Myths and Legends of England Trivia Quiz

Answer: Glastonbury

Since nobody can be sure Arthur himself existed, the evidence supporting the discovery of his birthplace is thin. Most sources suggest that this was an early money-making scam, with the monks of Glastonbury Abbey finding a useful way of raising funds. The site is still marked if you visit the Abbey, although the remains were moved to a new spot and then lost during the time of Henry VIII when the dissolution of the monasteries took place.

The other places listed are also well known Abbeys, although Tintern is in Wales.

The picture is of Glastonbury Tor.

Answer: Blue

Also known as Black Anny, or Agnes, this legendary woman is said to have lived in a cave just outside Leicester where she preyed on unwary children. Once captured, the victims were eaten and their skin used to make the skirts worn by Black Annis. It is possible that the legend is a much embroidered tale based on a real nun who lived as a hermit - and in whose presence children were probably safe.

The picture clue of bells is a hint towards the correct colour, with a link to bluebells.

Answer: Roman

Since St George lived during the third century, there is little in the way of hard facts about him but he is, traditionally, believed to have been a Roman soldier. He was martyred for his Christian beliefs during the time of Diocletian. St George is the personification of valour and his legend was most likely brought back to England at the time of the Crusades.

The photo is of part of Rome's Colosseum.

Answer: Somerset

Wookey Hole is not far from the probably better known Cheddar Caves, both located in the Mendip Hills in Somerset. The witch associated with Wookey Hole is said to have been abandoned by her lover causing her to curse anyone who had more success in love than she had. She took refuge in the caves at Wookey Hole after being chased there by the monk sent from Glastonbury to get rid of her. He managed to sprinkle her with holy water, turning her to stone. She remains in the cave and can still be seen, in the form of a stalagmite, with a bit of imagination.

The picture shows the sun, associated with summer even in England, occasionally.

Answer: Windsor Great Park

The story of Herne the Hunter is referenced by Shakespeare in 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' when Falstaff pretends to be the apparition. Herne appears particularly in stormy weather and at night, wearing horns. The oak tree with which he is associated was uprooted in 1863 and replaced by one donated by Queen Victoria.

Windsor Great Park is part of the grounds of Windsor Castle, where British monarchs spend much time, so a crown seems a suitable hint for this answer.

Answer: Woodland

Faerie dogs are found in Celtic myth as well as in English, although under different names. u get two chances to turn and run, as the dogs will bark twice. If you are foolish enough to wait for a third bark, it will be the last thing you hear since death will now follow.

The photo clue shows a wooden hut and not many trees.

Answer: Turnips

Surprisingly, Jack o' Kent is not a myth associated with Kent at all, but with Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches. He is adept at making deals with the devil, and managing to win the better side of the bargain. The story of the turnip crop arises as the devil chose the top half of the crop, expecting a harvest of wheat but receiving only the leaves of the turnips, while Jack retained the edible roots. Various geographical locations, such as Trelleck and the Skirrid, are associated with Jack o' Kent and so is the village of Kentchurch in Herefordshire, which is the likely source of the name.

The photo shows a fine crop of turnips, kept by Jack.

Answer: Loxley

There is probably a, very small, grain of truth in the legend. Robin of Loxley originated in North Yorkshire and ended up in Sherwood Forest living as an outlaw. The Merrie Men and Maid Marian are later embellishments. There are several places in England which bear the Robin Hood name, including a bay in Yorkshire.

The picture clue shows a series of padlocks to point you towards Loxley.

Answer: Scandinavia

In both English and Scandinavian myth, the grims guard Christian churches and are mostly depicted as black dogs. The roots may lie in animals being sacrificed as part of the ceremony when a new church was built. Their role is to prevent the devil gaining access, but seeing one is often regarded as an omen of death.

The photo clue shows the outline of Norway, with its flag superimposed to point you towards the correct answer.

Answer: Dog

The mythical barghest is found under various names, with Northern areas of England favouring the option I've used. Depictions show a large black dog with the face of an evil looking goblin with long fangs and claws. Seeing one is an omen of imminent death, while a glimpse of one means you might live for a few months before succumbing to the inevitable outcome. The instant option sounds preferable to me.

The pawprints are of a dog on an English beach. We don't see many lions.