BRINGING CORNISH MAGIC TO MIDDLE GRADE FICTION. by Sharon Tregenza

 

It was a no brainer really. Being brought up surrounded by stories of mermaids, giants and mischievous piskies they were always going to seep into my work. Cornish folklore has a wonderful cast of magical beings so why wouldn't I use them in my stories.

The series I'm working on now consists of five or six books for middle grade each a collection of myths based on a particular legend but with a child-friendly take. There's some VERY bloody and gruesome stories mixed in with the legends so I had to pick and choose. 

The Cornish landscape is a gift too. The rugged cliffs, misty moors and ancient standing stones for starters and then there's all those secret sea caves and castles - perfect for a mystery story. I've added a contemporary touch to some and others I've left to do their own thing. 

There's humour and charm in many of the stories and I was able to make good use of that. And I'm using the Cornish language itself. Unusual place names and story-telling rhythms add authenticity and interest. 

It's a lot of fun revisiting many of these local myths and learning more. It's quite the undertaking and I'm only on the second book but enjoying it immensely. I hope the kids will too.

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IF YOU DON"T KNOW YOUR PISKIE FROM YOUR BUCCA. by Sharon Tregenza

Many years ago, fairies, piskies, and goblins of all sorts lived all over Cornwall. Everyone knew it and were in awe of them. The young people appealed to the fairy folk for everything. To be helped in their work, to get love draughts and to know their fortunes.

As a child, I searched for piskies basking on a moor stone or listened for the sound of a bucca's pickaxe down the wells and mines. I was sure I caught glimpses and heard knocks even if I never actually caught one of them.

But today, sadly, most of this is regarded as superstitious nonsense.

But for the enlightened, the search goes on. To help in your search next time you're in Cornwall here's a guide to the difference between a piskey and a bucca.

The Piskey (Cornish pixie)

A tiny mythical creature that inhabits the vast Cornish moorland. They look like little old men and dress in the colours of the earth - especially green. They live mostly in small hovels and if they live around your home, they can reward you with good luck. If you try to get rid of them though, they'll turn vindictive and make your life a misery. 

The Bucca (Cornish knocker)

About the same size as piskies. They live in rocks, mines or wells. They work all the time, digging and sifting throughout the year. They dress like miners and steal unattended food and tools. They say the knocking sound these creatures make, act as a warning of an impending cave-in. 

They alerted miners to danger so they could leave unsafe tunnels. The miners, in return, would leave part of their pasty for them.

So there you are. I hope this is helpful. Good luck with your fairy folk hunting. 😀

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