Folklore
Folklore
Stories, customs, creatures and beliefs — kept specific enough to remain interesting.
Folklore gives Cottagegoth much of its depth and much of its worst internet content. A vague reference to "ancient Celtic beliefs" can make almost anything sound mysterious; it can also make the subject meaningless.
This section favours named places, recorded traditions, particular creatures and identifiable sources. A story becomes more interesting when we know who told it, where it was told, and how it changed.
Folk horror belongs here too, but as a modern cultural lens rather than proof that old rural life was permanently ominous.