Tradition: English Mythology
Alternative Names: Lunantishie
Category: Fairy
The Myth
The Lunantishie are a tribe of British fairies who guard thorn bushes. They are especially associated with the blackthorn and are said to be protective of these trees and their branches.
The Lunantishie do not allow anyone to cut even the smallest twig from a thorn bush on November 11, the ancient celebration of All Saints’ Day, or on May 11, the former celebration of May Day. Anyone who cuts a branch from a thorn tree on these days risks angering the fairies, who protect their sacred bushes.
The Lunantishie are therefore guardians of the thorn bushes, defending even their smallest branches from human interference. In the traditional lore recorded for them, the thorn tree is under their protection on these particular days, making the cutting of its wood a dangerous act.
Sources
“Lunantishi.” New Bestiary (Bestiary.us). Accessed October 4, 2026. https://www.bestiary.us/lunantishi