The Woodwose is a central figure in UK folklore. LES HEWITT examines its enduring legacy in modern culture
The British Isles, with their ancient forests and rich folklore, have long been home to tales of mysterious creatures lurking in the shadows.
Among these is the Woodwose, also known as the Wild Man or Wodewose, a legendary figure that has captivated imaginations for centuries.
The Woodwose, a hairy, wild figure dwelling in the wilderness, has roots stretching back to ancient times.
While the name emerged during the Middle Ages, the concept echoes older archetypes like the Green Man, a symbol of nature’s regenerative power often depicted with foliage sprouting from his face.
The Woodwose also shares similarities with the Roman god Silvanus, protector of forests and wild animals, and even further back with the satyrs and fauns of Greek mythology.
These connections suggest a deep-rooted human fascination with the wild, untamed aspects of nature and the creatures that embody it.
The Woodwose in Medieval England
The Woodwose truly came into its own in the medieval period, becoming a prominent figure in art, literature, and folklore across Europe, including the British Isles.
- Church Architecture: Carvings of Woodwoses can be found adorning churches throughout England, often depicted on roof bosses, misericords, and fonts. These depictions, sometimes fearsome and sometimes playful, suggest a complex relationship between the Church and the wildness the Woodwose represented.
- Heraldry: The Woodwose also appeared in heraldry, featuring on coats of arms and family crests. This suggests a degree of nobility and even positive connotations, perhaps symbolising strength, resilience, or a connection to ancestral lands.
- Literature: Medieval romances and poems often featured Woodwoses, sometimes as antagonists and sometimes as helpers or guides. A notable example is the Middle English poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, where the Green Knight bears some resemblance to the Woodwose, embodying the challenges and mysteries of the natural world.
While the concept of the Woodwose was widespread, regional variations and local legends added unique dimensions to the myth.
- The Yorkshire Woodwose: In Yorkshire, stories tell of a Woodwose living in the woods near Richmond Castle. He was said to be a benevolent figure who helped lost travellers and protected local people.
- The Lancashire Boggart: While not strictly a Woodwose, the Lancashire Boggart, a mischievous household spirit, shares some similarities. Both are associated with the wild and untamed and can be either helpful or harmful, depending on how they are treated.
- The Wild Man of Orford: This Suffolk legend tells of a merman-like creature captured by fishermen and brought to Orford Castle. While not a typical Woodwose, it highlights the association of wild, humanoid figures with the untamed forces of nature—in this case, the sea.
Over time, the perception of the Woodwose evolved. Initially seen as a fearsome and potentially dangerous creature, it gradually took on more nuanced meanings.
- The Noble Savage: As the medieval period gave way to the Renaissance, the Woodwose sometimes became a symbol of the “noble savage,” an idealised figure living in harmony with nature, uncorrupted by civilisation.
- The Green Man Connection: The association with the Green Man strengthened, linking the Woodwose to themes of rebirth, regeneration, and the cyclical nature of life.
- The Shadow Self: In some interpretations, the Woodwose came to represent the darker, untamed aspects of human nature—the primal instincts that lurk beneath the surface of civilised behaviour.
The Woodwose in Modern Culture
The Woodwose continues to capture imaginations today, appearing in various forms of modern culture.
- Literature and Fantasy: Authors like J.R.R. Tolkien drew inspiration from the Woodwose, incorporating similar creatures, such as the Drúedain of Middle-earth, into their works. These characters often serve as guardians of the forest, embodying ancient wisdom and a deep connection to nature.
- Art and Illustration: Contemporary artists continue to explore the Woodwose motif, often portraying it as a symbol of environmentalism, wilderness, or the human relationship with the natural world.
- Local Traditions: In some parts of the UK, remnants of Woodwose traditions persist, such as the annual “Wild Man of the Woods” procession in Gloucestershire, a folk custom celebrating the connection between humanity and nature.
The Woodwose, a figure rooted in ancient beliefs and woven into the fabric of UK folklore, continues to resonate with us today.
Whether viewed as a fearsome creature, a noble savage, or a symbol of our own wild nature, the Woodwose reminds us of the enduring power of myth and the deep human connection to the natural world.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, the Woodwose serves as a potent reminder of the wildness that lies within us all and the importance of preserving the untamed beauty of our planet.
What did you think of this article about the Woodwose? Have you encountered similar legends or folklore in your region? Share your thoughts in the comments!