After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal Episode Summary: England's Darkest Folklore Release Date: April 28, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling
Podcast by: History Hit
Introduction
In this episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve into the dark side of English folklore, exploring eerie legends and sinister tales that have shaped the cultural landscape of England. Skipping through personal anecdotes and historical narratives, the duo unravels the mysteries behind some of England’s most haunting folklore entities.
Exploring the Town of Leek
Maddy begins by painting a vivid picture of her hometown, Leek, a market town in Staffordshire with rich historical undertones and lingering myths.
"There's a pub haunted by a headless woman, quietened in death by a group of townsmen whose secrets she sold to the highest bidder."
— Maddy Pelling [03:52]
Leek, characterized by its 19th-century architecture and antique shops, serves as the perfect backdrop for discussing local legends, including hidden tunnels and historical residences linked to figures like William Morris and Bonnie Prince Charles Edward Stuart.
The Legend of Jenny Greenteeth
The conversation shifts to one of the most compelling figures in English folklore: Jenny Greenteeth. Described as a fearsome freshwater spirit, she is known to lurk in stagnant waters, dragging unsuspecting victims beneath the surface.
"She will drag you down and drown you. And she's used as a warning, particularly for children."
— Maddy Pelling [08:31]
Jenny Greenteeth is depicted as a grotesque mermaid-like creature with green teeth, serving as a cautionary tale against venturing into perilous waters. Maddy references Alan Lee’s illustration, likening her appearance to “Gollum in drag,” emphasizing her eerie and menacing presence.
"This is Gollum in drag, essentially."
— Anthony Delaney [09:37]
The discussion touches upon the origins of her name and the Victorian anxieties surrounding cleanliness and disease, suggesting that Jenny Greenteeth embodies societal fears of the time.
The Phenomenon of Black Dogs in English Folklore
Anthony introduces another dark entity from English lore: the Black Dog, specifically Guy Dartish. These spectral hounds are a recurring motif in British folklore, often serving as omens of doom or protectors, depending on the region.
"We have Guy Trash, a lion-like creature with long hair and a huge head."
— Maddy Pelling [18:08]
The hosts explore various iterations of the Black Dog myth, including:
-
Black Shuck: Originating from East Anglia, this giant black dog with burning red eyes has been historically documented as early as 1577. It is infamous for attacking churchgoers and leaving claw marks in churches.
"It's a really historic story... even recorded in 1577."
— Maddy Pelling [20:19] -
Barghest: Particularly prevalent in Yorkshire, the Barghest is depicted as a large, spectral hound that haunts the Yorkshire Dales and Moors, often seen by travelers as a portent of death or disaster.
"Barghest... town ghost."
— Maddy Pelling [27:34]
The conversation delves into the symbolic meanings of these creatures, their variations across regions, and their impact on local folklore and literature.
Influence of the Brontes
Anthony and Maddy discuss the significant influence of the Brontë siblings, particularly Branwell Brontë, on the perpetuation and evolution of the Black Dog folklore.
"Branwell's early childhood writings... we meet her in Jane Eyre."
— Anthony Delaney [28:46]
They highlight how Branwell's stories introduced entities like Guy Trash into literary works, seamlessly blending folklore with fiction. The episode references Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre", where the protagonist, Jane, encounters what she believes to be the Barghest, only to realize it is Mr. Rochester's benign dog, Pilot.
Personal Experiences and Anecdotes
Adding a personal touch, Maddy recounts a chilling experience in Haworth, the Brontës' hometown, where she and Anthony encountered a mysterious creature emerging from the mist.
"We saw this creature come out of the mist... it was like if a dog and a fox had combined."
— Maddy Pelling [30:27]
Anthony shares his childhood memories, illustrating how deeply folklore can embed itself into personal narratives and perceptions of the natural landscape.
Modern Resurgence of Folklore
The hosts transition to discussing the resurgence of interest in folklore across the British Isles, particularly in the post-COVID era. They feature insights from Ben Edge, a celebrated artist dedicated to documenting and celebrating folk traditions.
"People started to really fall in love all over again with where they live... it gives you a sense of national identity that you can be proud of."
— Ben Edge [34:58]
Ben explains how modern society’s return to local environments has rekindled appreciation for historical and cultural folklore, fostering a renewed sense of community and heritage.
Final Narratives: The Cornish Mermaid
Maddy concludes the episode with a retelling of a Cornish mermaid legend, diverging from the familiar, enchanting portrayals to present a more sinister and tragic narrative.
"In this story, mermaids are really scary. They are not the pretty, cutesy, flouncy Disney version. They are deadly."
— Maddy Pelling [42:25]
The tale of Selina, a young woman transformed into a mermaid, underscores the perilous relationship between humans and mythical sea creatures, reflecting the harsh realities of Cornwall’s treacherous coastline.
Conclusion
Anthony and Maddy wrap up the episode by emphasizing the enduring nature of folklore and its ability to adapt and resonate across generations. They encourage listeners to explore their local myths and appreciate the rich tapestry of stories that define England’s cultural heritage.
"There's something about telling stories that plug you into this feeling that you're part of a lineage of something much bigger than yourself."
— Ben Edge [34:58]
The episode concludes with thanks to the listeners, a nod to ongoing folklore explorations, and an invitation to engage with the podcast’s content.
Notable Quotes
- "She will drag you down and drown you. And she's used as a warning, particularly for children." — Maddy Pelling [08:31]
- "This is Gollum in drag, essentially." — Anthony Delaney [09:37]
- "Jenny Greenteeth... used as a warning, particularly for children." — Maddy Pelling [12:32]
- "Barghest... town ghost." — Maddy Pelling [27:34]
- "In this story, mermaids are really scary. They are not the pretty, cutesy, flouncy Disney version. They are deadly." — Maddy Pelling [42:25]
Key Takeaways
- Jenny Greenteeth and the Black Dog legends like Black Shuck and Barghest are integral to England’s dark folklore, serving as cultural warnings and embodying societal fears.
- The Brontë siblings, especially Branwell, played a pivotal role in immortalizing these myths within English literature.
- Personal experiences and local tales continue to keep folklore alive, adapting to contemporary contexts and fostering a renewed appreciation for cultural heritage.
- Modern interest in folklore reflects a deeper connection to local environments and a desire to preserve and celebrate unique historical narratives.
For more explorations into the eerie and enigmatic corners of history, subscribe to After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal on History Hit and immerse yourself in the shadows of the past.