North Cornwall Fairies and Legends

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

North Cornwall Fairies and Legends

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Enys Tregarthen's classic collection brings North Cornwall's ancient folklore to life, featuring tales of mischievous Piskeys, the tragic legend of Giant Tregeagle, and the haunting presence of King Arthur. With a whimsical yet eerie tone, this volume offers a charming glimpse into the beliefs of the Cornish peasantry, blending fairy rings, changeling myths, and coastal legends into a timeless narrative of magic and mystery.

Summary up to 500 words

Published originally in 1906, *North Cornwall Fairies and Legends* by Enys Tregarthen serves as a treasury of Cornish folk-lore, rooted in the ancient traditions of the region's coast, moors, and villages. The introduction establishes that these tales are either pure fairy stories or grounded in genuine local belief, recounting legends passed down from the eighteenth century. Central to the collection is the figure of the 'Piskey' or 'Small People,' diminutive beings who inhabit the landscape, dance in rings on cliffs, and interact with humans through keyholes and dreams. One story follows a Piskey who loses his laugh during a dance, prompting a quest to find it before the moon sets. Another narrative, 'The Little Cake-Bird,' depicts a poor grandmother asking the Piskeys to order a dream-cake for her granddaughter on Christmas Eve, illustrating the benevolent side of these spirits who clean cottages and bring joy. The collection also explores darker themes, such as the legend of Giant Tregeagle, a giant spirit who empties Dozmare Pool with a limpet-shell, and the terrifying 'Fairy Whirlwind' that swaps a human baby for a changeling. The text notes that 'night-riders' steal horses and that the legend of King Arthur persists in the form of a red-legged chough haunting Tintagel Castle. Tregarthen emphasizes that despite modern progress, the 'Small People' remain, and the legends endure in the 'land of haunting charm.' The book concludes with notes explaining local terms and clarifying myths, such as the mole's vanity and the origins of Jack-o'-the-lantern figures.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Folklore
• Mythology