Britain's Legendary Creatures & Cryptids | England

Summary

This video explores the rich folklore of England, featuring tales of mythical creatures and cautionary legends. It delves into stories like Jenny Greenteeth, a swamp hag; Jack the Giant Killer, a hero from Cornish folklore; Black Annis, a child-devouring hag; Black Shuck, a ghostly black dog; and the eerie 'Hairy Hands' of Dartmoor. These narratives serve both as entertainment and as moral lessons, often used to warn children of dangers or to encourage good behavior.

Takeaways

• 📚 Folklore and myths from the British Isles are not extensively taught in UK schools, with only a few Greek and Egyptian stories commonly known.
• 🌾 The video focuses on English legends, with mentions that Wales, Scotland, and Ireland also have rich folklore deserving of exploration.
• 👻 Tales of supernatural beings like swamp hags, demon dogs, and giant slayers are prevalent in English folklore, often serving as cautionary tales.
• 🌊 Jenny Greenteeth, a swamp hag, is a common figure in northern England's folklore, used to warn children about the dangers of water bodies.
• 🌳 Jack the Giant Killer is a legendary figure from Cornwall known for his cunning and bravery in defeating giants, eventually becoming a knight of the Round Table.
• 🐉 The story of Jack and the Beanstalk is a beloved fairy tale, separate from the legend of Jack the Giant Killer, involving a giant and a magic beanstalk.
• 👵 Black Annis, a blue-faced hag with iron claws, is a figure from the English Midlands, used to scare children into behaving and brushing their teeth.
• 🐶 The Black Shuck, a large black dog with fiery eyes, is a ghostly figure from East Anglia, sometimes associated with death omens and Norse mythology.
• 👹 The legend of the Hairy Hands from Devon involves a pair of ghostly hands that grab steering wheels, causing accidents, and serving as a cautionary tale for dangerous roads.
• 🎨 The script includes a sponsored segment about Masterworks, a platform for investing in contemporary art, highlighting the potential for higher returns than traditional investments.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The video script focuses on the stories and legends of England, including tales of mythical creatures and folklore, such as swamp hags, demon dogs, giant slayers, and ghostly hands.

Why are myths and folklore not commonly taught in UK schools according to the script?

According to the script, myths and folklore are not prioritized on the UK school curriculum, with only some simple Greek and Egyptian stories being taught. The vast range of British folklore is typically explored later through personal reading.

What is the significance of the character Jenny Greenteeth in English folklore?

Jenny Greenteeth is a river or swamp hag from English folklore, known for drowning both children and the elderly. She is used as a cautionary tale to keep children away from dangerous bodies of water and to encourage them to brush their teeth.

How does the legend of Jack the Giant Killer relate to the story of Jack and the Beanstalk?

While Jack and the Beanstalk is a well-known fairy tale, the legend of Jack the Giant Killer takes place during the reign of King Arthur and involves Jack outsmarting and killing giants. The script suggests that Jack the Giant Killer might be an inspiration for the character in Jack and the Beanstalk.

What is the story behind Black Annis, and how was she perceived by the local population?

Black Annis, also known as Black Agnes, is a cannibal hag from English folklore who lived in a cave and preyed on children. She was described as tall, blue-faced, and with iron claws. Parents used her as a threat to scare children into behaving.

What is the legend of the Black Shuck, and where is it most commonly found?

The Black Shuck is a large, shaggy black dog with a ghostly aura and fiery red eyes, often associated with death omens. It is most commonly found in stories from East Anglia, including Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex.

What is the story of the Hairy Hands from Devon, and why are they considered dangerous?

The Hairy Hands are a pair of ghostly hands that reportedly grab the steering wheels of vehicles on a stretch of road in Dartmoor, Devon, causing accidents. The legend suggests that these hands are responsible for numerous crashes and deaths.

How does the script suggest the stories of folklore serve a purpose beyond entertainment?

The script suggests that folklore stories often have a moral or cautionary purpose, such as teaching children to avoid dangerous situations or to behave properly.

What is the role of the sponsor Masterworks in the script, and how does it relate to the main content?

The sponsor Masterworks is mentioned at the beginning of the script as a platform for investing in contemporary art. It is unrelated to the main content about English folklore and serves as an advertisement rather than being connected to the legends discussed.

How does the script describe the cultural significance of these English legends?

The script describes the legends as having a significant cultural impact, influencing modern fiction and serving as cautionary tales or moral lessons within the communities where the stories are prevalent.