Michael Morpurgo brings a brand-new legend to life as part of a new ‘Trackanory’ storytime series to celebrate The Line to Legend Land.
The former Children’s Laureate and War Horse author reads The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey, a story he penned especially for Great Western Railway’s new collection of myths and legends.
Set in a Cornish harbour, this moving tale explores the life-saving bond between a fisherman’s son and a dolphin:
This Easter, GWR is encouraging families to set off on their own adventures to discover the spirit of stories cherished for generations.
Updated from the first version published more than a century ago, The Line to Legend Land features 11 legends from across the South West and Wales.
Michael said: “I’m so thrilled to help Great Western Railway bring back to life a book it first published around 100 years ago. Legend Land invited families and children to find magic in the journeys they made by train.
“By retelling these ancient stories we aren’t just looking back at the past; we are ensuring that the giants, dragons and mermaids of our heritage continue to live on in our hearts today.
“I decided to write a brand-new legend especially for GWR’s new book called The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey, and now I’m going to enjoy reading it to you.”
The Trackanory series, produced by So-Motive, will also feature Bristol-born children’s TV presenter Naomi Wilkinson reading The Giants of Avon Gorge, and BBC Wales presenter Huw Stephens reading The Faeries of Pennard Castle.
GWR Head of External Communications, Dan Panes, said: “Michael very kindly wrote an introduction for The Line to Legend Land and then went one step further by contributing his brilliant tale about The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey.
“When we were planning our Trackanory series, we just had to ask Michael to be the first to contribute. We hope it inspires people to take the train and explore the myths and legends across our region.”
How to get hold of the book
The ‘Line To Legend Land’ book is available to buy from gwrsouvenirs.co.uk or as a free PDF download from GWR.com/legends.
