West Virginia is known for its legends. Some- like Mothman, Snarly Yow and the Flatwoods Monster- have become large tourist attractions over the years, while others have managed to slip under the radar.
One such legend is that of the Tommy Knockers.
If you’re from West Virginia, you probably know or have known someone who works in the coal mining industry. Coal, and by association coal mines, is a big part of WV history, so people having general knowledge about the field isn’t uncommon around these parts.
While many know about what happens inside West Virginia’s coal mines, they may not know about what is rumored to live inside West Virginia’s coal mines: Tommy Knockers-impish, gnome-like men that were first heard of from Cornish miners working in the United States.
Sounds cute, right? The problem is that many couldn’t decide if Tommy Knockers lived in the mines to warn workers of impending doom or if their intentions were more…nefarious.
In Episode Four, hosts McKenna and Gailyn work to decipher the meaning behind the presence of the Tommy Knockers.
Are Tommy Knockers good or evil? Listen and decide for yourself.
Listen to Living Lore, Episode Four: The Tommy Knockers here.
