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Rawhead and Bloody Bones
A bogeyman used to frighten children. Part skeleton, part beast. He lurks in dark places—under stairs, in cupboards, in ponds. Be good, or Rawhead and Bloody Bones will get you.
Ancient - Present
England and American South
100+ witnesses
Rawhead and Bloody Bones is a bogeyman figure from British and American folklore, used to frighten children into good behavior.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
Rawhead and Bloody Bones:
- Is a bogeyman figure
- Used to scare children
- Lives in dark places
- Takes different forms
- Punishes misbehavior
Names
Various names include:
- Rawhead and Bloody Bones
- Bloody Bones
- Tommy Rawhead
- Rawhead
- Old Bloody Bones
Description
The creature appears as:
- A skeletal figure
- Covered in blood
- Sometimes with animal features
- Lurking in darkness
- Under stairs, in cupboards
Regional Variations
In different areas:
- England: Lives in cupboards under stairs
- Lancashire: Lives in ponds, drags children in
- American South: Punishment for bad children
- Ozarks: Associated with specific stories
Purpose
Parents used the figure to:
- Keep children away from dangerous places
- Encourage good behavior
- Frighten children at night
- As general discipline tool
Cultural Impact
Rawhead appears in:
- Clive Barker’s Books of Blood
- Various horror media
- Folk horror traditions
- Regional storytelling