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The god had magical powers and could cloak the island in mist when danger threatened. Rising from the waves he chose South Barrule as his abode and gave the island its name whether it be Mannin, Mann or Isle of Man.
It is also from those legendary times that the belief in fairies stems, a belief in fairies stem, a belief that existed until modern times side by side with Christian fervour. More correctly they are called The Little People or Themselves.
Small in stature they delighted in music and it is still believed that flattened grass indicated where they danced. They were generally of a kind disposition though care was taken to keep on good terms with them, food and drink being left at night for them while a piece of turf was added to the cottage fire. There were members of the fraternity causing crops to fall and animal to die.
Perhaps the worst were the Bugganes whose ugly and misshapen forms haunted the wilder spots. Such a being lived on the top of Greeba and it hated the building of a church in his territory. As soon as the roof had been completed he roared down and ripped the roof off, repeating this at every attempt to complete the building. The roofless church of St. Trinian can still be seen as you pass along the road to Peel.
Manx folklore is rich in such tales and the part they played in the Island’s past is not forgotten. Respect is paid to them by all when passing the Fairy Bridge on the road between Douglas and Casteltown. Visitors are well advised to do the same less some misfortune result. Just a friendly word of greeting is sufficient to ensure a safe and pleasant visit to this island of ancient custom and traditions.
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2006
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