Devon’s Michael Morpurgo helps bring back South West folklore on World Book Day

A new book and campaign celebrating myths and legends of the South West have been launched on World Book Day with the help of Devon author Michael Morpurgo.

Train operator Great Western Railway (GWR) has released a new edition of Line to Legend Land, marking 100 years since the original series was completed.

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The collection features 11 traditional stories from the South West and Wales, retold for modern readers, including a new original story written by Morpurgo, who lives in Devon.

His story, The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey, is set in a Cornish fishing village and tells of a friendship between a fisherman’s son and a dolphin that helps bring fish back to a struggling harbour.

Morpurgo said folklore is closely linked to the landscape of the region.

“Folklore is the lifeblood of our landscape; it’s how we connect the earth beneath our feet to the imagination in our heads,” he said.

“Living in Devon, I have always felt a profound connection to the stories that haunt these hills and coasts.”

The book revives the original GWR idea of encouraging families to explore places linked to traditional stories.

To mark the launch, five large statues based on legends from the book will travel to stations across the railway network, including Bristol Temple Meads railway station and Cardiff Central railway station.

Other stories in the collection include the tale of King Arthur receiving Excalibur at Camelot, linked to Cadbury Castle, and the story of giants said to have shaped the cliffs of the Avon Gorge.

ABOVE: GWR is bringing these stories to life through five statues of some of the featured legends (Image: GWR)

GWR has also produced an online guide encouraging families to travel to places connected with the stories.

The campaign also supports the charity Farms for City Children, founded by Morpurgo and his wife Clare. 

Morpurgo’s charity, which runs farms including sites in Devon, is marking its 50th anniversary this year.

GWR said copies of the book have also been given to 500 primary schools across its rail network.

Morpurgo said reviving the stories would help keep them alive for younger generations.

“By retelling these ancient stories we aren’t just looking back at the past; we are ensuring that the giants, dragons and mermaids of our heritage continue to live on in the hearts of children today,” he said.