- Myths, Legends and Folktales of Shropshire
- The Green Man and the Frost Queen: The Battle for Spring
The Green Man and the Frost Queen: The Battle for Spring
There are some things that are universal to the human experience throughout history - and the arrival of spring has always been a cause for celebration. In Shropshire, we celebrate a bit differently!
In the village of Clun, Shropshire, a special pagan tradition is upheld to celebrate the arrival of spring every year.
In May, the village gathers for a pageant in which the Green Man battles the Frost Queen on a medieval packhorse bridge, driving winter out of town for another year!
If the Green Man triumphs (and he typically does), warmth and growth return to the valley.
When the battle is done, the Green Man leads his May Queen in a victory parade to Clun Castle, where all celebrate the birth of a new spring.
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