7 Somerset Folklore Tales
7 Somerset Folklore Tales - Once known as the "Summerlands", The county of Somerset is rich in folklore. Better known for its cider and local legends "The Wurzels", Somerset has many hidden tales handed down through the centuries. In this article, you can read about myths and legends such as the witch of Wookey Hole and the tale of the Dunster dragon! Comment below the legends from your area...
The Green Man Of Glastonbury
Image Credit: Normal For Glastonbury
One of the most famous figures in Somerset folklore is the Green Man, often associated with Glastonbury. This pagan figure is typically portrayed as a man’s face made of or surrounded by foliage. He represents the spirit of nature, rebirth, and the changing of the seasons. During Beltane in Glastonbury, the streets are filled wonderful humans and the atmosphere is so magickal. Dressed in magnificent handmade clothing, people dance and sing celebrating the halfway point between the spring equinox (Ostara) and the summer solstice (Litha). .
The Witch Of Wookey Hole
Wookey Hole, a famous cave system in Somerset, is home to the legend of the Wookey Hole Witch. According to the tale, a local woman named “Hilda” or sometimes “The Witch of Wookey” lived in the caves and cast a spell over the village. The witch’s power was said to have been so great that the villagers sought the help of a monk, who managed to turn her to stone using holy water. A stone figure, thought to resemble the witch, is still said to be in Wookey Hole.
The Glastonbury Thorn
The Glastonbury Thorn is a sacred tree that grows in Glastonbury, believed to be a descendant of the tree that grew from the staff of Joseph of Arimathea, who, according to legend, brought Christianity to Britain. Every Christmas Day, the tree is said to bloom, which is considered a miraculous occurrence. The Glastonbury Thorn is linked to both Christian and pagan traditions, making it a powerful symbol of Somerset’s spiritual and mystical heritage.
The Tale Of The Dunster Dragon
The small village of Dunster near Minehead, is said to have a dragon legend. According to the story, a fearsome dragon once lived on the hills around the village. It was said to terrorize the villagers until a brave knight confronted the beast and killed it, saving the people. Some variations of the legend suggest that the dragon was linked to the ancient yew trees of the area, which are often considered magical in themselves.
The Beast Of Exmoor
The Beast of Exmoor is a more modern legend, but it has become deeply rooted in Somerset’s folklore. It involves sightings of a large, mysterious black cat or big cat-like creature that roams the moors. While some believe it to be an escaped exotic pet or a lingering supernatural presence, others suggest it could be a phantom beast linked to ancient folklore. Many large cats have been spotted around the UK, and some believe this is since it became illegal to own big cats back in 1976. Instead of handing over their precious pets, it's believed those who owned them simply set them free.
King Arthur And Glastonbury Abbey
King Arthur and the connection to the Somerset town of Glastonbury is a well known legend, so we couldn't leave it out. It is said that Arthur’s tomb was discovered in Glastonbury Abbey in the 12th century. Many Somerset folk tales intertwine with Arthurian legend, including the story of the Holy Grail, which some believe was brought to Glastonbury by Joseph of Arimathea. If you visit the stunning Glastonbury Abby, you can see for yourself the grave marker for King Arthur and his wife Queen Guinevere.
The Bride's Mound
Depending on who you ask, there are many tales for The Bride's mound. The most popular is that Bride's Mound takes it's name from Brigid or Brighde the Celtic triple goddess. Bride's Mound was first excavated in the 1960's where 35 skeletons were removed. The skeletons have been dated back to the 5th century a time when the population was primarily Celtic. People nowadays visit this sacred place and leave offerings for the deity Brigid.
Another tale is that Bride's Mound was thought to be the burial site of the legendary "Queen of the Fairies". According to the legend, the mound is a gateway to the faerie world, and it is said that on certain nights, the fairies would gather on the mound to celebrate and dance under the moon. (Sounds fun!)