Text:

“In Winwick, Warrington, near my house, there is a church that has been here since the 12th century. The legend says that King Oswald died in Winick, and a small church was built there right after. People would come visit from all over, and one day it was decided that there would be a bigger church. The construction workers started building a foundation at the original site of the smaller church, but one night a pig was spotted running to the site of the new church while squealing what sounded like Winwick. The pig then took the stones from the new foundation, took them by his mouth, and ran to the site of St. Oswald’s death. In the morning all the villagers gathered around and were amazed and decided to take it as an omen. They decided to build the new church where the pig had laid out the stones. To remember the pig, they carved the pig into the stone. The church was rebuilt in the 14th century, but supposedly the stone was kept safe and put into the new structure to remember the legendary pig.”

Context: 

My informant lives in Winwick, Warrington. Their parents told her about the legend growing up, but it is also a legend that everyone knows living in Winwick. 

Analysis:

This is a legend, and it centers on the founding of a church in Winwick, Warrington, and the importance of a pig determining its location. This legend connects geography, spiritual history, and sacred architecture. The pig is an example of an omen. A non-human figure that delivers a message. The villagers see it as a sign, and in medieval Europe, these legends were helpful to reinforce the spiritual significance of holy sites. The pig squealing in Winwick is also how the town got its name. This legend plays an important role in the community’s identity and is a key part of Winwick’s cultural heritage.