English folklore

English folklore consists of the myths and legends of England, including the English region's mythical creatures, traditional recipes, urban legends, and folktales. English folklore encompasses the traditional Robin Hood tales, the Brythonic-inspired Arthurian legend, and the more contemporary urban legends and monsters such as the Beast of Bodmin Moor. English folklore takes a heavy influence from Pagan tradition, with a number of figures, legends, and creatures being adapted from the pre-Christian traditions of the region. This Pagan influence means that English folklore generally differs between regions in the country, however some myths pervade most of the country.
Folklore and paganism in traditional song.
Thousands upon thousands of folk songs in England have been collected from traditional singers, including the famous Child Ballads which were collected in the 19th century. Some of these provide evidence pertaining to other folk tales including the Arthurian legends and the tales of Robin Hood.
Others contain mystical elements which probably stem from Anglo Saxon paganism or Celtic paganism, such as "The Elfin Knight" (of which "Scarborough Fair" is a variant), "John Barleycorn", "The Wife of Usher's Well", "Thomas the Rhymer", "Tam Lin" and "King Henry".
Some festive songs use imagery that hints at a pagan origin, such as The Holly and the Ivy and certain wassailing songs.
Other remnants of paganism.
Many parts of English and British folklore still contain evidence of Europe’s pre-Christian past. In common with most other regions of Europe, some aspects of past Pagan religions survive in English Folklore.
Examples of this include the Wild Hunt and Herne the Hunter which relate to the Germanic deity Woden. The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance may represent a pre-Christian festival and the practice of Well dressing in the Peak District, which may date back to Anglo-Saxon or even Celtic times. May Day celebrations such as the Maypole survive across much of England and Northern Europe.
Many Christmas traditions appear to have their roots in Paganism, such as decorating trees, the significance of holly, and Christmas carolling itself.
In other media.
English folklore crops up in books, films and comic books and these appearances include: