Wales, and North Wales in particular, is the country of origin for many of the Arthurian legends. Will Stanton comes to the Dysynni Valley in North Wales to stay with an aunt while recovering from a serious illness. His aunt lives near Cader Idris, a mountain that dominates the landscape. The setting is an actual place, although Cooper admits that she has taken certain liberties with it. The inhabitants of this part of the country are mostly Cymry Cymraeg, as they call themselves, Welsh-speaking Welsh.

Never independent for much of its long history, and incorporated into the United Kingdom since 1536, Wales is nonetheless very much a separate place, where people cherish their history and cultural traditions.