The Folklore of Wells: Healing, Wishing, Divining, and Cursing

Archaeological evidence reveals a close relationship between people and the spiritual world back to the Bronze Age, often enacted through water. Springs often reveal ritual deposits, such as those found at the head of the Seine. It’s unsurprising that humans would continue this water-based relationship via wells.

For some scholars, wells had either a patron deity or a guardian spirit, which was later replaced by a saint or angel. For example, there is a suggestion that the Celtic water goddess Alauna became St Helen.

But wells took on multiple functions, used to heal, curse, make wishes, and even divine. And, of course, people used them as a water source.

Let's take a look at some of these wells across the British Isles in this week's episode of Fabulous Folklore.

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