Sussex Folktales and Seasonal Stories

These folktales have slipped on a sunbeam, skidded on the dew and sprinted fast as a fox to be here with you. Of course, they’re true, puffed onto the page with a hint of lavender and a gust of sage. They tell of Sussex: its sparkling seas; chalk giants; smugglers and wise witches. Once you’ve heard them, you’ll know that when the leaves skitter, it’s Puck, the sprite of Sussex, fighting with his sister the Fairy Queen. When you sense sinister laughter in the forest, it’s Flint, the phantom highwayman making his escape, and when you run over the Downs, you’ll remember they were shaped by the Devil’s buttocks. These tales shine with magic, explode with adventure and help children engage with their own surroundings.

We really enjoyed Xanthe’s knowledge and passion for the area and its stories. Her retelling of the folk tales was so engaging and entertaining, and her enthusiasm infectious. Singing together to the plants was a highlight! Helen Browning-Smith, Tourism & Arts Manager, Lewes District Council

‘Puck and the Dancing Shoes’ was inspired by the Knots of May Morris who dance down Lewes High Street every May morning.