A Study on Manx Folklore

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the revival, preservation and study of the culture and tradition of the lsle of Man, which are claimed to be of Celtic and, to a lesser extent, Viking origins. The island was a popular tourist destination for the British already in Victorian times and, still today, keeps a peculiar political relationship with Great Britain, that of a self-governing dependency.

The main objective of this dissertation is a thorough analysis of the origin and development of Manx folklore. The study will also include a brief introduction to the historical context of the island and its linguistic and political peculiarities.

The analysis will extensively focus on a diachronic approach to the folklore of the lsle of Man, highlighting and explaining the most significant elements related to traditions, superstitions, legends, tales, myths, ghost stories, proverbs, folk music and dances, traditional food and traditional feasts and festivals, which have played a significant role on Manx society and culture through time. The dissertation will be supported by a close reading and examination of the most important reliable bibliographical sources on the matter