1. Gwyn is acutely aware of his social standing beneath Alison and Roger. How does his choice of words when he converses with each of them reveal his underlying resentment towards this disparity?

2. Among the young trio of Gwyn, Alison, and Roger, who stands out as the sharpest mind, and who lags behind? What characteristics lead you to these conclusions?

3. Gather the scattered clues left by Garner to weave together a complete narrative of the last re-enactment of the Blodeuwedd legend, involving Huw, Nancy, and Alison's uncle Bertram.

Self-Portrait and Resolution

4. If we imagine Gwyn as a reflection of Garner himself, what insights does his character offer about Garner's self-perception during the writing of the book? Are Gwyn's conflicts with his mother resolved? Does his future path become clearer, and is his bitterness overcome? It might be illuminating to know that Garner experienced an emotional breakdown after completing The Owl Service.

5. In this narrative, the young characters grapple with anxiety over their futures, fearing confinement to the expectations of their parents. Does the resolution of the Blodeuwedd myth empower them to forge their own destinies?

Magic and Mythology

6. Some critics argue that The Owl Service might have been a more exquisite novel without its Welsh mythological elements. Is this assertion valid? What essence would the tale lose if the magic were removed?