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Black Annis
A blue-faced hag who lives in a cave she clawed from the rock with her iron fingernails. She eats children and hangs their skins on a tree to dry. Mothers warned children not to go out after dark.
Ancient - Present
Leicestershire, England
500+ witnesses
Black Annis is one of England’s most terrifying folklore figures.
The Legend
According to local tradition:
Black Annis:
- A monstrous hag
- Blue-skinned
- Lives in cave called “Black Annis’ Bower”
- Clawed cave from solid rock
- With iron fingernails
Her Appearance
Described as:
- Blue face
- Single eye
- Long iron claws
- Fang-like teeth
- Wears children’s skins
Her Habits
Black Annis:
- Hunts at night
- Snatches children
- Eats their flesh
- Tans their skins
- Hangs them on oak tree
The Bower
Her cave:
- In the Dane Hills
- Near Leicester
- Clawed from rock herself
- Oak tree at entrance
- Where skins hung
Protection
Parents warned:
- Don’t go out after dark
- Stay away from the Danes
- Lock doors and windows
- She reaches in to grab
- Her arm is very long
Historical Reality
The cave was real:
- Existed until 19th century
- Filled in for housing
- Location still known
- May have been hermit’s cell
- Legend survived