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Cornish myths, legends and folklore

Cornwall’s history is full of tales of giants, pixies, fairies, and is even believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. Cornwall is steeped in folklore, legend and myths, many of which are kept alive today through ‘droll tellers’, seen at festivals and events, who act as storytellers for some of Cornwall’s most famous tales.

In this guide, we introduce you to a collection of famous Cornish myths and legends, helping you get to know the county and its mysterious but magical past. We will even let you know the locations you can experience these legends in person.

The Legend of King Arthur

King Arthur illustration

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One of the most famous Cornish myths and legends is the tale of King Arthur, who, according to the Arthurian legends, was born at Tintagel Castle on the rugged Cornish coast.

Tintagel, with its dramatic cliffs and ancient ruins, is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by this legendary king. Visitors can explore the castle ruins and Merlin’s Cave below, which is said to have been the home of the wizard who helped raise Arthur.

Nearby, the Lady of the Lake is also tied to this region, as she was the mystical figure who granted Arthur his famous sword, Excalibur, and is believed to have reclaimed it in the waters of Dozmary Pool on Bodmin Moor. This tale brings a mystical charm to Cornwall, blending history and magic on its dramatic shores.

READ ALSO: Unique and unusual attractions in Cornwall

The Knockers of Cornish Mines

Knockers of Cornish Mines illustration

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Another one of the region’s famous legends tells of the Knockers—mischievous, fairy-like creatures that haunt the historic tin mines of Cornwall. These Knockers were both feared and revered by miners, who believed the small creatures would knock on the walls of the mine to warn of impending danger.

However, they were also known for causing havoc, stealing tools, or leading miners astray. Visitors to Cornwall can explore the Geevor Tin Mine near Pendeen or the Wheal Coates Mine on the Cornish coast, where the legacy of mining and these strange beings still lingers. The legend of the Knockers adds an eerie charm to Cornwall’s mining heritage, blending its industrial past with mystical folklore.

Jack the Giant Killer

Jack the Giant Killer illustration

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Another one of Cornwall’s most thrilling legends is that of Jack the Giant Killer, a local hero who defeated the fearsome giant, Cormoran, at St Michael’s Mount. According to the story, Cormoran terrorised the local population, stealing cattle and causing destruction, until Jack bravely set a trap to defeat him.

St Michael’s Mount, a tidal island with a medieval castle, remains a place of wonder, where visitors can explore the castle grounds and imagine Jack’s battle with the giant. This myth ties into Cornwall’s landscape, as the towering island still stands proudly off the coast, inviting people to uncover its hidden past while exploring the stunning views of the surrounding area.

READ ALSO: Best islands off Cornwall’s coast you can visit

Piskies of Cornwall

Piskies of Cornwall illustration

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Cornwall is also home to the mischievous Piskies, tiny fairy-like creatures that inhabit the wild moors and coastal cliffs. According to Cornish folklore, Piskies love to lead travellers astray, especially at night, often referred to as being “pixie-led.”

These playful beings are part of Cornwall’s magical landscape, and you can explore their supposed haunts in places like Bodmin Moor or the ancient stone circles scattered across the county. Some say that if you leave offerings of food, the Piskies might guide you safely.

For those fascinated by Cornwall’s wild beauty and its mystical past, these tales of Piskies offer an enchanting reason to explore the region’s untamed corners, where history and myth intertwine.

The Lost Land of Lyonesse

The Lost Land of Lyonesse

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Off the coast of Cornwall, near the Isles of Scilly, lies the mystery of Lyonesse, a sunken kingdom said to have disappeared beneath the waves. According to legend, Lyonesse was a fertile land connected to Cornwall, home to knights and great castles, but one night, it was swallowed by the sea, leaving only the Isles of Scilly behind.

Some believe that on calm days, you can still hear the church bells of Lyonesse ringing from beneath the waves. This enduring myth has made the Isles of Scilly a place of mystery and intrigue, drawing visitors who hope to experience a part of this submerged, enchanted world. The legend of Lyonesse captures the spirit of the Cornish coast and provides a unique atmosphere for explorers.

READ ALSO: Top caves to visit in Cornwall

Beast of Bodmin Moor

Beast of Bodmin Moor Illustration

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Since 1983, there have been more than 60 sightings of the fearsome Beast of Bodmin. Believed to be between three and five feet long, the beast is considered a Puma-like creature roaming the moors.

In 1995, the government ordered an official investigation into the evidence of the creature. Though no evidence emerged to prove that it exists, they were very clear that nothing proved that there wasn’t.

A curator of Newquay Zoo called a video of the cat in 1998 the “best evidence yet”, which shows a black cat, over a metre long, walking across train tracks near to the moor.

Most experts believe it to be simply a large domestic cat; many others think it escaped from a local zoo or was released into the wild from a private collection following the Danger Wild Animals Act in the 1970s.

Boscastle’s ghostly bells

Boscastle's Ghostly Bells

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The tower of Forrabury Church, Boscastle, has no bells, but it is said that during a storm, you can hear the ringing of bells sweeping across the bay.

William, Lord of Bottreaux Castle, ordered three bells to fend off the plague in the 14th century. But they never made it ashore after the ship sunk following a storm. Lord William died of the plague soon after, and it is said that during a storm, you can hear the bells ringing when a storm sweeps across the bay.

Dozmary Pool

Dozmary Pool

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Dozmary Pool is located south of Bolventor on Bodmin Moor. Local folklore believes the pool to be bottomless and is the place of several local legends. For example, John Tregagle, an evil disciple of the devil, was doomed to bail out the endless waters of the pool with a leaking limpet shell for eternity.

Another Cornish myth features one of England’s most iconic Kings. King Arthur was severely injured and carried to the lake after defeat in his final battle at Camlam, and his sword, Excalibur, was cast into the pool by his loyal lieutenant Sir Bedivere. It is said that when it was thrown, an arm rose from the waters and grabbed the sword before pulling it down to the depths.

Helston, Satan, & St Michael

Helston and St Michael illustration

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According to legend, the Devil was flying across Cornwall with a boulder to block the entrance to hell when St Michael challenged it.

In the ensuing battle, the Devil dropped the rock, and the place where it fell became known as Hell’s Stone, which changed to Helston.

It is said that a large stone built into the Angel Hotel on Coinagehall Street is part of the bolder dropped by the Devil. To celebrate St Michael’s victory, the locals danced through the streets and originated the famous Furry dance, which still takes place today.

READ ALSO: 7 Best Seaside Towns to Visit in Cornwall

Lutey and the Mermaid

Lutey and the Mermaid

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Lutey and the Mermaid is another famous Cornish myth, about a fisherman from the village of Cadgwith, who is said to have encountered a beautiful mermaid. Joyce Froome, assistant curator at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, was kind enough to tell us her favourite piece of Cornish folklore, Lutey and the Mermaid.

“My favourite Cornish legend is the story of Lutey and the mermaid. Mermaids are important figures in Cornish folklore, and the ‘mermaid’s purses’ that can often be found on Cornish beaches were used as charms for protection and good luck – we have an example in our museum. Lutey was a young man who was walking along the shore one day when he found a stranded mermaid who offered to grant him three wishes if he carried her back to the sea.

“Lutey asked for magical powers – the power to undo curses, the power to invoke the help of familiar spirits to perform healing and protection magic, and for these powers to be inherited by his descendants. The mermaid granted the wishes, but when Lutey carried her into the sea, she began to sing, and he was so charmed by her voice that he almost allowed her to pull him under the water.

 “Fortunately, his dog began to bark, saving him from the enchantment. Nine years later, however, when he was out in his fishing boat, the mermaid appeared to him again, and this time, he leapt into the sea and swam away with her.”

Morgawr

The Morgawr illustration

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Morgawr – Cornish for sea giant – is the name given to the monster of Falmouth Bay. A modern legend, Morgawr was first sighted in 1876 when fishermen caught something strange in their net.

In 1926 and 1975, near Pendennis Port, offshore fishermen described seeing a hump-backed creature with horns and bristles down its back. In 1999, Morgawr was caught on video by John Holmes, who worked at London’s National History Museum.

The Mermaid of Zennor

The Mermaid of Zennor

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The Mermaid of Zennor is a legend that highlights Cornwall’s connection with the sea and is perhaps the most romantic of all Cornish legends.

The legend is about a local chorister who fell in love with a mermaid and decides to live beneath the waves, leaving the villagers to mourn his loss. The Zennor villagers carved a mermaid chair from wood, which can be seen in St Senara’s Church and is thought to be more than 600 years old.

Listen carefully when you visit Zennor on a summer’s evening as it is said you can hear the lovers singing.

Famous Cornish myths and legends

  • The Legend of King Arthur
  • The Knockers of Cornish Mines
  • Jack the Giant Killer
  • Piskies of Cornwall
  • The Lost Land of Lyonesse
  • Beast of Bodmin Moor
  • Boscastle’s ghostly bells
  • Dozmary Pool
  • Helston, Satan, & St Michael
  • Lutey and the Mermaid
  • Morgawr
  • The Mermaid of Zennor

As you can see, there are some fascinating Cornish myths and legends, many of which have tangible connects to present day Cornwall.

For those who have been watching Charlie Cooper’s Myth Country and fancy exploring UK myths, Cornwall is the perfect destination to start.

If you want to discover the locations linked with the county’s folklore, book your stay at our caravan holiday park in Cornwall.

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