Black Annis
An artist's depiction of Black Annis. Photo: Fandom
Black Annis is a blue faced witch from English folklore that is said to have a taste for human flesh and a penchant for wearing the tanned hides of children around her waist.
The Legend of Black Annis
Once upon a time, in a small village near the Dane Hills, lived a wicked creature known as Black Annis. She was the stuff of nightmares, with long, sharp nails and teeth as sharp as daggers. Her skin was as pale blue, and her hair tangled like the thorns of a rosebush.
Legend had it that Black Annis was a witch who had made a deal with dark forces, granting her extraordinary powers. She would prowl the countryside, especially on moonlit nights, lurking in the shadows, seeking out misbehaving children.
Parents would warn their little ones about the fearsome Black Annis, hoping to keep them safe. They would say, "Stay inside, my child, or Black Annis will come for you! She waits for naughty children who disobey their parents."
The villagers built a tall fortress to protect themselves from her wicked ways. It was made entirely of sharp thorns, towering over the village like a fortress of brambles. They called it "Black Annis's Bower."
One fateful night, a young boy named Jacob decided to challenge his luck. Feeling mischievous, he snuck out of his house, ignoring his parents' warning. Jacob, wanting to prove his bravery, ventured towards the dark woods where Black Annis was said to dwell.
As he tiptoed through the trees, Jacob soon became lost in the thick foliage. He shivered with fear as the moon's pale light filtered through the leaves, casting eerie shadows.
Suddenly, he heard a low growl, followed by the sound of rustling leaves.
It was Black Annis, lurking in the darkness, her long nails scraping against the rough tree bark. She let out a wicked cackle, her laughter piercing through the night. Jacob's heart pounded in his chest as he stumbled backward, desperately trying to escape her clutches.
But just as Black Annis was about to pounce, something unexpected occurred. The thorny branches of Black Annis's Bower came to life, intertwining like a living creature. The fortress snaked its way towards the witch, encircling her with its sharp thorns.
Black Annis hissed in pain as the thorns pierced her skin, trapping her tightly. The villagers, alerted by the commotion, rushed to Jacob's aid.
Where did Black Annis Live?
A cave similar to the supposed lair of Black Annis
Black Annis, a legendary figure in folklore, is said to have lived in a cave known as "Black Annis's Bower." This eerie cave is to be located within Leicester, England.
Black Annis was said to have used this hidden dwelling as her sinister abode, where she would haunt the surrounding area and instil fear in the hearts of those who crossed her path.
The Wretched Behavior of Black Annis
Legend has it that Black Annis would roam the countryside under the cover of nightfall, searching for vulnerable children who unknowingly wandered into her territory.
Once Black Annis captured her young victims, darkness fell upon them like a shroud of despair. It is believed that she would take them back to her cavernous lair, where she reveled in their terror and feasted on their fear.
Whispers passed down through generations claim that Black Annis had a particular penchant for children's flesh, gnawing at their tender bodies with her sharp, jagged teeth. It was said that she delighted in the taste of their fear, savoring it like a nefarious delicacy. The terror-stricken cries of her captives echoed through the night, etching themselves into the collective memory of the afflicted townsfolk.
Black Annis is said to have used the children's hides to craft a darkened garment, which she wore as a trophy. This chilling cloak was believed to grant her unparalleled strength and immortality, enabling her to continue her malevolent deeds for centuries.
These harrowing tales of Black Annis's atrocities served as a cautionary tale, instilling fear in the hearts of children and reminding them to remain vigilant and cautious when venturing into the unknown.
Possible Origins of the Black Annis Legend
The first known mention of a character called Black Annis was found in an old legal document from the 18th century. This document mentioned a piece of land named after Black Annis. This was reported in a 19th-century book by The Folklore Society, which also mentioned two similar documents from 1764.
There are many theories about where the Black Annis figure came from. Some think it came from Celtic or Germanic mythology. Others, like T. C. Lethbridge, believe it could be based on ancient European mother goddesses, who were believed to eat children. This character is seen as similar to various goddesses from around the world, including Kali from India, Muilearteach from Gaelic tradition, and Demeter from Greek mythology. Some people even think that the story might be a remnant of old practices where children were sacrificed to a goddess.
Ronald Hutton disagrees with these ideas in his book. He thinks that the legend of Black Annis was based on a real woman named Agnes Scott. She was a religious woman, possibly a nun, who lived alone in prayer in a cave and took care of a leper colony in Leicestershire. After she died, she was buried in a local churchyard.
Hutton believes that the legend of Black Annis grew out of distorted memories of Agnes Scott. The stories were either made up to scare kids or came from anti-religious feelings after the Protestant Reformation. Later on, during the Victorian era, the stories about Agnes Scott got mixed up with tales about a goddess named Anu.
The link between Black Annis and Agnes Scott was actually made before Hutton suggested it. For example, an 1842 issue of the Leicester Chronicle mentioned both the grave and the cave connected to the legend. This was also printed in the same 19th-century book by The Folklore Society.
Black Annis’ Home is Destroyed
Black Annis's cave was filled with dirt in the late 1800s. Some people thought this could mean the end of Black Annis. But others suspect she is still roaming the area of Dane Hills to this day. Also, by the end of the 19th century, she was known as "Cat Anna" and was believed to live in the basements of Leicester Castle. There was a supposed secret tunnel connecting the castle with the Dane Hills where she used to live.
Black Annis's old home on the hillside is now filled with houses. So, if she's still around, she might be hiding in the underground passages. She would have to be sneakier than before to avoid being noticed in the modern world. And maybe, she's waiting for a time when the world will be more like it used to be, and she can freely roam again.
If you enjoyed learning about Black Annis you might also be interested in the legends of Peg Powler or Jenny Greenteeth.
