The Green Children of Woolpit: A Medieval Mystery

The Green Children of Woolpit: A Medieval Mystery


The story of the Green Children of Woolpit is one of the most peculiar and enduring mysteries of medieval England. 

In the 12th century, two children with green-tinted skin reportedly appeared in the village of Woolpit, located in Suffolk. 

Speaking an unknown language and exhibiting unusual behavior, the children’s origins have puzzled historians and folklorists for centuries. 

Let’s explore the strange tale, its historical context, and the theories that attempt to explain this enigmatic event.

The Green Children of Woolpit: A Medieval Mystery
The Green Children of Woolpit: A Medieval Mystery

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The Arrival of the Green Children

According to contemporary accounts, the event occurred during the reign of King Stephen (1135–1154). 

Villagers working near a wolf pit, from which Woolpit derives its name, discovered the children. 

The boy and girl wore strange clothing and spoke a language no one understood. Most strikingly, their skin had a green hue.

The children were taken to the home of Sir Richard de Calne, a local landowner, where efforts were made to care for them. 

Initially, they refused all food offered to them, eventually eating only raw beans. 

Over time, they adapted to a broader diet, and their green color faded.

The Fate of the Children

The boy was reportedly weak and sickly, dying shortly after their arrival. 

The girl, however, survived and gradually learned to speak English. 

She claimed that she and her brother came from a place called St. Martin’s Land, a subterranean world where everything was green, and perpetual twilight reigned. 

She described crossing a river of light before emerging into Woolpit.

The Green Children of Woolpit: A Medieval Mystery
The Green Children of Woolpit: A Medieval Mystery

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Sources of the Story

The tale of the Green Children is documented in two primary medieval texts:

  1. William of Newburgh’s “Historia rerum Anglicarum” (History of English Affairs)
  2. Ralph of Coggeshall’s “Chronicum Anglicanum” (English Chronicle)

Both accounts agree on the main details but differ slightly in their descriptions. These texts remain the primary sources for the story.

Theories Explaining the Green Children

The Green Children of Woolpit have inspired numerous theories over the centuries. Here are some of the most prominent:

1. A Folkloric Allegory

Some scholars view the story as a folkloric allegory, reflecting themes of otherworldly visitors and cultural assimilation. 

The green skin may symbolize their status as outsiders or a connection to nature.

2. Anomalous Physiology

The green hue of the children’s skin could have been caused by chlorosis, a type of anemia common in the Middle Ages due to poor diet. 

This theory suggests the children were malnourished but recovered once given proper food.

3. Flemish Refugees

One plausible explanation is that the children were Flemish immigrants whose parents had been killed during anti-Flemish persecutions. 

The children’s green skin may have resulted from malnutrition, and their language could have been a Flemish dialect unfamiliar to the villagers.

The Green Children of Woolpit: A Medieval Mystery
The Green Children of Woolpit: A Medieval Mystery

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4. Subterranean or Parallel Worlds

In more speculative theories, some suggest the children came from an underground or parallel world, as described in the girl’s account of St. Martin’s Land. 

While intriguing, this theory is considered allegorical or fantastical.

5. Extraterrestrial Origins

A modern interpretation posits that the children were aliens. 

Their green skin, unfamiliar language, and otherworldly descriptions lend themselves to theories of extraterrestrial visitation.

Cultural Impact

The Green Children of Woolpit have left an indelible mark on folklore and popular culture. 

The story has inspired novels, plays, and even speculative science fiction, keeping the mystery alive in contemporary imagination.

Conclusion

The tale of the Green Children of Woolpit is a fascinating blend of history, folklore, and mystery. 

Whether interpreted as a historical event, a folkloric allegory, or a fantastical tale, the story continues to intrigue and inspire. 

The mystery of their origins remains unsolved, leaving room for endless speculation and wonder.

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