'GWYN - Ancient god of Glastonbury and key to the Glastonbury Zodiac', is the debut book written and illustrated by Glastonbury based artist and researcher, Yuri Leitch. Adorned with many of his own beautiful illustrations, and quotes from arcane medieval Welsh manuscripts, the author hopes that this book will educate, uplift and inspire the reader's imagination. 'Gwyn' is the culmination of six years of contemplation, historical research and investigation into the sacred landscape of Somerset's unique landmark, Glastonbury Tor.

“In this book Yuri Leitch draws us back beyond the more recent legends of the last two millennia to a time when the earth was considered a sacred temple reflecting the patterns of the cosmos, a vast living being responding to the light of the sun, moon and stars, just as we ourselves do. In those times, Glastonbury Tor was the otherworldly abode of Gwyn, a pre-Christian god of Light.

    Like a lost dream, we try to recapture the visions that dwell on the edge of our imaginations, attempting to grasp their once vivid meaning with ideas and images that are now half-hidden in our collective memory. This meaning may exist beyond our normal senses, but places like Gwyn’s abode can focus our higher vision on a view of the world that is of deep significance to many today.”

 ~ Paul Broadhurst, researcher of ancient mythologies and sacred landscapes; author of ‘The Green Man and the Dragon’ and co-author of the influential ‘The Sun and the Serpent’.

“At last, a book on Glastonbury’s most ancient mysteries that sweeps away the mists obscuring the true roots of Avalon as an otherworldly realm. Exploring the myths and legends of Gwyn ap Nudd, Britain’s original hunter god, the author reconstructs an ancient astronomy that was once essential in regulating the seasons, and is even today reflected in the presence around Glastonbury of gigantic terrestrial figures meant to mirror Heaven on Earth. A glorious new perspective on archaic British star-lore that will have the reader enthralled from start to finish.” 

 ~ Andrew Collins, best selling author of numerous books including ‘Twenty-first Century Grail’ and The Cygnus Mystery’.

"Yuri Leitch enters the Avalon scene with this much needed exploration of the mythic identity of Gwyn ap Nudd.  Well researched and passionately argued, this book restores Gwyn to the elevated position he deservedly occupies in the Avalon pantheon."

~ Nicholas R. Mann, Glastonbury based historian and author of ‘The Isle of Avalon’ and ‘Glastonbury Tor’.

Yuri Leitch lives in Glastonbury, Somerset, where he works as an author and artist. He also spends many of his hours with his head stuck in dusty old books and has made a passionate study of British History, Celtic Folklore and a broad spectrum of the world’s ancient mythologies for over twenty years. He was born in Barnstaple, Devon, in 1968, and has spent most of his life living in the South West of Britain. He has explored the landscape and histories of the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, the Cotswolds, Bristol and Avon and now Somerset.   For many years Yuri has written essays and articles, for various publications on a range of topics. His knowledge grows as he researches and encompasses the stories of the ancient deities, his own Holy Grail investigations and related esoteric matters. This is his first book - the result of six wonder filled years living in sight of and contemplating the awesome landmark of Glastonbury. ‘Gwyn’ is a product of care, love and devotion to the Tor.