American Folktale as the Guardian of the Folk: Black Bartelmy a Local Legend

Abstract

Folk literature serves a variety of purposes within a culture, including education, conveying ethics and values, providing a safe space for emotional expression, and preserving folk history. The term “folktale” refers to prose narratives, and within the context of American folk literature, the “prose narrative” division (comprising legends, myths, and folktales) is well-established. The versatility and richness of American folk culture have contributed to the growth of this form. “Local legends” are a specific type of folktale associated with a particular place, and their circulation is typically limited to specific regions. However, it is common to find similar tales about other places. Local legends may serve various purposes, such as explaining natural phenomena or supporting folk beliefs.

One such local legend is the tale of Black Bartelmy, a villainous pirate whose story is told in the area around Cape Forchu in Nova Scotia, North America. While local legends often feature romantic couples, war heroes, martyrs, or mythical characters, this tale is unique in its depiction of a cruel, deceitful, murderous villain. This paper examines the details of the tale, its intended audience, and the reasons for associating such a character with a particular place.