The Folklore Of Cornwall

Piskies, mermaids, giants, and a revenant bridegroom: the stuff of legend. In the hands of skilled storytellers - the famed droll tellers of Cornwall - the result was magical. Considered in the context of narratives throughout Northern Europe, enchantment can be understood as well as enjoyed in this new way to look at Cornwall. 10b&w illus.

By considering the folklore of Cornwall in a Northern European context, this book casts light on a treasury of often-ignored traditions. Folklore studies internationally have long considered Celtic material, but scholars have tended to overlook Cornwall’s collections. The Folklore of Cornwall fills this gap, placing neglected stories on a par with those from other regions where Celtic languages have deep roots. The Folklore of Cornwall demonstrates that Cornwall has a distinct body of oral tradition, even when examining legends and folktales that also appear elsewhere. The way in which Cornish droll tellers achieved this unique pattern is remarkable; with the publication of this book, it becomes possible for folklorists to look to the peninsula beyond the River Tamar for insight. A very readable text with popular appeal, this book serves as an introduction to folklore studies for the novice while also offering an alternative means to consider Cornish studies for advanced scholars. The comparative analysis combined with an innovative method of The Folklore of Cornwall is not to be found in other treatments of the subject.

Standing alone at the bottom tip of England and despite the enormous influx of tourists it receives each year, Cornwall boasts many unique traditions. This volume touches on the wide variety of legends, songs and stories and their relationship with the rugged landscape: from standing stones and tales of sea-monsters and mermaids to ghosts, fairies and giants. The book looks at pagan ceremonies and old traditions, and the very Cornish love of singing. It further discusses the Cornish tongue, and the old language of Cornwall. And, of course, no study of Cornwall would be complete without some consideration of King Arthur and his legacy upon the folklore of the county.

This book presents the first ever comprehensive focus on the folklore of eastern Cornwall, an ancient land steeped in legend and myth. It is populated by piskies, giants, and conjurors as well as the Devil's Dandy Dogs and the demonic specter of Tregeagle. Alex Langstone's ground-breaking study shares old tales of witches, charmers, supernatural encounters, and curious customs.

In this fabulous exploration of the Cornish Celtic Otherworld, Cheryl Straffon shares stories, myths, and legends of supernatural beings such as fairies, piskies, mermaids, witches, giants, and other strange and wonderful creatures. These expertly told stories will help you transform your perspective on the traditional integration of spiritual energies so that even the mundane world will become more magical.

Cornwall's rugged coast is etched with stories. Here you'll find tales of powerful mermaids, spiteful witches, crafty smugglers and woeful ghosts. Up on the moors are mischievous creatures, huge giants and elusive beasts. Let the piskeys lead you astray across the windy tors and sandy shorelines to experience wonder, miracles, secrets and magic. Bodmin Moor folklore writer Anna Chorlton retells tales of North and East Cornwall, illustrated by local artists and members of the community.