New Manx folklore book uncovers hundreds of years of lost tales

The guide book covers more than 400 sites across the Isle of Man

A new book is hoping to bring hundreds of years of Manx folklore back to life, one of its authors has said.

A Guide to the Folklore Sites of the Isle of Man, published by Culture Vannin, visits more than 400 locations around the island.

The book takes people to a range of folklore sites, from The Pool of the Dead to the Grave of the Three Headed Giant and the Farm of the Trolls.

James Franklin said there were many tales people were no longer aware of.

He said the stories had previously been told for hundreds of years by people who had lived on the island for generations.

Mr Franklin said while many of the stories had originally been recorded in 1720s, there were others dating back hundreds of years earlier.

Authors Katie Newton (left), Sam Hudson and James Franklin (right) collaborated on the book

While about 10 stories were almost certainly fiction, the vast majority were based on real people's experiences and encounters, Mr Franklin said.

He said: "In going back to these same places where they experienced these happenings, we are putting meaning into the landscape."

As well as informing people about Manx folklore, he said the project aimed to transform people's relationship with the island by revealing the unknown stories based in well-known places.

The book also references some better known tales, including Gef the talking mongoose, who is referenced in various locations with stories linked to five different Manx sites, Mr Franklin said.

The book was aimed at those who were looking for an interesting or "weird" walk as well as those with a particular interest in folklore, he added.

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