci-fi) (also in Gairm #35, 1961)
- Mac a’ Ghobhainn, Iain: An t-Adhar Ameireaganach (1973)
- MacLeòid, Fionnlagh: Dìomhanas (2008)
- “An Cluaisean” (fantasy)
- “Cùil Lodair” (fantasy) (also in Gath #7, 2007)
- “Mac an t-Srònaich, Mac an t-Sàtain” (fantasy)
- “Tiop” (sci-fi)
- “Triùir Nighean an Rìgh agus Mac na Banntraich” (fantasy)
- Mac an t-Saoir, Màrtainn: Ath-Aithne (2003)
- “Oisein ann an Tìr nan Òg” (fantasy) (also in Gath #2, 2003)
- Watt, Eilidh: A’ Bhratach Dhealrach (1972)
- “Bha Duilleagan air Chall” (fantasy)
short fiction in periodicals
- Armstrong, Tim: “Cuilean na Nollaige” (The Scotsman, 21 Dec., 2013)
- Chaimbeul, Steaphanaidh: “A’ Lorg an t-Solais” (fantasy, Gath #7, 2007)
- Chaimbeul, Steaphanaidh: “Mo Rìoghachd” (fantasy, Gath #6, 2006)
- Dòmhnallach, Tormod: “Am Bata Seunta” (fantasy, Gairm #92, 1975)
- Dòmhnallach, Tormod: “Làraich” (Gairm #72, 1970)
- Fhriseal, Anna: “An Dùdach” (fantasy, Gairm #40, 1962)
- Harrington, Nathaniel: “Air Iteig” (sci-fi, STEALL #9, 2024)
- Harrington, Nathaniel: “Iomadh Rud Nach Saoil Sibh” (fantasy, Aimsir #4, Samhain 2023)
- Jackson, Steve: “Tha Adhaircean Mòra air a’ Chrodh a tha Fad às” (fantasy, Gath #5, 2006)
- King, Dennis: “An t-Adhar Ùr” (sci-fi, Gairm #107, 1979)
- “L.L.”: “Aisling Dhomhnuill” (fantasy, Mac-Talla #6.1, 1897)
- NicAmhlaigh, Cairistìona: “Litir bho na h-Eileanan—sa’ bhliadhna 2081” (sci-fi, Gairm #116, 1981)
- MacAoidh, Garbhan: “An t-Eilean Céin” (sci-fi, Gairm #32, 1960)
- MacCoinnich, Cailein T.: “Crìochan Farsaing” (sci-fi, Gairm #34, 1960, also in Oirthir Tìm)
- MacCoinnich, Cailein T.: “An Galair” (sci-fi, Gairm #42, 1963, also in Oirthir Tìm)
- MacCoinnich, Cailein T.: “An Long-adhair” (sci-fi, Gairm #61, 1967)
- MacCoinnich, Cailein T.: “Lorgan san t-Sneachda” (Gairm #117, 1981-1982)
- NicDhòmhnaill, Eilidh: “Gu Cùl na Gealaich” (sci-fi, Gairm #123, 1983)
- MacDhòmhnaill, Fionnlagh I.: “Am Putan Dearg” (sci-fi, Gairm #34, 1960)
- NicFhearghais, Sìne: “An Sreathart” (Gairm #123, 1983)
- MacFhionnlaigh, Fearghas: “Narcissus agus an Kraaken” (fantasy, Gairm #88, 1974)
- Mac a’ Ghobhainn, Iain: “An Solus Ùr” (sci-fi, Gairm #35, 1961, also in An Dubh is An Gorm)
- NicGumaraid, Màiri: “Cinn Sgeul” (Gairm #159, 1992)
- NicGumaraid, Màiri: “Siopaill is Rudan Eile” (sci-fi, Gairm #151, 1990)
- Mac Ìomhair, Calum: “Bruidhinn air Taibhsean” (fantasy, Gairm #30, 1959)
- MacÌomhair, Dòmhnall Iain: “Ceangal is Dealachadh” (Gairm #125, 1983-1984)
- MacÌomhair, Dòmhnall Iain: “An Leabhar Buidhe” (Gairm #150, 1990)
- Mac-an-Léigh, Fearghas: “A’ Cheò” (Gairm #85, 1973)
- MacLeòid, Fionnlagh: “A chàirdean, cà’il am bàr” (sci-fi, Gath #9, 2008)
- MacLeòid, Fionnlagh: “Cùil Lodair” (fantasy, Gath #7, 2007, also in Dìomhanas)
- MacLeòid, Iain: “Aisling Otis” (Gairm #139, 1987)
- MacLeòid, Iain: “Cluaidhean” (Gairm #181, 1997-1998)
- MacLeòid, Iain: “Ketilsdalr” (Gairm #152, 1990)
- MacLeòid, Iain: “An Leughadair” (Gairm #175, 1996)
- MacLeòid, Ruairidh: “Ri Taobh an Teallaich” (sci-fi, Gairm #34, 1960)
- MacLeòid, Tormod: “An Tul Fhìrinn” (speculative, Gairm #35, 1961)
- NicMhaoilein, Maribal: “Dannsa anns an Fhasan Ùr” (sci-fi, Gairm #73, 1970)
- NicNèill, Catrìona: “An t-Each Uisge” (fantasy, Gairm #147, 1989)
- MacNèill, Tormod: “Mòd Thorgabail” (sci-fi, Gairm #36, 1961)
- Mac an t-Saoir, Màrtainn: “Oisein ann an Tìr nan Òg” (fantasy, Gath #2, 2003, also in Ath-Àithne)
- Moireach, Iain: “Mo Chrannchur” (fantasy, Gath #3, 2004)
- Moireach, Iain: “An Tuiteamas” (fantasy, Gath #1, 2003)
- Scholes, Des: “Dhan Stèisean le Cabhaig!” (fantasy/sci-fi, Gath #7, 2007)
- Shirley, Rob: “An Duine Ùr” (sci-fi, Gairm #38, 1961)
- also published in Dòmhnall Iain MacLeòid (ed.), Dorcha tro Ghlainne (1970)
- Shirley, Rob: “Mr. Universe” (sci-fi, Gairm #46, 1964)
- Shirley, Rob: “Seanchaidh an Taoibh Tuath” (sci-fi/fantasy, Gath #5, 2006)
- Wagner, Mona NicLeòid (as Mona Striewe): “Coinneachadh Iongantach” (Gath #4, 2005)
- Wagner, Mona NicLeòid (as Mona Striewe): “An Lioft” (fantasy, Gath #7, 2007)
- Watt, Eilidh: “An Dèidh-làimh” (sci-fi, Gairm #121, 1982-1983)
- Watt, Eilidh: “An Roghainn” (sci-fi, Gairm #123, 1983)
insufficient information
- Cooper, Graham: An Ròs a Leigheas (2021)
- Inghean Fir na Pàirce, Ùna: Na Daoine Sidhe is Uirsgeulan eile (1907) (one story apparently a reprinted folktale, unclear what the source for the other two is)
- MacAoidh, Garbhan: “Ishah” (Gairm, six parts, 1976-1977)
- “Ishah 1: Coille a’ Chamuis” (Gairm #95, 1976)
- “Ishah 2: Anns a’ Bhaile” (Gairm #96, 1976)
- “Ishah 3: Air Bòrd” (Gairm #97, 1976-1977)
- “Ishah 4: Ann an Canada” (Gairm #98, 1977)
- “Ishah 5: Ceann-uidhe” (Gairm #99, 1977)
- “Ishah 6: Fàth-sgrìobhaidh” (#100, 1977)
- MacLeòid, Iain: Spuirean na h-Iolaire (1988) (clearly an adventure/thriller story, unclear whether it has a speculative element)
- NicDhòmhnaill, Ceit S.: “Am Fiadh Geal” (Gairm #105, 1978-1979)
- Paul, Alistair: Iomall (sci-fi, 2025) (I know it’s scifi, just waiting on the TOC)
- Paul, Alistair: Linne Dhomhain (2021)
- Watt, Eilidh: Gun Fhois (1987)
Kernowek / Cornish
please tell me if you know of other original sci-fi (or any original fantasy) for adults in Cornish!
novels
- Lyon, Rod: Dhe Emlow an Galaksi (sci-fi, 2015)
(air ais · back)