Traditions and Hearthside Stories of West Cornwall, Vol. 2

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Traditions and Hearthside Stories of West Cornwall, Vol. 2

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

William Bottrell's second volume of Cornish folklore presents a rich tapestry of supernatural legends, haunted locales, and ancient customs from West Cornwall. Featuring tales of witches, phantom ships, and Christmas plays, this collection captures the region's mystical atmosphere and enduring local traditions.

Summary up to 500 words

William Bottrell's *Traditions and Hearthside Stories of West Cornwall, Vol. 2* offers a rich tapestry of the region's supernatural folklore, blending eerie ghost stories with practical local customs. The volume opens with a reproduction of an old Christmas play featuring Duffy, a poor girl whose spinning and knitting are mysteriously aided by a devil. This narrative highlights the simple humor and superstitions of the past, where interactions with spirits were common and often treated with a mix of fear and familiarity. The book then transitions to haunting legends of phantom ships that traverse the coves of Parcurno, driven by the restless spirit of a sea-faring man named Martin and his mysterious black companion, José. These naval apparitions, once seen as omens of enemy descent, evolved into a specific legend involving Martin's tragic return and the subsequent storm that choked the cove with sand. Other chapters explore the tragic story of St. Levan and his sister, the rituals of Midsummer bonfires where dancing over flames was believed to ward off witchcraft, and the enchanting legend of a mermaid who visited Zennor Church. Bottrell weaves these narratives with local glossaries and anecdotes about miners, tanners, and smugglers, preserving the unique dialect and worldview of West Cornwall. The text balances eerie ghost stories with practical folklore, such as the dangers of 'chuck-cheeld' (fish bones) and the significance of ancient monuments. Through vivid descriptions of moors, cliffs, and churchyards, the book serves as both a historical record and a collection of timeless myths that explain the landscape and the people of the West Country.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/william-bottrell_traditions-and-hearthside-stories-of-west-cornwall-vol-2.epub

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Categories

• Folklore