Category: Animals

Timeline Of Notable Big Cat Sightings – UK

The UK has a history of big cat sightings, including the “Beast of Bodmin” in the late 1700s, the “Essex Lion” in 1905, and the “Fen Tiger” in the 1980s. These reports have sparked speculation about the presence of exotic felines in the British countryside, with sightings continuing into the 2020s.

The Tale of the Hartlepool Monkey.

The tale of the Hartlepool Monkey is a bizarre legend from the Napoleonic Wars. It tells how the people of Hartlepool supposedly captured, tried, and hanged a monkey, believing it to be a French spy. Whether fact or folklore, the story has become a source of local pride, inspiring everything from football mascots to a mayoral election victory.

Did Harry Meet Sally?

My Grandad Harry was a great storyteller. Yet amongst the lions, crocodiles and other improbable adventures was a story that always intrigued me. Harry swore that, when he was a boy, there was a woman in Attercliffe who owned a cat with wings…

The Speed Wolf

From medieval wolf hunters to modern roadside encounters, the strange story of the creature said to haunt the roads around Buxton.

The Man Who Hunted Monsters

William Boyd Dawkins, a 19th-century Welsh scientist, transformed our understanding of prehistoric Britain by excavating caves and uncovering Ice Age creatures’ remains. A pioneering geologist and paleontologist, he contributed significantly to archaeology and challenged conventional beliefs. His legacy endures in the landscapes he explored, holding stories of lost worlds awaiting rediscovery.

Goats, Ghosts, and UFOs: High Strangeness in Llandudno

Llandudno, a picturesque seaside town in North Wales, is known for its Victorian architecture and inexplicable phenomena. From goat invasions to UFO sightings and ghostly apparitions, its blend of natural beauty and mysterious events captivates residents and visitors. The town’s historical richness and scenic location make it a fertile ground for legends and unexplained phenomena.

Sacred Paws and Second Chances

Cats have held a profound influence on human culture throughout history, symbolizing mystery, magic, and independence. Revered as divine protectors and associated with both good and evil forces, they have inspired rich mythology and superstitions worldwide. From ancient Egypt to medieval Europe and Japanese folklore, cats continue to captivate and mystify.

Tsuchinoko

In Japan, the tsuchinoko is a snake potentially three cocktails deep, slithering through folklore while dodging actual proof of existence.

The Mad March Hare.

Throughout history, the hare’s symbolism and folklore have intrigued cultures worldwide. From fertility and luck to its association with the moon and witches, the hare’s mystical qualities are deeply ingrained. The enigmatic “Mad March Hare” behavior further adds to its allure and popular culture influence. Efforts to protect hare populations and preserve their cultural significance are underway.

Jimi Hendrix and the Parakeets of London

A city, a guitar god, and a rumour that learned to fly…

Jólakötturinn – The Yule Cat

The modern Yule Cat is less likely to be feared and more likely to be appreciated as a quirky and fun part of Christmas festivities in Iceland. It’s a fascinating evolution of myth, from a creature that once embodied the dangers of laziness to one that now adds to the mystique and charm of Icelandic holiday traditions..

Old Wives’ Tales – Nature’s Winter Weather Signals

Ah, winter in England – where rain’s got commitment issues and snow’s more elusive than a good Wi-Fi connection. As grandpas sniff for snow omens and cows lounge like royalty, we cling to old superstitions, hopeful. Will this be the year when snow finally shows up and not just a coy tease? Stay tuned!

Giorria Sí – The Otherworldly Hare

There’s an old belief whispered across Ireland and carried over into pockets of the British Isles, that hares are never quite what they seem. Elegant, […]

Old Fashioned Frost Rituals

Winter’s icy grip once turned us into ritual conjurers, from whistling at frost to dancing barefoot on chilly grass. Now, we just mutter at our car windows, hoping for less slipping and more gripping. Good luck staying upright!

Frosty Mornings

The frost arrived this morning like a polite guest: quiet, early, and with the kind of shimmering dignity rain could never muster. The barn roof […]

The Church Grim – Derbyshire’s Mysterious Guardian

If you’re into cosy vibes and spooky tales, Derbyshire’s got some creepy history! The Church Grim is a black dog spirit guarding graveyards, ensuring the dead stay safe from darker forces. Folks claim it shows up before a death, but it’s more of a watchful protector than a pure fright. Just be cool and let it do its thing!

The Haunting of Hemlock Cottage – A Tale of Ghostly Cats

A true tale from the MT Roadtrip archives…

The Weird and Wonderful World of 2nd May

Whether you’re into saints and sinners, UFOs or cryptids, ancient rituals or religious reverence, 2nd May has something eerie up its sleeve for everyone.

Cerealia – The Roman Spring Festival of Ceres

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The Not-So-Nice Tale of The Nuckelavee

Orkney’s folklore is rich with spirits, creatures, and restless ghosts. The land itself is ancient, its history written in stone circles, Pictish carvings, and Viking sagas. The sea is both giver and taker, providing fish and trade but also claiming lives with a hunger as deep as the abyss. It is from this sea that the Nuckelavee comes, though it is no ordinary water spirit. It is something far worse.

The Legend of the Headless Hound of Toothill Hall

The Headless Hound of Toothill Hall is more than just a ghost story; it is a testament to the power of legend and the timeless human fascination with the unknown.

The Bizarre Tale of the Basel Rooster Trial

Today, Basel is known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and role as a centre of art and academia. But more than five centuries ago, it was the site of one of the strangest trials in history – one in which a rooster was sentenced to death, not for any crime of violence or mischief, but simply for laying an egg.

The Kaikoura Moa Hunters’ Curse

The fire sputtered and flared as if unseen hands were playing with its embers. Then came the noises – low, guttural calls echoing through the valley..

Swan Maidens.

Swan maidens are mythological figures found in various folk traditions, particularly in Northern European, Slavic, and Asian cultures. They are often portrayed as supernatural women […]

The Octopus: A Multi-Cultural Symbol of Wisdom, Trickery, and Resilience

The octopus has captivated human imagination for centuries, weaving its way into mythology, superstition, and folklore across the globe. This mysterious creature, with its otherworldly […]