The History of Cornish Tradition

Cornish folklore is a vibrant tapestry, ever-changing yet deeply rooted in the past. The History of Cornish Tradition: A Folkloric Journey examines the rich tradition of the West Country, providing a definitive historical analysis of how the region’s legends, language, and customs have transformed over the last four centuries. This essential volume traces the evolution of Cornwall’s most famous stories, including Ann Jefferies and her fairies, the shifting identity of pixies/piskies from local spirits to international good-luck charms, enduring legends of King Arthur, the mystique of the lost land of Lyonesse, the birth of a sea serpent, and the escapades of the monstrous bogeyman Tregeagle.

The new approach offered by this book is its blending of history and folklore through a close examination of how Cornish tradition has manifested and changed over time. It also explores the geographical spread of tales, looking outward from Cornwall to the wider Atlantic fringe— including Brittany, Wales, and Ireland—to gauge the progress of history. The History of Cornish Tradition is intended for both historians and folklorists while still being entirely accessible to the general reader.