Kwio

A Kwio is a fictional character in Cornish Folklore being the form of a small shrew like animal that lives on the surface of the water, and yet as a severe case of hydrophobia. The story has been passed through generations, via mouth at events such as the celebration of the summer solstice.
Events such as the annual Bonfire at Castle An Dinas are a prime location and time when this story is passed through.

Family Differences

The Kwio story itself has two contradicting features as told in two sides of the story. These features are different in both variations of the story and are told by two different families in ancient Cornwall.

The Bennallick's of North Cornwall, told the story as being that;

The Kwio struggled to swim due to it's Hydrophobia when it fell into a well, and died because of it.

But the Bresbarrie's of West Cornwall Tale consists of;

The Kwio struggled to swim due to it's Hydrophobia when it fell into a well, but overcame it's fear and swam to safety.

Uses Today

The word is sometimes spoken by these two families.
(The Bennallick's Tale) Being used as an insult for someone who cannot fight to live
(The Bresbarrie's Tale)And is used as a Compliment for someone who will fight to live