People can turn into wolves in WolfWalkers. That’s an idea from Irish folktales.

Stories Have Power

Why is it important to tell and listen to stories? Just ask Eva Whittaker—she’s an actor in the movie WolfWalkers.

March 15, 2021

As You Read: Underline two ways in which stories can be “powerful.”

Eva Whittaker loves stories. This 12-year-old lives in Ireland, where folktales are an important part of the culture. She told Scholastic News that folktales, like other types of stories, give kids the chance to imagine themselves as different characters. Kids get to experience new places and adventures through the stories.

That’s why Eva became an actor four years ago. Acting out a story lets her feel what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes—or to even become a wolf!

In the movie WolfWalkers, Eva is the voice of one of the main characters. She plays Mebh (MAYV), a girl who changes into a wolf at night. Mebh is part of a wolf pack fighting to save their forest and their way of life from dangerous forces.

We caught up with Eva to find out more.

Eva Whittaker loves stories. This 12-year-old lives in Ireland. Folktales are an important part of the culture in that country. Eva told Scholastic News that folktales, like other types of stories, give kids the chance to imagine themselves as different characters. Kids get to experience new places and adventures through the stories.

That’s why Eva became an actor four years ago. Acting out a story lets her feel what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes. She can even become a wolf!

We caught up with Eva to find out more.

Scholastic News: WolfWalkers was inspired by Irish folktales that are hundreds of years old. Why do you think those tales still inspire people today?

Eva Whittaker: I think they’ve stood the test of time, because everyone continues to tell them to each other. I think they’re so special because they make us feel connected to our ancestors.

Scholastic News: WolfWalkers was inspired by Irish folktales that are hundreds of years old. Why do you think those tales still inspire people today?

Eva Whittaker: I think they’ve stood the test of time. Everyone continues to tell them to each other. I think they’re so special because they make us feel connected to our ancestors.

SN: What are some of your favorite folktales?

EW: I’ve grown up hearing a lot of Irish folklore stories. We learn about a lot of them in school, like the Children of Lir. That’s about children who are turned into swans.

A lot of other stories are about Finn MacCool, an Irish giant. But my favorites are the ones that are based around fairies. I just love the idea of fairies!

SN: What are some of your favorite folktales?

EW: I’ve grown up hearing a lot of Irish folklore stories. We learn about a lot of them in school, like the Children of Lir. That’s about children who are turned into swans.

A lot of other stories are about Finn MacCool, an Irish giant. But my favorites are the ones that are based around fairies. I just love the idea of fairies!

SN: What is the character you play in the movie like? How are you similar to or different from her?

EW: I think we’re both quite bubbly and energetic. Mebh is also loyal and protective of her family. I’d like to think I’m that way too.

SN: What is the character you play in the movie like? How are you similar to or different from her?

EW: I think we’re both quite bubbly and energetic. Mebh is also loyal and protective of her family. I’d like to think I’m that way too.

What Makes a Great Story?

Paul Young helped start Cartoon Saloon, the maker of WolfWalkers. He says great stories have these three things in common.

Dylan Vaughan Photography

Paul Young

Beginning: Young explains this is where readers meet a main character they like. An event turns this hero’s world upside down.

Middle: The hero comes up with a plan to reach a goal or fix a problem. But she (or he) faces many obstacles.

End: The hero is beaten for a moment by the enemy. The hero sees she’s been wrong all along about how to reach her goal. At the last second, she thinks up a new plan to change things for the better!

Beginning: Young explains this is where readers meet a main character they like. An event turns this hero’s world upside down.

Middle: The hero comes up with a plan to reach a goal or fix a problem. But she (or he) faces many obstacles.

What Makes a Great Story?

Paul Young helped start Cartoon Saloon, the maker of WolfWalkers. He says great stories have these three things in common.

Dylan Vaughan Photography

Paul Young

Beginning: Young explains this is where readers meet a main character they like. An event turns this hero’s world upside down.

Middle: The hero comes up with a plan to reach a goal or fix a problem. But she (or he) faces many obstacles.

Beginning: Young explains this is where readers meet a main character they like. An event turns this hero’s world upside down.

Middle: The hero comes up with a plan to reach a goal or fix a problem. But she (or he) faces many obstacles.

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SN: Did you have to change your voice to play her?

EW: I had a special Mebh voice because Mebh was really wolflike even in her human form, so her voice would be low and a lot more growly than mine would be.

SN: Did you have to change your voice to play her?

EW: I had a special Mebh voice. That’s because Mebh was really wolflike even in her human form. Her voice would be low and a lot more growly than mine would be.

SN: Powerful stories often help teach audiences powerful lessons. What do you hope people learn from this movie’s story?

EW: I hope people will think about how we shouldn’t fear someone or judge someone who we don’t know yet. We should take the time to get to know people, even if we don’t think we have anything in common with them. And we shouldn’t be afraid to make new friends.