The Sutton Companion to the Folklore, Myths and Customs of Britain

Britain's rich and varied folklore, legends and beliefs provide a unique insight into the island's turbulent history. Every invader, refugee or settler has helped contribute some new element or twist to the complex pattern of our national heritage, and new myths are still in the making. This volume provides a comprehensive companion to legends and customs in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. A general introduction is followed by fifteen sections (Customs and Pageantry, Standing Stones, Mythical Creatures, The Arthurian Cycle, Christian Folklore, The Devil and his Works, Fairy Lore, Witchcraft and Magic, Heroes and Villains, Historical Hauntings, Mysteries of the Past, Omens and Family Traditions, Superstitions and Charms, Royal Traditions, and Pub Lore of Old England), each of which also has its own short preface but is mainly presented as an A-Z guide, e.g. within Mythical Creatures find out about the Loch Ness Monster, St George and the Dragon, the Yeth or Wish Hounds etc; within Heroes and Villains are Arthur, Boudicca, Robert the Bruce, Robin Hood etc. References are included to relevant places to visit, and at the end of the book there is a fully up-to-date Folk Custom Calendar of events being held throughout the year, plus a substantial list of further reading.