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 The narrative delves into historical references, including tales from Kent and Devon, where the presence of tails was attributed to divine punishment for disrespecting St. Thomas Becket.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