The Legends of Cornwall

Cornish Myths
& Legends

The beast of Bodmin Moor, the mermaid of Zennor, the sea beast Morgawr of Falmouth Bay, and the lost land of Lyonesse. Cornwall is full of myths and legends.

Cornwall is a land where the line between history and mythology is as thin as the coastal mist. From the desolate expanses of Bodmin Moor to the churning depths of Falmouth Bay, the Cornish landscape is steeped in ancient lore that reflects the region's Celtic roots and maritime heritage.

Cryptid 1970s – Present

The Beast of Bodmin Moor

Bodmin Moor is the setting for one of Britain's most persistent modern mysteries. Since the 1970s, over 60 sightings have been recorded of a large, panther-like big cat prowling the moorland. Witnesses describe a sleek, black feline with piercing yellow eyes, roughly three to five feet in length. Despite government investigations, no definitive proof has been found, yet livestock mutilations and unexplained tracks continue to fuel the legend of this phantom of the high moors.

Folklore Medieval Legend

The Mermaid of Zennor

In the coastal village of Zennor, a legend bridges the gap between the sacred and the sea. At St Senara's Church, a mysterious, beautiful woman would occasionally attend services, her voice outshining even the finest choristers. Matthew Trewhella, a handsome young man, was captivated and followed her to the sea; neither was ever seen again. To this day, the 600-year-old 'Mermaid Chair' remains in the church as a poignant reminder of the sea's irresistible pull.

Maritime 1876 – Present

Morgawr: The Sea Giant

Cornwall has its own answer to Nessie: Morgawr, the 'Sea Giant' of Falmouth Bay. This elusive sea serpent is said to inhabit the waters near the Helford River, with sightings dating back over a century. Descriptions typically involve a long-necked creature with multiple humps, often compared to a plesiosaur. Whether a relic of a prehistoric era or a misidentified marine animal, Morgawr remains a staple of Falmouth's maritime identity and mystery.

Lost Land Prehistoric Myth

The Lost Land of Lyonesse

Extending from Land's End toward the Isles of Scilly lies Lyonesse, Cornwall's own Atlantis. Legend tells of a fertile kingdom with 140 churches that vanished beneath the waves in a single night. Famously linked to the Arthurian saga of Tristan and Iseult, the myth is supported by geological evidence of submerged forests at the Seven Stones reef. On calm days, some claim they can still hear the ghostly bells of sunken churches ringing beneath the Atlantic swells.

Explore More

Discover Cornwall's Attractions