Tailed Men by Sabine Baring-Gould
The work explores the folklore and historical accounts surrounding the notion of humans with tails, particularly focusing on various cultural beliefs and anecdotal evidence. It begins with a personal recollection of childhood misconceptions about Cornishmen being born with tails, stemming from local superstitions. The narrative delves into historical references, including tales from Kent and Devon, where the presence of tails was attributed to divine punishment for disrespecting St. Thomas Becket. The text discusses various literary figures who have commented on the idea of tailed humans, including John Bale and Andrew Marvel, highlighting the absurdity and ridicule associated with such beliefs. It also references Lord Monboddo, who controversially argued that humans should have tails, likening their absence to a flaw in human design. The work critiques this notion through the lens of reason and observation, emphasizing that human emotions and characteristics can be expressed without a tail. The narrative transitions to accounts of tailed individuals from different cultures, including a Polish story of a witch's curse and reports from travelers in Africa, such as the Niam-niams, who were said to possess tails. These accounts vary in detail, with some describing the tails as long and hairy, while others depict them as short and smooth. The text presents conflicting reports from various explorers and anthropologists, illustrating the fascination and horror surrounding the idea of tailed humans. Despite the numerous anecdotes and claims, the work ultimately concludes that the existence of true tailed humans is biologically implausible, as human anatomy does not support the development of such appendages. The exploration serves as a commentary on the intersection of myth, cultural beliefs, and scientific understanding, revealing how folklore can shape perceptions of identity and humanity.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1892 · Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Folklore · 3,686 words
First lines
I well remember having it impressed upon me by a Devonshire nurse, as a little child, that all Cornishmen were born with tails; and it was long before I could overcome the prejudice thus early implanted in my breast against my Cornubian neighbors. I looked upon those who dwelt across the Tamar as "uncanny," as being scarcely to be classed with Christian people, and certainly not to be freely associated with by tailless Devonians. I think my eyes were first opened to the fact that I had been deceived by a worthy bookseller of L -- -- , with whom I had contracted a warm friendship, he having at sundry times contributed pictures to my scrapbook. I remember one day resolving to broach the delicate subject with my tailed friend, whom I liked, notwithstanding his caudal appendage.
What this Textopian page supports
Tailed Men is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Folklore, Satire, Anthropology
- Length: 3,686 words
- Structure: 1 section, 37 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Fantasy — The book explores fantastical elements such as the existence of men with tails, blending folklore and myth with reality.
- Historical Fiction — It references historical figures and events, intertwining them with fictional narratives about tailed men.
- Folklore — The narrative is steeped in regional superstitions and legends, particularly those surrounding Cornishmen and their tails.
- Satire — The text critiques societal beliefs and prejudices, using humor to address misconceptions about identity and culture.
Tags
mythology · folklore · supernatural · legends · tales · creatures · history · cultural studies · British folklore · fantasy · narrative · anthropology