Day 1 – BOGGART
A boggart is a creature from English folklore, particularly associated with the north of England and Scotland. The mythology surrounding boggarts is rooted in a combination of ancient beliefs, particularly those involving mischievous spirits or bog-dwelling creatures. While their specific characteristics can vary, boggarts share several common traits.
Boggarts are typically seen as pranksters, causing trouble or mischief. They might play tricks on people, such as hiding belongings, making loud noises, or moving objects around.
In some stories, they are portrayed as more malevolent and capable of causing harm or frightening people, particularly when angered.
Boggarts are believed to dwell in isolated, wild, or marshy areas, such as bogs, forests, or near streams. These places were considered mysterious or dangerous, adding to the boggart’s aura of fear and unpredictability.
In some traditions, boggarts are said to live in people’s homes, particularly in remote or rural areas, where they would be a nuisance, hiding tools or causing minor accidents.
Day 2 – Spring Heeled Jack
Spring-Heeled Jack is a legendary figure from Victorian England, often described as a mysterious, supernatural being with terrifying abilities. The mythology surrounding Spring-Heeled Jack evolved through sensational newspaper reports, folk tales, and popular imagination, creating a figure that was equal parts monster, trickster, and urban legend. His story remains one of the most enduring in British folklore.
Spring-Heeled Jack is often depicted as a tall, thin man wearing a dark cloak or a helmet with glowing eyes. His face is sometimes described as having a demonic or monstrous appearance, with features that are both terrifying and impossible to fully describe.
In some versions of the myth, he has an uncanny ability to leap incredible distances—hence the name "Spring-Heeled." He was said to have springs or mechanical contraptions in his boots, allowing him to jump over walls, rooftops, and even entire buildings with ease.
In addition to his acrobatic feats, Spring-Heeled Jack was also described as having the ability to breathe blue or green fire, which he would use to scare or harm his victims.
Day 3 – Black Anise
Black Anise (also known as Black Annie) is a figure from English folklore, particularly associated with the Midlands and East Anglia. She is a fearsome, supernatural creature, often described as a witch or ogress with dark, terrifying qualities. The mythology surrounding Black Anise is linked to stories of fear, punishment, and the supernatural, and she has been depicted in various ways, from a child-eating monster to a more ambiguous, mysterious figure.
Black Anise is often depicted as a monstrous, terrifying figure with glowing eyes, dark skin, and an unsettling appearance. Some descriptions say she has a hideously distorted face or a witch-like visage, making her a creature of fear and dread.
In many versions of the myth, she is shown as a tall, thin woman, sometimes described as having long, scraggly hair or wearing a cloak. She may have claws or sharp, pointed features, and her skin is often portrayed as unnaturally dark, further enhancing her menacing nature.
One of the most enduring aspects of Black Anise’s legend is her association with children. She is often depicted as a child-eating monster, who preys on naughty or disobedient children. In some stories, she is said to snatch children from their homes or even from the safety of their beds to devour them.
Day 4 – Blue Caps
Blue Caps are mischievous and supernatural creatures from British folklore, particularly tied to the mining regions of Northern England, including the Northumberland and Durham areas. The mythology surrounding Blue Caps is rooted in miners' superstitions, and they were believed to inhabit the underground world of the mines.
Blue Caps are typically described as small, gnome-like creatures. They are often depicted as being about the size of a human child, with a distinct blue hue to their skin or clothing, which gives them their name. The "blue" may refer to their blue-coloured hats or the appearance of their bodies, and in some accounts, the creatures are described as having blueish beards and bright blue eyes.
Despite their small size, Blue Caps are often depicted as having an air of mischief, being both playful and sometimes dangerous. Their appearance in folklore is often accompanied by their bright, glowing eyes, enhancing their supernatural nature.
Day 5 – Grindelo
The Grindelo (sometimes referred to as Grindylow or Grindylows) is a creature from British folklore, particularly associated with the northern regions of England, including parts of Lancashire and the surrounding areas.
The Grindelo is commonly depicted as a water demon or ogre-like creature. It is often described as having an aquatic, humanoid form, with features that make it both terrifying and somewhat fish-like. Some accounts describe it as having a greenish or slimy appearance, possibly with long limbs, sharp claws, and sometimes even tentacle-like appendages.
In some versions of the myth, the Grindelo is portrayed with long hair or sharp teeth and is said to have glowing eyes that make it especially frightening. It is often depicted as grotesque and nightmarish, a creature that embodies the fear of the unknown and the dangers of water.
The Grindelo also functions as a figure of fear associated with the natural world’s darker, more unpredictable forces. Water, which is necessary for life but can also be dangerous and consuming, is often linked to creatures like the Grindelo that represent the dark, uncontrollable aspects of nature.
Day 6 – Beowulf
The mythology of Beowulf is rooted in ancient Germanic and Anglo-Saxon traditions and is most famously preserved in the epic poem Beowulf, which is one of the most important works of Old English literature. This epic, thought to have been composed between the 8th and 11th centuries, tells the story of the hero Beowulf and his battles against various monstrous creatures. While Beowulf is a work of fiction, it draws heavily on folklore, mythological themes, and historical events that were common in early medieval Europe.
The core of Beowulf follows the hero’s journey archetype, where Beowulf, a warrior from Geatland (modern-day Sweden), goes on a quest to prove his strength, honour, and bravery. The poem details his three major battles: against the monster Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and a fire-breathing dragon in his later years. Through these challenges, Beowulf grows from a young, heroic figure into an older king who sacrifices his life for the good of his people.
The mythology of Beowulf reflects the values of the Anglo-Saxon and early medieval Germanic cultures, particularly those of warrior societies. The poem emphasizes the importance of honour, loyalty, and bravery, qualities essential for leaders and warriors.
Beowulf also highlights the transient nature of fame and glory.
Day 7 – Green Skin
The Green Skin is a term that can refer to various mythical, folklore, or legendary beings characterized by their distinct green-hued skin. The mythology surrounding "Green Skin" is not tied to a single figure but rather to a variety of different traditions and creatures. Green skin in folklore often symbolizes otherworldliness, nature, and supernatural attributes. Here are some of the primary associations and mythological figures linked to "Green Skin".
The Green Man is perhaps the most famous mythical figure associated with green skin. Found in European folklore and commonly depicted in carvings and artwork in churches and buildings, the Green Man represents the spirit of nature and the natural world. Often portrayed as a face surrounded by or made of leaves, vines, and plants, the Green Man is a symbol of rebirth, fertility, and the cycle of life.
The Green Skinned Fairies - In some folklore, particularly in Celtic and British traditions, there are references to fairies or otherworldly beings with green skin. These creatures are often associated with the fae or fair folk, a supernatural race that is deeply connected to nature.
Day 8 – Boggle
The Boggle (sometimes spelled Bogey or Boggart) is a creature from British folklore, particularly associated with the supernatural world and household or farmyard spirits. The Boggle is often depicted as a mischievous, sometimes malevolent creature that lurks in the shadows, causing trouble or frightening people, especially at night.
The mythology of the Boggle has its roots in older Celtic and Anglo-Saxon traditions and was widely known throughout England. While the precise nature of a Boggle can vary depending on the region, the general characteristics and themes of Boggle folklore remain similar.
The Boggle is best known for being a mischievous trickster. It is said to cause small disruptions and play tricks on people, such as hiding objects, making noises, or moving things around the house when no one is looking. These activities can be bothersome, but they are usually not dangerous in nature.
In some versions of the myth, the Boggle may be more malicious, frightening people or causing fear by making unsettling noises, like tapping on windows or making scratching sounds in the walls. It might also create unexplained disturbances, like the smell of something burning or doors mysteriously opening and closing.
Day 9 – Vampire
The mythology of the English vampire is a blend of older European folklore, local traditions, and literary influences that shaped the image of the vampire in English culture. While vampires have roots in various mythologies and traditions across Europe, English vampire mythology became especially popular and distinct through the works of literature in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, contributing to the modern portrayal of vampires in literature and film.
Early English superstitions about death, burial practices, and disease (such as plagues or cholera) helped propagate the belief in vampiric figures. For example, corpse revivification could be explained by natural phenomena like bloating, causing a corpse to appear as if it was moving or “alive.”
Vampires were also linked to disease—particularly the fear of contagion and the spread of illness. During the Victorian era, diseases like tuberculosis (often associated with wasting away and paleness) were sometimes seen as vampiric, as individuals suffering from such diseases were believed to exhibit symptoms that mirrored the traditional vampire’s pallor and drained vitality.
The fear of decay and the afterlife also played into vampire lore. Vampires, as creatures of the undead, symbolize the idea of life after death, but one that is perverse and unnatural. This fear of decay is most powerfully expressed in the un-dead nature of the vampire—they are dead but not truly at rest, continuing to consume and feed on the living.
Day 10 – Black Shuck
Black Shuck is a legendary creature from English folklore, particularly from the regions of East Anglia, including Norfolk and Suffolk. Known as a ghostly black dog, Black Shuck is often portrayed as a terrifying, spectral figure with glowing red or yellow eyes. Its mythology has been a part of English cultural history for centuries, and it is one of the most famous of the black dog legends, which are found in various parts of Britain.
Black Shuck is most commonly described as an enormous black dog with glowing red or yellow eyes that appear unusually large, giving it an otherworldly and menacing appearance. In some accounts, it is said to be all black, with a body that is almost as large as a horse.
The creature’s size and the description of its glowing eyes are significant, emphasizing the supernatural and eerie nature of the dog, making it more than just a regular animal. The sheer size and unsettling features contribute to its terror and mythic status.
The name “Shuck” is believed to be derived from the Old English word “scucca”, meaning “demon” or “fiend”, which indicates its connection to the supernatural and possibly the demonic realm. Over time, it became synonymous with a large, ghostly dog.
Day 11 – Hairy Hands
The mythology of the Hairy Hands is a strange and eerie legend that originates from Devon, a county in the southwest of England, particularly associated with the B3212 road that runs through the Dartmoor region. This supernatural phenomenon involves mysterious, disembodied hands—described as hairy—that are said to grab the steering wheel of vehicles and cause accidents. The legend has captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike, leading to a fascinating and chilling tale of a malevolent force in the landscape.
The hands are commonly described as hairy, large, and grotesque. They are said to appear out of nowhere, often without warning, and are so powerful that they can forcefully grip the steering wheel or handlebars, taking control from the person driving or riding.
The hair on the hands is often described as long, black, and dishevelled, contributing to the uncanny nature of the phenomenon. The hands are not attached to any visible body, which adds to the horror of the encounter.
Day 12 – Will-o-the-Wisp
The Will-o’-the-Wisp (also known as Ignis Fatuus, fool’s fire, or spirit lights) is a creature from folklore found across various cultures, particularly in European traditions. The mythology surrounding the Will-o’-the-Wisp is steeped in mystery and fear, often portraying it as a supernatural phenomenon that misleads travelers into danger. It is usually depicted as a flickering light or flame seen in marshy, boggy areas at night, leading people astray. The origins and interpretations of the Will-o’-the-Wisp vary depending on the culture, but it generally represents a deceptive or trickster spirit that guides or lures people toward peril.
The primary characteristic of a Will-o’-the-Wisp is its erratic movement. It often appears to hover or drift above the ground, moving in and out of view. Travelers, particularly those in unfamiliar or dark places, may mistake it for a safe light source or a guiding flame, causing them to follow it.
As people follow the light, the Will-o’-the-Wisp typically leads them further into dangerous areas, such as marshes, bogs, or cliffs, where they may become lost, trapped, or even perish.
Day 13 – Merry Maidens
The Merry Maidens are a fascinating and enigmatic figure from British folklore, particularly tied to the Cornwall region in the southwest of England. The mythology of the Merry Maidens revolves around a stone circle, known as the Merry Maidens Stone Circle, which stands as the focal point of the legend. The mythology surrounding this site is a blend of local superstition, pagan traditions, and Christian reinterpretation.
The Curse of the Maidens: The most popular legend surrounding the Merry Maidens stone circle involves a group of young women who were turned into stone for dancing on the Sabbath. According to the myth, the maidens were engaged in a forbidden pagan dance on a Sunday, a day considered sacred and holy by the Christian faith. As punishment for their disrespect of the Sabbath, they were turned to stone, forever trapped in their circular dance.
In some versions of the myth, the maidens were said to have been caught in the act of dancing by a holy man or priest who condemned them for their sacrilege. As a result, they were petrified as a punishment. The stones were believed to be the remains of the maidens, frozen in time and place, a permanent reminder of their transgression.
