If you're mystified by myth and legend, there's no better place to visit than Cornwall. Every town and village has its own fascinating folklore from Tintagel, the legendary birth place of King Arthur, to St. Michael's Mount's Jack the Giant Killer. Here's just a handful of the captivating stories behind some of Cornwall most popular holiday hotspots.
King Arthur and Tintagel Cornwall's best known legend is that of King Arthur, who is said to have been born at Tintagel Castle. Arthur is said to have defeated the Saxons at a dozen battles, with his last battle fought at Slaughterbridge, near Wadebridge.
Lost Land of Lyonesse The Lost Land of Lyonesse is said to have lied beyond Land's End. Legend has it that in the 11th century, the country was claimed by the sea following a massive storm. The Isles of Sicily are said to be Lyonesse's mountain peaks, all what remains of the country.
Mousehole Cat This legend tells the tale of a cat called Mowzer and her owner Tom. Severe winter storms had left the people of Mousehole starving as it was too dangerous for fisherman to go to sea. But courageous Mowzer and Tom risked their lives by braving the storms in search of fish. The pair came back heroes, bringing back one of the largest catches ever and saved the lives of the villagers.
The Mermaid of Zennor Surrounded by sea, the county has long between associated with mermaids. The best known tale is that of the mermaid of Zennor. The beautiful bench carvings of Zennor Church keep this myth alive. It's believed Matthew Trehella, a chorister from the village was lured to live with the captivating mermaid under the sea. It's said, if you listen closely, you can hear the pair's singing echoing from beneath the waves.
Jack the Giant Killer In the days of King Arthur, the Giant of St. Michael's Mount - called Comoran - was terrorising the people of West Cornwall. A reward was offered to anyone who could slay the terrible giant. Jack, a farmer's son, bravely took on the mission. Jack dug a massive pit near Morvah, which he disguised with sticks and straw. He then blew his horn to lure Comoran from the Mount. Comoran angrily rushed down the Mount and fell into the pit. Jack then killed the giant with his pick-axe , ending his reign of terror, and filled the pit with earth. Near Morvah Church there is a huge stone, said to mark the giant's grave and it's said voices can be heard from under it.
This was also a great place to ride horses in the past. Of course, without modern endurance saddle pads I guess it was not that easy, but still...
The Giant Bolster Comoran isn't the only giant famed in Cornish legend. Giants are said to have roamed the county, with Bolster being another of the best known terrorising titans. It's said Bolster could place one foot on Carn Brea (near Cambourne) and the other on the cliffs near St. Agnes, six miles away. The aggressive Bolster fell in love with the saintly St. Agnes and pursued her. Bored of his endless attention, St. Agnes told the giant to prove his love for her by filling up a hole in the cliffs at Chapel Porth with his blood. St. Agnes knew the hole was bottomless, leading to the sea below, and that the giant would bleed to death. Bolster accepted her challenge. He plunged a knife into his arm and waited for his blood to fill the hole. Bolster lost so much blood that he died, his terrorising had come to an end. The cliffs at Chapel Porth are still stained red today, said to show where Bolster's blood ran into the sea.
And don't forget to get scuba diving insurance!
