National Geographic Traveller (UK)
FOUR TO EXPLORE MANX MYTHOLOGY
The Isle of Man is a tapestry of folklore, woven with tales of mermaids, goblins, elves, and countless other spirits and sprites. Here’s where to spot the real-world origins behind the more outlandish tales
Calf Sound
The Manx equivalent of mermaids is Ben Varrey, a half-fish, half-woman creature said to lounge on rocks, casting flirtatious glances at passing fishermen. Like the mermaid myth (which has often been attributed to sightings of mammals such as manatees and dugongs), the Ben Varrey may have its origins in the island’s seal population. You can spot the seals sunbathing on the islet of Kitterland, or take a boat trip into the Calf Sound with Manx Sea Life Safari. manxsealifesafari.com
The Fairy Bridges
Tales of fairies on the Isle of Man — known locally as ‘Little People’ or ‘Themselves’ — go back centuries. They have much in common with the fairies of other Celtic mythologies, being small, clad in green jackets and red caps, and alternately benevolent and mischievous. In addition to the famous Fairy Bridge on the main road from Douglas to Port Erin, there’s another bridge, on a footpath between Oakhill and Kewaigue. You’ll often find trinkets left for the fairies by local children.
St Trinian’s Church
The local variation on the boggart — a malevolent, shapeshifting spirit who likes to wreak havoc — is known as the Buggane, said to have lived on Greeba Mountain in the centre of the island. A distinctly unholy creature, it objected fiercely to the construction of nearby St Trinian’s Church, and repeatedly tore off the roof. You can visit the church, still roofless, just off the road between Douglas and Peel.
Peel Castle
Tales of vast, ghostly black dogs with eyes that glow like hot coals are a common fixture in British folklore, and the Manx incarnation, the Moddey Dhoo, is said to stalk the grounds of Peel Castle, an atmospheric fortification built by the Vikings in the 11th century.
The ruins are worth a visit, with an informative audio guide recounting the castle’s story, from the Moddey Dhoo to archaeological finds such as the Pagan Lady, buried here with ornate jewellery.