In The Snow Spider, that is, the "fabled landscape and weather" of Wales and the stresses in Gwyn's family, in contrast to "the integration of magical powers into the life of an otherwise ordinary boy".
Although the realism is better than the magic (again), "Nimmo gives the fantasy an entrancing aura that enriches her subtle exploration of such themes as the sources and stresses of creation—of offspring or of art.
... the action—rather than being a contemporary drama illuminated by its heroic prototype—seems forced into the legend's mold, while the promising idea of linking Efnisien with modern battle stress is overburdened with clever but less than fully digested detail.
Nimmo explores Gwyn's dual existence as ancient magician and young boy through five years, by turns showing his enthusiasm and weariness for his role as his awareness grows, and also his final acceptance of what he is.
The Snow Spider was adapted by Delyth Jones and James Lark for a stage production with a cast of seven actor-musicians, singing, dancing and playing their own instruments as well as taking on multiple roles.
[11] The substantial score was written by James Lark using harp, violins and percussion and incorporating folksong to give an authentic Welsh flavour to the sound world.
In 2020, the BBC adapted The Snow Spider into a 5-part serial on CBBC, directed by Jennifer Sheridan and partly written by original author Jenny Nimmo.