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Tiddy Mun: A Folklore Character from English Mythology

Tiddy Mun is a legendary bog spirit in England, believed to have the ability to control the waters and mists of The Fens of South Lincolnshire, The Carrs of North Lincolnshire, and fens of the Isle of Ely. The belief in Tiddy Mun was first documented in 1891 by M.C. Balfour in the Folklore Society journal Folk-Lore. According to the legend, Tiddy Mun was a small old man who guarded the fens and wetlands in Lincolnshire, England. He was said to be the king of the Tiddy People, who helped crops grow and punished those who drained the fens.

The story of Tiddy Mun is dedicated to two young listeners who support Storynory on Patreon. According to the story, Tiddy Mun lived in the water holes and caused the water to rise or fall with his lapwing screech. The Tiddy People were known to help farmers with their crops and protect the fens from being drained. However, those who tried to drain the fens were punished by Tiddy Mun, who caused disease, misfortune, and death. The curse of the Tiddy Mun was a result of the drainage work that removed the fens.

The story of Tiddy Mun has been passed down through generations, and it continues to fascinate people today. Despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of Tiddy Mun, the legend lives on, and many people still believe in his power to control the waters and mists of the fens.

Origins of Tiddy Mun

Folklore Beginnings

Tiddy Mun is a legendary bog spirit that is believed to have originated in England. According to folklore, Tiddy Mun was a mischievous spirit that had the ability to control the waters and mists of the Fens of South Lincolnshire, the Carrs of North Lincolnshire, and the fens of the Isle of Ely. The spirit was said to be small in stature, and would often appear as a grey figure through the thick grey mist.

The origins of Tiddy Mun’s name are not entirely clear, but it is thought to come from an old local dialect in which ‘tiddy’ means simply ‘small’. However, it has also been suggested that ‘tiddy’ actually derives from an Old English word ‘tydd’ meaning ‘tide’, for as we shall see they had a close association with the fens and the water levels.

Regional Influence

Tiddy Mun’s influence was felt throughout the regions where it was believed to reside. In the Carrs, Boggarts, will o’tha wykes, todlowries dancing on tussocks, and witches riding on black snags were all said to be under the control of Tiddy Mun. The spirit was also associated with the fens and the water levels, and it was believed that it had the power to control the tides and the water levels in the region.

Tiddy Mun’s influence can still be felt today in the region, with many local stories and legends still circulating about the spirit. The spirit has also been the subject of many songs and poems over the years, and its influence on the local culture and folklore cannot be underestimated.

The Legend of Tiddy Mun

The Bogs of Lincolnshire

Tiddy Mun was a legendary bog spirit in England, who was believed to have the ability to control the waters and mists of The Fens of South Lincolnshire, The Carrs of North Lincolnshire, and fens of the Isle of Ely. These areas are known for their vast marshlands, which are home to a variety of flora and fauna. The bogs of Lincolnshire were a source of livelihood for the people who lived there, but they were also a source of danger. The bogs were known to be treacherous, and many people lost their lives in the marshes.

The Rituals

The legend of Tiddy Mun is associated with a ritual that was performed by the people of Lincolnshire. The ritual was performed during times of heavy rain, when the water levels in the marshes rose and threatened to flood the surrounding areas. The people of Lincolnshire believed that Tiddy Mun had the power to control the waters and prevent flooding. They would perform a ritual in which they would call upon Tiddy Mun to help them.

Tiddy Mun’s Appearance

According to legend, Tiddy Mun was a small, mischievous creature who lived in the bogs of Lincolnshire. He was said to be a bog spirit who had the ability to control the waters and mists of the marshes. Tiddy Mun was often depicted as a small, hunchbacked figure with a mischievous grin on his face. He was said to be covered in mud and moss, and he was often seen carrying a small staff or wand.

In conclusion, the legend of Tiddy Mun is an important part of the folklore of Lincolnshire. The people of Lincolnshire believed that Tiddy Mun had the power to control the waters and prevent flooding, and they performed a ritual to call upon him during times of heavy rain. Tiddy Mun was a mischievous creature who lived in the bogs of Lincolnshire, and he was often depicted as a small, hunchbacked figure with a mischievous grin on his face.

Cultural Significance

Local Traditions

Tiddy Mun is a legendary bog spirit in England, who was believed to have the ability to control the waters and mists of The Fens of South Lincolnshire, The Carrs of North Lincolnshire, and fens of the Isle of Ely. The belief in Tiddy Mun has been documented in several local traditions. According to some, Tiddy Mun was the king of the Tiddy People, but more generally, he was acknowledged to be the guardian of the fens and wetlands, with mighty powers over their waters and wildlife.

One local tradition tells that Tiddy Mun would appear on Christmas Eve, and the locals would leave him offerings of food and drink to appease him. In return, Tiddy Mun would ensure that the waters would not flood their homes. Another tradition tells of a woman who would carry out a ritual to honor Tiddy Mun, though she would not confess to it within the hearing of her grandchildren, whose indifference and disbelief shocked her greatly.

Modern Interpretations

In modern times, Tiddy Mun has been referenced in popular culture, including in the book “Caliban and the Fen Demons of Lincolnshire: The Englishness of Shakespeare’s Tempest” by John H. Astington. Tiddy Mun has also been the inspiration for various artistic interpretations, including paintings and sculptures.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence of Tiddy Mun’s existence, the spirit remains an important part of local folklore and tradition. The belief in Tiddy Mun serves as a reminder of the importance of the fens and wetlands to the people of Lincolnshire, and the need to protect and preserve these natural resources for future generations.

Literature and Arts

Stories and Poems

Tiddy Mun, being a legendary bog spirit, has been a popular character in many stories and poems. In one such story, Tiddy Mun lived in the water holes, deep down in the still green water, and only came out in the evening when the mist rose. When King Charles I employed Dutch engineers to drain the bogs, Tiddy Mun became angry. This story portrays Tiddy Mun as a creature with supernatural powers that can control the waters and mists of The Fens of South Lincolnshire, The Carrs of North Lincolnshire, and fens of the Isle of Ely.

In another story, Tiddy Mun was described as the chief spirit of the Fens of England, who was no bigger than a child of three. This story paints Tiddy Mun as a slightly scary character that lived in the wilderness and needed to be appeased by various means. This crossover between classical literature, fairy tale, and folklore forms part of another strand of Tiddy Mun’s portrayal in stories and poems.

Visual Representations

Tiddy Mun has also been a popular subject of visual representations in various forms of art. One such example is a painting titled “Tiddy Mun” by the English artist, Arthur Rackham. In this painting, Tiddy Mun is depicted as a small, childlike creature with a mischievous grin on his face, standing in the midst of a boggy landscape.

Another example of visual representation is a sculpture of Tiddy Mun created by the artist, John Doubleday. This sculpture portrays Tiddy Mun as a small, impish creature with a pointed hat and a mischievous expression, holding a fish in one hand and a frog in the other.

Overall, Tiddy Mun has been a popular character in literature and arts, inspiring various works of fiction, poetry, painting, and sculpture.

Comparative Mythology

Similar Entities in Folklore

Tiddy Mun is a legendary bog spirit in English folklore, but similar entities can be found in other cultures around the world. In Scandinavian folklore, there are creatures known as “näck” or “nøkk” that live in bodies of water and play music on their instruments to lure people into the water. In Irish folklore, there are creatures known as “pookas” that are shape-shifters and can appear as horses, goats, or other animals.

Thematic Analysis

The theme of a small, mischievous creature that lives in the water is common in folklore around the world. Tiddy Mun is similar to the Scottish “kelpie” and the German “nix” in this regard. These creatures are often depicted as having the ability to control the water and can be dangerous to humans who venture too close to their domain.

Another common theme is the idea of a creature that can change its appearance. Tiddy Mun is similar to the Irish “pooka” and the Native American “skinwalker” in this regard. These creatures are often depicted as being able to take on the form of other animals or even humans.

Overall, Tiddy Mun is a unique and fascinating creature in English folklore, but it shares many similarities with other entities in folklore around the world.