Experts in mysticism and myth from the University of Exeter are involved in new research that explores storytelling and the ghostly spiritual world. The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded project is focusing on why Cornwall and other ‘Celtic’ places like Wales and Scotland are felt to be more mystical and mythologised compared to the rest of Britain.

Myths of haunted places and tortured souls roaming Cornwall are well documented in popular literature and magical goings on continue to thrive in modern folk lore. Halloween is considered by some as the start of the Celtic New Year and in recent years there has been a revival of this tradition, notably in the Cornish village of Withiel to recognise this auspicious date.

As part of the AHRC project ‘Mysticism, Myth and Celtic Nationalism’ there will be a conference in 2010 exploring the issues.  University of Exeter experts based at the Tremough Campus in Penryn are keen to encourage participation and contributions from people in Cornwall who are involved or interested in Cornwall as a mythical and mystical place. Dr Marion Gibson explained the call for film makers, exhibitors and all those who have a story to tell of things that go bump in the night. She said, “We are carrying out interviews with people who either live in Cornwall or are visitors, and asking them to tell us about mystical Cornwall. People who are interested in contributing should contract Shelley Trower, our project researcher”.

To find out more about contributing or attending the conference in July 2010 please contact Shelley Trower from the University of Exeter at s.j.trower@exeter.ac.uk  or go to the Exeter website.

Ends

Notes for editors:
AHRC Media Contact Jake Gilmore j.gilmore@ahrc.ac.uk Tel: 07970994586

Arts & Humanities Research Council: Each year the AHRC provides approximately £102 million from the Government to support research and postgraduate study in the arts and humanities, from languages and law, archaeology and English literature to design and creative and performing arts. In any one year, the AHRC makes approximately 700 research awards and around 1,350 postgraduate awards. Awards are made after a rigorous peer review process, to ensure that only applications of the highest quality are funded. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits but also contributes to the economic success of the UK.