The Green Children of Woolpit

The Green Children of Woolpit, a photo by megan_n_smith_99 on Flickr.

Title: The Green Children of Woolpit
Dimensions: 11 x 14 inches
Media: Ink
Year: 2013

Once upon a time in the 12th century, it is said that the villagers of Woolpit discovered two children, a brother and sister, beside one of the wolf pits that gave the village its name. Their skin was green, they spoke an unknown language, and their clothing was strange. The children were taken in by the villagers, but refused all food for several days until they were offered some green beans, which they were happy to eat. The children gradually adapted to normal food and in time lost their green tint. The boy became sickly and died but his sister survived. When she had been taught english, she explained that they came from a land where the sun never shone, and the light was like twilight --St Martin's Land. The children had become lost in a cave and heard bells. When they followed the sound of the bells and found themselves in Woolpit.

This intricate pen and ink drawing depicts the 2 children, surrounded by trees, leaves, flowers, vines, and singing birds.

Available on Etsy.