Legends Surrounding The Abandoned St Michaels Mount and Its Origins

St Michaels Mount, a tidal island off the coast of Cornwall, England, holds a captivating history intertwined with myths and legends. This mystical site, often referred to as a sibling to France’s Mont Saint-Michel, is steeped in tales that have evolved over centuries, blending historical truths with imaginative folklore.

The Origins of St Michaels Mount

The origins of St Michaels Mount are tied to prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence suggesting human activity dating back to the Bronze Age. However, its legendary foundation begins with tales of archangels, sacred visions, and divine intervention. According to lore, St Michael himself appeared atop the rocky mount in the 5th century, guiding fishermen through treacherous waters and establishing the site as a holy place.

The Giant of St Michaels Mount

One of the most famous legends of St Michaels Mount is the tale of Cormoran, a giant said to inhabit the mount before human settlement. According to folklore, Cormoran terrorized the surrounding villages, stealing livestock and wreaking havoc. The story takes a dramatic turn when a young boy named Jack—later immortalized as “Jack the Giant Killer”—tricked and defeated the fearsome giant, burying him beneath the mount.

The Treasure of St Michaels Mount

Legends of buried treasure further enrich the mythology of St Michaels Mount. Stories tell of pirates who used the mount as a stronghold, hiding their plunder in secret chambers within the island’s granite heart. Over the years, explorers and historians have searched for these hidden riches, but no concrete evidence has been found.