English folklore facts for kids
English folklore is a wonderful collection of myths, legends, and stories from England. It includes amazing creatures, brave heroes, and ancient traditions that have been shared for hundreds of years. Think of heroes like Robin Hood and King Arthur, or monsters like fire-breathing Dragons.
These tales have been shaped by the many different groups of people who have lived in England, including the Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, and Vikings. The stories often teach lessons about being brave, loyal, and fair. They also explore the magic of nature and the supernatural world.
Many of these old traditions are still celebrated today. Festivals like May Day and Bonfire Night are part of English culture. Fun activities like Morris dancing and dancing around a Maypole also come from these ancient folk traditions.
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History of English Folklore
Long ago, before England was one country, different groups of people lived there. When Vikings came from Scandinavia, their stories and traditions mixed with the local ones. This is why some English folklore has links to Norse myths.
For centuries, these stories were told out loud, passed from parents to children. This is called oral tradition. During the Renaissance, writers like William Shakespeare included folklore in his plays, with fairies, magic, and old superstitions.
In the 1800s, the famous Grimm brothers in Germany collected their country's fairy tales. This inspired people in England to gather their own country's stories, so they wouldn't be forgotten.
What Are English Folktales Like?
English folklore is a mix of ideas from different cultures. Many stories have Christian themes, teaching lessons about being good, brave, and fair. But they also include older, non-Christian beliefs about magic, nature, and spirits.
Folktales often explore the connection between people and the natural world. For example, tales about the Green Man show the spirit of the forest. These stories were not just for fun. They taught children about right and wrong and helped people make sense of the world, including things they couldn't explain, like magic and ghosts.
Folklore was a part of everyday life for everyone, from farmers to nobles. People believed in good luck charms, premonitions (feelings that something is about to happen), and magic. These beliefs helped them feel safer in a world that could often be dangerous and unpredictable.
Famous Folktales and Legends
English folklore is full of unforgettable characters, creatures, and stories. While every region has its own local tales, some have become famous across the whole country and even the world.
Magical Creatures and Monsters
- Dragons are giant, winged reptiles that can breathe fire. They are often found guarding treasure in caves or lonely hills.
- A Wyvern is like a smaller dragon, but it only has two legs instead of four.
- The black dog is a ghostly dog with huge, glowing eyes. Seeing one was often thought to be a sign of bad luck.
- A boggart is a mischievous spirit that lives in houses or fields. It loves to play tricks, like making things disappear or turning milk sour.
- A brownie is a helpful household spirit. It comes out at night to do chores, but only if you leave it a bowl of porridge or milk as a thank you.
- Dwarves are small, human-like beings who live in mountains and underground. They are known as expert miners and blacksmiths.
- Ogres are large, strong, and not very smart monsters. In stories, heroes usually have to outsmart them to win.
- Mermaids and Mermen are magical beings that are half-human and half-fish. Some are friendly and grant wishes, while others are dangerous and lure sailors into the water.
- The Will-o'-the-wisp is a strange, flickering light seen over marshes. Some stories say it's a fairy trying to lead travelers off the path.
Legendary Heroes and Characters
- King Arthur is perhaps the most famous king in English legend. He was said to be the "Once and Future King" who pulled the sword Excalibur from a stone. With his wise mentor Merlin and his brave Knights of the Round Table, he ruled from his castle at Camelot.
- Robin Hood is a legendary outlaw who lived in Sherwood Forest with his "Merry Men." He was a master archer who was famous for standing up to the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham. Stories and songs celebrated him as a hero of the common people.
- Robin Goodfellow, also known as Puck, is a clever and mischievous fairy who loves to play tricks on humans. He can change his shape to fool people.
- Lob is a helpful but hairy giant who is known for helping with farm work. He is very strong and is sometimes called "Lob Lie-By-The-Fire" because he likes to rest by the fireplace after his work is done.
Famous Stories
- Beowulf is one of the oldest stories in the English language. It's an epic poem about a great hero named Beowulf. He travels to Denmark to fight a monster named Grendel. After defeating Grendel and its mother, Beowulf becomes a king and rules for 50 years before fighting his final battle against a fearsome dragon.
- The Brown Lady of Raynham is a famous ghost story from Norfolk. The ghost is said to be Lady Dorothy Walpole, who haunts Raynham Hall. She is called the "Brown Lady" because she appears in a brown dress.
- The Legend of the Mistletoe Bough is a sad ghost story told about many old houses in England. During a game of hide-and-seek at her wedding, a young bride hid in a large wooden chest. The lid slammed shut and locked, and no one could find her. Years later, her skeleton was found inside the chest.
Beliefs, Places, and Traditions
Folklore isn't just about stories. It also includes special places, old beliefs, and fun traditions that have been around for centuries.
Mysterious Places and Symbols
- Standing stones are huge stones placed upright by people thousands of years ago. No one is sure why they were built, but places like Stonehenge are surrounded by legends.
- Hill figures are giant pictures cut into the sides of hills, like the famous Uffington White Horse.
- The Green Man is a face made of leaves that is often carved into old churches and buildings. He represents nature, growth, and the spirit of the forest.
- Crop circles are large patterns that appear in fields of crops. While most are made by people as a form of art, some people once believed they had mysterious origins.
Fun Traditions and Practices
- On May Day (May 1st), people celebrate the arrival of spring. A tall pole called a maypole is decorated with ribbons, and people dance around it.
- Plough Monday was a tradition on the first Monday after Christmas. Farm workers would pull a plough from door to door, asking for money or gifts.
- A fun superstition for children was to say "Rabbit, rabbit!" as the very first thing on the first day of the month. This was believed to bring good luck for the whole month.
A Tour of English Folklore
Different parts of England have their own unique legends and creatures. Here are just a few examples.
- East Anglia: This area is home to the terrifying Black Shuck, a giant ghostly dog, and the strange tale of the Green children of Woolpit, two children with green skin who appeared in a village.
- London and the South East: In Windsor Forest, you might hear tales of Herne the Hunter, a ghostly huntsman with antlers on his head. London is said to be protected by the giant statues of Gog and Magog.
- The Midlands: This is the land of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest. It is also where the legend of Lady Godiva comes from, a noblewoman who famously rode through Coventry.
- Yorkshire and the North East: Beware the Lambton Worm, a giant worm or dragon that terrorized a village. This region is also home to the Redcap, a nasty goblin who lives in old castles.
- The North West: This area is famous for the story of the Pendle witches, a group of people who were accused of witchcraft in the 1600s. You might also hear stories of Jenny Greenteeth, a river hag who pulls children into the water.
- The South West: Cornwall and Devon are lands of magic. Here you'll find tales of Pixies (playful fairy-like creatures) and the story of Jack the Giant Killer.
See also
- Cornish mythology
- English mythology
- Once upon a time
- Scottish mythology
- Welsh mythology
Cycles of legend in the British Isles
- Matter of Britain
- Matter of England
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