GWR Revives Legendary Folklore Series for World Book Day

Great Western Railway has launched a campaign to celebrate regional folklore across the South West and Wales, marking World Book Day with a new project designed to bring traditional myths and legends to modern audiences.

Working with renowned author and former Children’s Laureate Sir Michael Morpurgo, the rail operator is reviving its historic Legend Land concept. One hundred years after the original series was completed, GWR has released a new version featuring a collection of 11 myths drawn from across the landscapes served by its railway.

The new volume includes a personal introduction from Sir Michael Morpurgo, who has also written an original story for the book titled The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey. Set in a Cornish harbour, the tale tells the story of a fisherman’s son and a dolphin who form a powerful bond that ultimately saves lives.

The illustrated collection revisits folklore that has been shared across the South West and Wales for centuries, presenting the stories in a way that connects younger readers with the myths rooted in the region’s landscapes.

Among the stories are legends from the mountains of Snowdonia, where the young wizard Merlin reveals two battling dragons hidden beneath a crumbling fortress. The book also recounts the rivalry between the giant brothers Goram and Vincent, whose clash is said to have shaped the cliffs of the Bristol and Avon Valley. The stories have been retold for a modern audience by Gloucestershire writer Brad Brookes, who lives in an area closely connected with many of the legends.

To mark the launch of the book, GWR has also introduced a series of large statues inspired by some of the featured myths. Standing between five and eight feet tall, the sculptures aim to encourage passengers to explore the stories as they travel across the railway network.

The statues include figures such as the Red Dragon of Cardiff, the Giants of Avon Gorge and the Faeries of Pennard Castle. They have initially been installed at London Paddington before touring several stations including Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff Central, Swansea, Castle Cary and St Ives, forming what GWR describes as a “Legend Trail” across the network.

Alongside the book, GWR has published an online travel guide that helps families visit the real-world locations linked to the legends. QR codes inside the book direct readers to travel information so they can explore the landscapes where many of the stories originated.

The guide highlights locations tied to regional folklore, from the hot springs discovered by Prince Bladud in Bath to the historic sites connected with the legend of King Arthur’s Camelot in Somerset.

Sir Michael Morpurgo said:

"Folklore is the lifeblood of our landscape; it’s how we connect the earth beneath our feet to the imagination in our heads. Living in Devon, I have always felt a profound connection to the stories that haunt these hills and coasts. A century ago, the original Legend Land series invited families to find magic in their journeys, and I am thrilled to help GWR revive that spirit. By retelling these ancient stories – including the addition of my own, The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey – we aren't just looking back at the past; we are ensuring that the giants, dragons, and mermaids of our heritage continue to live on in the hearts of children today."

GWR Sales and Marketing Director Amanda Burns said:

“A century ago, GWR’s Line to Legend Land book was an invitation to explore the magic of the South West and Wales. The tales in this book are inspired by the rich stories of these regions and the tales that have been shared and reshaped through generations. By reviving these legends, including the contribution from the iconic Michael Morpurgo, we are celebrating the power of storytelling and its deep connection to the regional landscape. Our goal was to create a truly immersive world where these myths step out of the stories and onto our stations, bringing the legends to life for everyone who travels with us. We want to encourage families to set off on their own adventures to discover the spirit of stories that have wandered across our hills, rivers, and valleys for centuries, ensuring they are cherished by generations to come.”

Corinna Csaky, chief executive of Farms for City Children, said:

“We are very grateful to GWR for its generous support and for shining a light on the extraordinary stories rooted in the landscapes surrounding our farms. At Farms for City Children, we see every day how powerful it is when young people step into nature, their confidence grows, their curiosity ignites and their imaginations flourish. We hope the legends in this wonderful book inspire even more young people to explore the beautiful natural environment of the South West and Wales, and discover the magic that lives within it."

Image: Great Western Railway