Throughout history, solar eclipses have been viewed with dread and associated with myths and superstitions. Even today, in the 21st century, some cultures consider them a bad omen.

It is not completely surprising that the phenomenon has been such a source of fear. A total eclipse, especially, can be a disturbing experience - something that appears to undermine nature itself.

During a total eclipse, unlike the partial one the UK will witness on Friday , darkness falls, the Sun's shimmering corona becomes visible, and a chill enters the air.

Spookily, birds stop singing, confused by the apparent sudden transition from day to night.

To ancient people who relied so heavily on the life-giving Sun, it must have felt like the end of the world.

This is reflected in a plethora of legends.

In Vietnam, people believed that a giant frog was devouring the Sun, while in ancient China a hungry celestial dragon was thought to be responsible.

According to ancient Hindu mythology, the demon Rahu is beheaded by the supreme deity Vishnu for drinking the nectar of the gods. His head flies across the sky and swallows the Sun.

It was common practice for people to bang pots and pans and make loud noises during an eclipse to scare the demon away.

Korean folklore tells of the Sun being stolen by mythical dogs, while in Europe, the Vikings blamed wolves for consuming the Sun.

The ancient Greeks believed a solar eclipse was a sign that the gods were angry, and that it heralded disasters and destruction.

Among modern superstitions is the belief that solar eclipses can be a danger to pregnant women and unborn children. In some cultures, young children and expectant mothers are asked to stay indoors during an eclipse.

In parts of India, people still fast during a solar eclipse because of the fear that any food cooked during the event will be poisoned.

A few superstitions offer a positive slant on eclipses. In Italy some believe that flowers planted during a solar eclipse will be brighter and more colourful than at any other time.

The Batammaliba people from Benin and Togo in West Africa have a legend that during an eclipse the Sun and Moon are fighting. The only way to stop the conflict, they believe, is for people on Earth to settle their differences.

Don't look directly at the sun during the eclipse - it can hurt your eyes. Click here for our tips on how to watch it safely.