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Rawhead and Bloody Bones
A bogeyman who lives in dark cupboards and under stairs. He's a skull or skinless creature dripping blood. He punishes naughty children. 'Rawhead and Bloody Bones, steals naughty children from their homes.'
Ancient - Present
Britain and America
500+ witnesses
Rawhead and Bloody Bones is a bogeyman from British and American folklore, used to frighten children into good behavior.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
Rawhead and Bloody Bones:
- Is a bogeyman
- Lives in dark places
- Punishes misbehaving children
- Has various terrifying forms
- Used in nursery rhymes
Appearance
Described variously as:
- A bloody skull
- A skinless creature
- Bones with tattered flesh
- Dripping gore
- Glowing eyes in darkness
Names and Variants
Known by many names:
- Raw Head
- Bloody Bones
- Rawhead Rex
- Tommy Rawhead
- Old Bloody Bones
The Rhyme
Traditional verse:
- “Rawhead and Bloody Bones”
- “Steals naughty children from their homes”
- “Takes them to his dirty den”
- “And they are never seen again”
Where He Lurks
Found hiding in:
- Cupboards under stairs
- Dark cellars
- Ponds and lakes (regional)
- Abandoned buildings
- Anywhere dark and scary
Purpose
The legend served to:
- Frighten children into obedience
- Keep them from dangerous places
- Explain strange noises
- Punish misbehavior
- Universal bogeyman function