Folklore, Myths and Legends

We are all fascinated by tales of the past – the misdeeds of villeins and the romances of the ages.

In these pages we take a look at the folklore, myths and legends associated with England’s fortified sites. But first, definitions of each…..

Folklore = A popular story passed on orally through time. There are many versions of the same tale. They include fairy tales  and fables.  The community share their stories which include traditional beliefs and customs of the local area.

Myths = A story based around a legend or a tradition which holds deep and symbolic meaning. There is no evidence for them except orally. They belong in the ancient past and include Gods, supernatural realms, and supernatural creatures. They explain natural events through metaphor.

Legends = Myths are semi-true stories which have an element of truth within them. They are specific to cultures and centre around notable persons, heroic deeds, overcoming obstacles, and there is always some element of evil within them.

Birdoswald Roman Fort – Legends.

Burning the Clavie, Burghead, Moray

Corfe Castle – The Agglestone; The Devil’s Anvil; The Devil’s Nightcap.

King Alfred and The Cakes, or Was it Loaves?

Pendragon Castle, Cumbria.

Rosslyn Castle.

Royston Cave, Hertfordshire

South Cadbury Castle

St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall – Cormoran the Giant