Book aims to make Manx folklore 'more accessible'

An illustrated guide to Manx Folklore characters has been launched

A book of illustrations explaining the Isle of Man's mythological characters aims to make Manx Folklore "more modern and accessible", an author has said.

Titled An Illustrated Guide to the Folklore of the Isle of Man, the book was created by writer Caitlyn Fairbairn along with illustrator Juan Gonzalez.

The work, which was launched on Wednesday evening, features characters such as Manx gods, saints, fairies, witches, wizards, mythological creatures and Viking kings.

Ms Fairbairn said she hoped the book would "keep the characters themselves alive, and promote more interest in their stories".

The book features 49 illustrations of Manx mythological characters

Two hundred copies of the book have been published, funded by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

Ms Fairbairn said she and Mr Gonzalez had noticed that there was currently not a book that talks about Manx mythological characters.

The first character was an Arkan Sonney, a lucky pig in Manx folklore, with the book describing their appearance, behaviour, and the supposed good fortune they brought for those who caught one.

While there were many folklore books, "a lot of them were very dated", having been written in the 16th and 17th century, and were also "hard to find", she said.

Making the information more accessible would enable people to "learn about our culture", she said.

Mr Gonzalez said he used Ms Fairbairn's research, but also drew inspiration from other folklore books, as well as video games.