Motif Index of the Child Corpus: The English and Scottish Popular Ballad [Reprint 2013 ed.] 9783110896961, 9783110142907

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Natascha Würzbach / Simone M. Salz

Motif Index of the Child Corpus

Natascha Würzbach / Simone M. Salz

Motif Index of the Child Corpus The EngUsh and Scottish Populär Ballad

Translated from the original German manuscript by Gayna Walls

w G DE

Walter de Gruyter • Berlin • New York 1995

Printed on acid-free paper which falls within the guidelines of the ANSI to ensure permanence and durability.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication

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Würzbach, Natascha. 1933[Motif-Index zum Child Corpus. English] Motif index of the Child corpus : the English and Scottish populär bailad / Natascha Würzbach, Simone M. Salz : translated from the original German manuscript, translated by Gayna Walls, p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 3-11-014290-2 1. Ballads, E n g l i s h - E n g l a n d - T h e m e s , motives-Indexes. 2. Folk songs, English-England-Themes, motives-Indexes. 3. Populär literature-England—Themes, motives-Indexes. 4. Ballads, S c o t s - S c o t l a n d - T h e m e s , motives-Indexes. 5. Folk songs, Scots-Scotland-Themes, motives-Indexes. 6. Populär literature-Scotland-Themes, motives-Indexes. 7. Folklore-England-Classification. 8. Folklore-ScotlandClassification. 9. Child, Francis James, 1825-1896. I. Salz, Simone M., 1967- , II. Title. PR976.W85 1995 016.82r0440803-dc20 95-1137 CIP

Die Deutsche Bibliothek - Cataloging-in-Publication

Data

Würzbach, Natascha: Motif index of the child corpus : the English and Scottish populär bailad // Natascha Würzbach/Simone M. Salz. Transl. from the orig. German manuscript by Gayna Walls. — Berlin ; New York : de Gruyter, 1995 ISBN 3-11-014290-2 NE: Salz, Simone M.:; HST

© Copyright 1995 by Walter de Gruyter & Co., D-10785 Berlin All rights reserved, including those of translation into foreign languages. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form - by photoprint, microfilm, or any other means nor transmitted nor translated into a machine language without written permission from the publisher. Printed in Germany Printing: W. Hildebrand, Berlin Binding: Lüderitz & Bauer-GmbH, Berlin

Contents 1. Introduction 1.1. Illustration of types of motifs, specification and submotifs 2. Motif Index oftheChild Bailad Corpus 3. Summaries of ballads followed by the motifs contained

1 6 9 69

Child

1, "RIDDLESWISELYEXPOUNDED"

69

Child

2,

"THE ELFIN KNIGHT"

69

Child

3,

"THE PAUSE KNIGHT UPON THE ROAD"

70

Child

4,

"LADY ISABEL AND THE ELF-KNIGHT"

70

Child

5,

"GILBRENTON"

72

Child

6, "WILLIE'S LADY"

72

Child

7,

"EARLBRAND"

73

Child

8,

"ERLINTON"

74

Child

9,

"THE FAIR FLOWER OF NORTHUMBERLAND"

74

Child 10, "THETWASISTERS"

75

Child 11, "THE CRUEL BROTHER"

76

Child 12,

"LORDRANDAL"

77

Child 13,

"EDWARD"

78

Child 14,

"BABYLON"

78

Child 15,

"LEESOME BRAND"

79

Child 16,

"SHEATHANDKNIFE"

79

Child 17,

"HINDHORN"

80

Child 18,

"SIR LIONEL"

81

Child 19,

"KINGORFEO"

81

Child 20,

"THE CRUEL MOTHER"

82

Child 21,

"THE MAID AND THE PALMER"

83

Child 22,

"ST STEPHEN AND HEROD"

83

Child 23,

"JUDAS"

83

Child 24,

"BONNIE ANNIE"

84

vi

Contents Child 25, "WILLIE'S LYKE-WAKE"

84

Child 26, "THETHREERAVENS"

85

Child 27, "THE WHUMMIL BORE"

85

Child 28, "BURD ELLEN AND YOUNG TAMLANE"

85

Child 29, "THE BOY AND THE MANTLE"

86

Child 30, "KING ARTHUR AND KING CORNWALL"

86

Child 31, "THE MARIUAGE OF SIR GAWAIN"

87

Child 32, "KING HENRY"

87

Child 33, "KEMPY KAY"

88

Child 34, "KEMP OWYNE"

88

Child 35, "ALLISON GROSS"

88

Child 36, "THE LAILY WORM AND THE MACHREL OF THE SEA"

89

Child 37, "THOMAS RHYMER"

89

Child 38, "THE WEE WEE MAN"

90

Child 39, "TAMLIN"

90

Child 40, "THE QUEEN OF ELFAN'S NOURICE"

90

Child 41, "HINDETIN"

91

Child 42, "CLERK COLVILL"

92

Child 43, "THE BROOMRELD HILL"

92

Child 44, "THE TWA MAGICIANS"

93

Child 45, "KING JOHN AND THE BISHOP"

93

Child 4 6 , "CAPTAIN WEDDERBURN S COURTSHIP"

94

Child 47, "PROUD LADY MARGARET"

94

Child 48, "YOUNG ANDREW"

95

Child 49, "THE TWA BROTHERS"

95

Child 50, "THE BONNY HIND"

97

Child 51, "LIzmWAN"

97

Child 52, "THE KING'S DOCHTER LADY JEAN"

98

Child 53, "YOUNG BEICHAN"

98

Child 54, "THE CHERRY TREE CAROL"

100

Child 55, "THE CARNAL AND THE CRANE"

101

Child 56, "DIVES AND LAZARUS"

101

Child 57, "BROWN ROBYN'S CONFESSION"

101

Child 58, "SIR PATRICK SPENS"

102

Child 59, "SIR ALDINGAR"

102

Contents

vii

Child 60, "KING E S m E R E "

103

Child 61, "SIRCAWLINE"

104

Child 62, "FAIRANNIE"

105

Child 63, "CHILD WATERS"

106

Child 64, "FAIRJANET"

106

Child 65, "LADYMAISRY"

107

Child 66, "LORD INGRAM AND CfflELWYET"

108

Child 67, "GLASGERION"

109

Child 68, "YOUNG HUNTING"

110

Child 69, "CLERK SAUNDERS"

III

Child 70, "WILLIE AND LADYMAISRY"

III

Child 71, "THE BENTSAE BROWN"

112

Child 72, "THE CLERKS TWA SONS O OWSENFORD"

112

Child 73, "LORD THOMAS AND FAIR ANNET"

113

Child 74, "FAIR MARGARET AND SWEET WILLIAM"

114

Child 75, "LORDLOVEL"

115

Child 76, "THE LASS OF ROCH ROYAL"

116

Child 77, "SWEET WILLIAM'S GHOST"

117

Child 78, "THE UNQUIET GRAVE"

117

Child 79, "THE WIFEOFUSHER'S WELL"

118

Child 80, "OLD ROBIN OFPORTINGALE"

118

Child 81, "LITTLE MUSGRAVE AND LADY BARNARD"

119

Child 82, "THE BONNY BIRDY"

120

Child 83, "CHILD MAURICE"

120

Child 84, "BONNY BARBARA ALLAN"

121

Child 85, "LADY ALICE"

121

Child 86, "YOUNG BENJIE"

122

Child 87, "PRINCE ROBERT"

122

Child 88, "YOUNG JOHNSTONE"

123

Child 89, "FAUSE FOODRAGE"

124

Child 90, "JELLON GRAME"

125

Child 91, "FAIR MARY OF WALLINGTON"

126

Child 92, "BONNY BEE HOM"

127

Child 93, "LAMKIN"

127

Child 94, "YOUNG WATERS"

128

viii

Contents

Child 95, "THEMAIDFREEDFROMTHEGALLOWS"

128

Child 96, "THE GAY GOSHAWK"

128

Child 97, "BROWN ROBIN"

129

Child 98, "BROWN ADAM"

130

Child 99, "JOHNIE SCOT"

131

Child 100, "WILLIE O WINSBURY"

131

Child 101, "WILLIE O DOUGLAS DALE"

132

Child 102, "WILLIE AND EARL RICHARDIS DAUGHTER"

133

Child 103, "ROSE THE RED AND WHITE LILY"

134

Child 104, "PRINCE HEATHEN"

135

Child 105, "THE BAILIFF'S DAUGHTER OFISLINGTON"

136

Child 106, "THE FAMOUS FLOWER OF SERVINGMEN"

136

Child 107, "WILL STEWART AND JOHN".

136

Child 108, "CHRISTOPHER WHITE"

137

Child 109, "TOM POTTS"

138

Child 110, "THE KNIGHT AND SHEPHERD'S DAUGHTER"

139

Child I I I , "CROW AND PIE"

140

Child 112, "THE BAFFLED KNIGHT"

140

Child 113, "THE GREAT SILKIE OF SULE SKERRY"

141

Child 114, "JOHNIE COCK"

141

Child 115, "ROBYN AND GANDELEYN"

141

Child 116, "ADAM BELL, CLIM OF THE CLOUGH, AND WILLIAM OF CLOUDESLY"

142

Child 117, "A GEST OF ROBYN HODE"

143

Child 118, "ROBIN HOOD AND GUY OF GISBORNE"

147

Child 119, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE MONK"

148

Child 120, "ROBIN HOOD'S DEATH"

149

Child 121, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE POTTER"

150

Child 122, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE BUTCHER"

151

Child 123, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE CURTAL FRIAR"

151

Child 124, "THE JOLLY PINDER OF WAKEFIELD"

152

Child 125, "ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN"

152

Child 126, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE TANNER"

153

Child 127, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE TINKER"

153

Child 128, "ROBIN HOOD NEWLY REVTVED"

154

Contents

ix

Child 129, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE PRINCEOF ARAGON"

154

Child 130, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE SCOTCHMAN"

155

Child 131, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE RANGER"

156

Child 132, "THE BOLD PEDLAR AND ROBIN HOOD"

156

Child 133, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE BEGGAR", 1

156

Child 134, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE BEGGAR", 2

157

Child 135, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE SHEPHERD"

158

Child 136, "ROBIN HOODS DELIGHT" (ROBIN HOOD, JOHN, SCARLOCK AND THREE KEEPERS") Child 137, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE PEDLARS"

158 159

Child 138, "ROBIN HOOD AND ALLEN A DALE"

159

Child 139, "ROBIN HOOD'S PROGRESS TO NOTTINGHAM"

160

Child 140, "ROBIN HOOD RESCUING THREE SQUIRES"

160

Child 141, "ROBIN HOOD RESCUING WILL STUTLEY"

161

Child 142, "LITTLE JOHN A BEGGING"

161

Child 143, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE BISHOP"

162

Child 144, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE BISHOP OFHEREFORD"

162

Child 145, "ROBIN HOOD AND QUEEN KATHERINE"

163

Child 146, "ROBIN HOOD S CHASE"

164

Child 147, "ROBIN HOOD S GOLDEN PRIZE"

164

Child 148, "THE NOBLE FISHERMAN.OR ROBIN HOOD'S PREFERMENT"

165

Child 149, "ROBIN HOOD S BIRTH, BREEDING, VALOR AND MARRIAGE"

165

Child 150, "ROBIN HOOD AND MAID MARIAN"

166

Child 151, "THE KING S DISGUISE, AND FRIENDSHIPWITH ROBIN HOOD"

166

Child 152, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE GOLDEN ARROW"

167

Child 153, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE VALIANTKNIGHT"

168

Child 154, "A TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD"

168

Child 155, "SIRHUGHANDTHEJEW'SDAUGHTER"

169

Child 156, "QUEEN ELEANOR'S CONFESSION"

170

Child 157, "GUDE WALLACE"

170

Child 158, "HUGH SPENCERS FEATS IN FRANCE"

171

Child 159, "DURHAMHELD"

172

Child 160, "THEKNIGHTOFLIDDERSDALE"

172

Child 161, "THE BATTLE OF OTTERBURN"

173

Child 162, "THE HUNTINGOF THE CHEVIOT"

173

Contents Child 163, "THE BATTLE OF HARLAW"

174

Child 164, "KING HENRY HFTH'S CONQUEST OF FRANCE"

174

Child 1 6 5 , " SIR JOHN BUTLER"

175

Child 166, "THE ROSE OF ENGLAND"

175

Child 167, "SIR ANDREW BARTON"

176

Child 168, "FLODDEN HELD"

177

Child 169, "JOHNIE ARMSTRONG"

177

Child 170, "THE DEATH OF QUEEN JANE"

178

Child 171, "THOMAS CROMWELL"

178

Child 172, "MUSSELBURGH FELD"

179

Child 173, "MARY HAMILTON"

179

Child 174, "EARL BOTHWELL"

180

Child 175, "THE RISING IN THE NORTH"

181

Child 176, "NORTHUMBERLAND BETRAYED BY DOUGLAS"

181

Child 177, "THE EARL OF WESTMORELAND"

182

Child 178, "CAPTAIN CAR, OR, EDOM O GORDON"

183

Child 179, "ROOKHOPE RYDE"

183

Child 180, "KING JAMES AND BROWN"

184

Child 181, "THE BONNY EARL OF MURRAY"

184

Child 182, "THE LAIRD O LOGE"

185

Child 183, "WILLIE MACINTOSH"

186

Child 184, "THE LADS OF WAMPHRAY"

186

Child 185, "DICK O THE COW"

186

Child 186, "KINMONT WILLIE"

187

Child 187,"JOCK O THE SIDE"

187

Child 188, "ARCHE O CAWHELD"

188

Child 189, "HOBIE NOBLE"

188

Child 190, "JAMIE TELFER OF THE FAIR DODHEAD"

189

Child 191, "HUGHIE GRAME"

189

Child 192, "THE LOCHMABEN HARPER"

190

Child 193, "THE DEATH OF PARCY REED"

191

Child 194, "THE LAIRD OF WARISTON"

191

Child 195, "LORD MAXWELL'S LAST GOODNIGHT"

192

Child 196, "THE HREOFFRENDRAUGHT"

192

Child 197, "JAMES GRANT"

193

Contents

xi

Child 198, "BONNYJOHNSETON"

193

Child 199, "THE BONNE HOUSEOAIRLIE"

193

Child 200, "THE GYPSY LADDIE"

194

Child 201, "HESSY BELL AND MARY GRAY"

195

Child 202, "THE BATTLE OF PHILIPHAUGH"

195

Child 203, "THE BARON OF BRACKLEY"

195

Child 204, "JAMIE DOUGLAS"

196

Child 205, "LOUDON HILL, OR, DRUMCLOG"

197

Child 206, "BOTHWELL BRIDGE"

197

Child 207, "LORD DELAMERE"

197

Child 208, "LORD DERWENTWATER"

198

Child 209, "GEORDIE"

198

Child 210, "BONNE JAMES CAMPBELL"

199

Child 211, "BEWICK AND GRAHAM"

199

Child 212, "THE DUKE OF ATHOLE'S NURSE"

200

Child 213, "SIR JAMES THE ROSE"

201

Child 214, "THE BRAES O YARROW"

201

Child 215, "RARE WILLE DROWNED IN YARROW, OR, THE WATER O GAMRE" . . . 2 0 3 Child 216, "THE MOTHER'S MAUSON, OR, CLYDE'S WATER"

204

Child 217, "THEBROOMOFCOWDENKNOWS"

204

Child 218, "THE FALSE LOVER WON BACK"

205

Child 219, "THEGARDENER"

205

Child 220, "THE BONNY LASS OF ANGLESEY"

205

Child 221, "KATHARINE JAFFRAY"

206

Child 222, "BONNY BABY LIVINGSTON"

206

Child 223, "EPPE MORRIE".

207

Child 224, "THE LADY OF ARNGOSK"

208

Child 225, "ROB ROY"

208

Child 226, "LIZIE LINDSAY"

208

Child 227, "BONNE LIZE BAILLIE"

209

Child 228, "GLASGOW PEGGIE"

209

Child 229, "EARL CRAWFORD"

210

Child 230, "THE SLAUGHTER OF THE LORD OF MELLERSTAIN"

210

Child 231, "THE EARL OF ERROL"

211

Child 232, "RICHE STORY"

211

xii

Contents Child 233, "ANDREW LAMMIE".

212

Child 234, "CHARLIE MacPHERSON"

212

Child 235, "THE EARL OF ABOYNE"

213

Child 236, "THE LAIRD O DRUM"

213

Child 237, "THE DUKE OF GORDON'S DAUGHTER"

214

Child 238, "GLENLOGIE, OR, JEAN O BETHELNIE"

214

Child 239, "LORD SEATON AND AUCHANACHIE"

215

Child 240, "THE RANTIN LADDIE"

215

Child 241, "THE BARON O LEYS"

216

Child 242, "THE COBLE O CARGILL"

216

Child 243, "JAMES HARRIS" ("THE DAEMON LOVER")

216

Child 244, "JAMES HATLEY"

218

Child 245, "YOUNG ALLAN"

218

Child 246, "REDESDALE AND WISE WILLIAM"

219

Child 247, "LADY ELSPAT"

219

Child 248, "THE GREY COCK, OR, SAW YOU MY FATHER?"

220

Child 249, "AULD MATRONS"

220

Child 250, "HENRY MARTYN"

221

Child 251, "LANG JOHNNY MORE"

221

Child 252, "THE KITCHIE-BOY"

222

Child 253, "THOMAS O YONDERDALE"

223

Child 254, "LORD WILLIAM, OR, LORD LUNDY"

223

Child 255, "WILLIE'S FATAL VISIT"

224

Child 256, "ALISON AND WILLIE"

224

Child 257, "BURD ISABEL AND EARL PATRICK"

225

Child 258, "BROUGHTY WA'S"

225

Child 259, "LORD THOMAS STUART"

225

Child 260, "LORD THOMAS AND LADY MARGARET"

226

Child 261, "LADY ISABEL"

226

Child 262, "LORD LIVINGSTON"

227

Child 263, "THE NEW SLAIN KNIGHT"

227

Child 264, "THE WHITE HSHER"

228

Child 265, "THE KNIGHT'S GHOST"

228

Child 266, "JOHN THOMSON AND THE TÜRK"

228

Child 267, "THE HEIR OF LINNE"

229

Contents

xiii

Child 268, "THETWA KNIGHTS"

230

Child 269, "LADY DIAMOND"

230

Child 270, "THE BARL OF MAR'S DAUGHTER"

231

Child 271, "THE LORD OF LORN AND THE FALSE STEWARD"

231

Child 272, "THE SUFFOLK MIRACLE"

232

Child 273, "KING EDWARD AND A TANNER OF TAMWORTH"

233

Child 274, "OUR GOODMAN"

233

Child 275, "GET UP AND BAR THE DOOR"

234

Child 276, "THE FRIAR IN THE WELL"

234

Child 277, "THE WIFE WRAPT IN WETHER'S SKIN"

234

Child 278, "THE FARMER'S CURST WIFE"

235

Child 279, "THE JOLLY BEGGAR"

235

Child 280, "THE BEGGAR-LADDIE"

235

Child 281, "THE KEACHI THE CREEL"

236

Child 282, "JOCK THE LEG AND THE MERRY MERCHANT"

236

Child 283, "THE CRAFTY FARMER"

237

Child 284, "JOHN DORY"

237

Child 285, "THE GEORGE ALOE AND THE SWEEPSTAKE"

238

Child 286, "THE SWEET TRINITY" ("THE GOLDEN VANITY")

238

Child 287, "CAPTAIN WARD AND THE RAINBOW"

238

Child 288, "THE YOUNG EARL OF ESSEX'S VICTORY OVER THE EMPEROR OFGERMANY"

239

Child 289, "THEMERMAID"

239

Child 290, "THE WYLIE WIFE OF THE HIE TOUN HIE"

239

Child 291, "CHILD OWLET"

240

Child 292, "THE WEST COUNTRY DAMOSEL'S COMPLAINT"

240

Child 293, "JOHN OF HAZELGREEN"

241

Child 294, "DUGALL QUINN"

241

Child 295, "THE BROWN GIRL"

242

Child 296, "WALTER LESLY"

242

Child 297, "EARL ROTHES"

243

Child 298, "YOUNG PEGGY"

243

Child 299, "TROOPER AND MAID"

243

Child 300, "BLANCHEFLOUR AND JELLYFLORICE"

244

Child 301, "THE QUEEN OF SCOTLAND"

244

xiv

Contents

Child302, "YOUNGBEARWELL"

244

Child 303, "THE HOLY NUNNERY"

245

Child 304, "YOUNG RONALD"

245

Child 305, "THE OUTLAW MURRAY"

246

4. Appendix: References to Child ballad-types in Stith Thompson's Motif-Index of Folk-Literature

247

1. Introduction The motif has aroused much interest in both folklore and literary studies. In folklore studies motifs are seen as indicating the spread of genres or types, or as the starting point for establishing cultural or regional features. The question of continuity and change, and also the diachronic and synchronic analysis of texts as to their use of motif, is not only relevant to folklore studies but also important for literary research, where the individual text is the focus of consideration, and specific features of authorship, genre, period and nationality are studied. There is much to be gained from a combination of the fmdings of both disciplines. Motif collections must form here the basis for further research. No study has yet been made however of F.J. Child's collection of English and Scottish ballad-types from the point of view of motif. Stith Thompson cites the Child corpus as one of his sources in his Motif-Index of Folk-Literature (1955-58), but there are very few references to the Child edition and even these relate to bailad variations in other countries, which Child merely mentions in his commentary. • It is not only the lack of adequate Classification of the motifs of the Child ballad-types which has prompted the present motif index to the Child corpus. A new perspective on the motif question has also influenced its structure.^ We shall therefore explain in the following the specific concept of the motif which underlies this Index, and its importance for the lexicographical Classification of motifs. A motif is the abstract representation of an idea which is realized concretely in individual texts. Motifs such a "adultery", "theft" or "disguise" can be presented in a text with various participants, diverse motivation and in different situations. The tension between conceptual potentiality and textual realization inherent in the motif not only constitutes its fascination but also contributes to the problems involved. This influenced the setting up of our motif index. The frequent occurence of a motif as a moveable stock literary de vice, its paradigmatic recurrence, can only be classified in abstract formulation. We thereby move away from its concrete realization in individual texts, its syntagmatic Integration which has to be interpreted separately each time. The task of a motif index is in the first instance to classify the paradigmatic recurrence of a motif, describe its features as a moveable stock literary device and indicate its distribution in the literature. We have not covered the syntagmatic Integration of a motif into individual texts, and it is therefore left to the user to follow his or her own research interests in that area. The thematic content of a motif derives from the components of character, action, locality, object and disposition. The character and action components are functionally related, and can be given differing emphases in a particular motif. Thus in motifs such as See Appendix: References to Child ballad-types in Stith Thompson's Motif-Index of Falk Literature (p. 247-49). We have only mentioned examples which relate to the motif as defined by us. See N. Würzbach, "Theorie und Praxis des Motiv-Begriffs - Überlegungen bei der Erstellung eines Motiv-Index zum Child-Korpus", in: Jahrbuchßr Volksliedforschung 38, 1993.

2

Introduction

"murder", "love against family's wishes" or "rivalry between two men over a woman", the "action" component comes more to the fore than the delineation of characters, whereas the opposite is the case with "character motifs" such as "beggar" or "otherworldly being". Nevertheless, even motifs whose primary component is the character are in an action context, indeed it is this context which makes the realization of the character possible. Motifs defined by locality, too, such as "greenwood", throw Hght on the characters or relate to the action as potential arenas. Similarly, in the case of "object motifs" there is a dose connection between the object and the action context, for example the "ring" (as identification; as marvellous token of fidelity etc). Finally, character and action also come into relief in "disposition motifs", which encompass the experience of the characters, their attitudes and moods ("jealousy", "remorse", "loyalty", "pride", "longing (for lover)" etc). They may also be relevant to the action, especially as in the folk bailad "dispositions" are conveyed through actions and speech. It is clear therefore that character and action are fundamental to the concept of the motif. The possible content components of the motif can be categorized according to "person" (into characters, actions and dispositions), "space" (into localities and objects) and "time" (into courses of action). This clearly recognizable deictic orientation of the motif is the criterion for distinguishing the motif from the related moveable stock literary devices of "theme" and "material". "Themes" do not show any points of deictic orientation (cf the theme of "love" compared to motifs such as "love against family's wishes", "death from love" or "adultery"). On the other hand in material like "Romeo and Juliet or "Bluebeard" the deictic orientation is more precise than in the motif Identifying a motif is invariably an act of Interpretation, so that any final decision may be subject to debate. In defming the thematic content through a formulation, with its concomitant value implications, and in thereby choosing a certain level of abstraction, we are operating within a difficult area spanning the poles of conceptual potentiality and textual realization of the motif. The defmition of the motif which we have taken as our basis requires us to include deictic orientation in our formulations, in order to mark the difference in status between the motif and other moveable stock literary devices. In compiling the motif index of the Child corpus, therefore, we had in certain cases to reformulate existing motif terms ("betrayal" instead of "betrayer"). It was also necessary in some cases to add short supplementary phrases, to underline the nucleus of action in a motif ("otherworldly being, encounter with"; "messenger, sending o f ; "identity, discovery o f ; "ring (as evidence of victory in combat)"). Although it is relatively straightforward to distinguish between motifs and material, it proved more difficult to establish the boundary between motif and theme in the case of motifs of disposition. These have hardly any deictic features, and could therefore equally be classified as themes. Even here, however, the nucleus of action and implied constellation of characters can be highlighted by supplementary phrases: longing (for lover), fidelity (of lovers to each other; beyond the grave). In identifying motifs and including them in the Index we followed certain criteria. We have defined the motif as having a certain degree of importance within human experience and as therefore signalling something out of the ordinary. There is necessarily an element of subjectivity involved in the assessment of this general importance, and a

Introduction

3

decision regarding the status of a motif "in retrospect", so to speak, was not always easy. A further major criterion for the determination of motifs was also their importance within the corpus under investigation. This could be gauged according to the frequency of their occurrence, i.e. their distribution, but this factor did not always coincide with their general importance. So for instance although the motifs "pregnancy", "followers, recruitment o f or "horn signal" occur relatively frequently in Child's folk ballad-types and are therefore included in the Index, their significance in a wider context is debatable. In addition to the above criteria we also took into account the level of universality and popularity of the motifs in the broader field of literature in general. A consideration of these factors, which is only possible on the basis of wide literary experience, brings into play intertextual relationships which go beyond the genre of the folk bailad. Thus even though there are few instances in the Child corpus of motifs such as "eavesdropping", "madness" or "pilgrimage", such motifs have been included in the Index because of their universality and popularity. The predominantly paradigmatic arrangement of our index is intended to allow greater discretion of interpretation in regard to the realization of the motifs in the texts. We have therefore largely eschewed classifications and rank-ordering. In deriving the motifs from the summaries of the ballad-types, we have not given them status within the text as main, secondary or peripheral motifs. Nor does a semantic rank-ordering of motifs on the basis of thematic components seem useful in a motif index, as it was seen to be in a categorization of ballad-types.^ Finally, the categorization of motifs according to deep structure functions, as suggested by C. Bremond,^ besides being too time-consuming to be practicable would also restrict the motifs thus established to a Single text corpus. In Order to do some justice to the syntagmatic integration of the motif and to some extent touch on the individuality of a particular text, we have introduced specifications and subcategorizations of motifs. The level of abstraction of the formulation can thereby be reduced, and the application of the motif in the concrete text can be indicated. Specifications denote the pinpointing of particular differences in thematic content, for which various categories can be used (motif variants), whereas the term subcategorization denotes independent submotifs. The specification of a motif through the systematic differentiation of its meaning content follows from the basic questions "who?", "why?", "in which way?" and "where?". We are thus asking about the actively or passively participating characters, or about their relationship to one other: they may be related, or friends, or lovers. Some examples of specification would be: "murder", specification: "of brother, sister, lover"; "fidelity" (of woman to lover)"; "otherworldly being, encounter with (elves, giant)" etc. Specifications are also orientated towards the reasons for and the aim of an action. In many cases however, the implied and ambiguous motivation of characters in the folk ballad makes it difficult to define precisely the reasons for and aims of an action. On the other hand they See D.G. Engle, A Preliminary Catalogue and Edition of German Folk Ballads: The Test of a Thematic Classification System on 187 Narrative Folksong Types. PHD. Diss. University of California, Los Angeles, 1985. University Microfilms International, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA 3592. See C. Bremond, "A Critique of the M o t i f , in: Todorov, T., French Literary Theory, Cambridge, 1982, 125-46.

4

Introduction

can often be deduced from the outcome of the action: "death from love (out of grief at death of lover)", "suicide (out of remorse)", "trickery (in order to lift curse)" etc. Finally, further details of the action itself are also of interest - we must also ask in what way and where the action takes place, e.g. "murder (by poisoning, drowning)"; "trickery (by making drunk, exchanging clothes)". We introduce a specification only where explanation is needed. The ränge of meaning of a motif and its manifold realizations may suggest specifications, especially in regard to textual variants. Motif specifications are not however suited to encompass all the nuances in the stylistic realizations of a motif. Too many would furthermore restrict the paradigmatic use of the Index, and for this reason not all motifs listed are given specifications. In identifying independent submotifs, i.e. subcategorization as opposed to specification, we followed entirely pragmatic criteria. Whether the meaning variants of a motif were considered to be independent motifs depended on their paradigmatic frequency and level of universality. "Sibling murder", "murder by poisoning" or "crime of passion" were therefore seen as submotifs and given separate entries. "Murder of stepdaughter", "murder by drowning" and "murder in self-defence" are on the other hand listed as specifications under the relevant motif ^ The paradigmatic dimension and the potentiality of the motif are demonstrated in the alphabetical arrangement of the motifs in the Index as separate entities followed by a list of their potential applications, i.e. their specifications as they appear in the ChildCorpus. The syntagmatic dimension is at least indicated in the motif formulations, implying as they do constellations of characters and nuclei of action. Where the motifs are more complex, specifications can point up the relationship between character and action in a particular case (see e.g. the entries under "accusation", "reward" or "otherworldly being"). The meaning of a motif for a particular text can however also be elicited from the summaries of individual ballad-types. Here the listing of motifs in order of their appearance in the course of the text makes clear the basic outline structure of syntagmatic relationships between motifs in the narrative sequence. It also makes it easier to understand the assignment of motifs to particular concrete courses of action. Further, in this way their logical connection within the action can be clarified, whereby it can be seen that certain sequences of events frequently occur. It tums out, for example, that death from love, or murder, is often followed by a revenant (see for instance Child 20 B, 49 B, 74 A, 86 A, 155 A etc), and incest by suicide (see Child 50 A, 52 A). Where there are several variants in the Child corpus, the summaries are on the whole based on the first i.e. the A-version. Since a motif sequence is usually a characteristic of a certain ballad-type, the differences in the variants are mainly to be seen in the formal detail and slight differences of content. Where there are significant deviations in the variants (affecting the motif structure) these are given supplementary annotation, and the letter assigned by Child to the variant is added to the reference in the lexicographical list of motifs. In order to identify motifs as precisely as possible, and to give users the opportunity to look at them in detail, we have tried to include maximum Information in the 5

For further Illustration see paragraph 1.1.

Introduction

5

summaries. Since abrupt leaps and fleeting suggestion are characteristic of folk-ballad style and lead to a wide ränge of possible reception, in some cases we have used a question-mark where the content is unclear, and/or given several formulations. Wherever it seemed helpful to do so, we made use of F.J. Child's commentary to elucidate logical links in the action, with an indication where this was done. Cases are also marked "(?)" or various suggestions given, where a precise assignment of motifs was impossible because the content was unclear. In the alphabetically ordered motif Index all references are first listed under the respective headword without any specification. There follow in brackets the differentiations in the thematic content of the generic motif term, i.e. the specifications, in Order of logical category (Who? Why? In which way?). Reference to semantically related motifs or submotifs is indicated by the sign (~>) for further consultation. In the assignment of motifs to the respective ballad-types following each content summary, alternative formulations have been provided next to certain entries (after an oblique), which describe with equal validity the particular textual unit of meaning. Motifs marked "—>" refer here to formulations contained in specifications, which can also be classed as motifs and are therefore also Hsted in the Index. These may not necessarily be subcategories of the first-mentioned motif (e.g. abduction (by - > otherworldly being); murder (of lover; in ~> revenge)). The form of listing chosen, as with decisions about which motif should be seen as the specification of another, are necessarily subjective. In general, however, in identifying motifs we tended to choose formulations which have a strong action component, in order to emphasize the function of the motif as a structural Clement of the text. So for instance in the case of the motif "otherworldly being" in Child 4, the action-orientated component "abduction" (by otherworldly being) is given precedence and listed as a motif entry. The evaluation of motifs as abstract representations of ideas which can be processed textually in various ways, entails a certain oscillation between potentiality and textual realization. A motif index is mainly concemed with potentiality. It can be no more than a point of departure for the study of the texts and is not intended to anticipate their Interpretation. The function of a motif index is to signpost the paths through a multiform and varied landscape of texts. We hope that in the following Index we have assembled the most important motifs in the Child corpus. At the same time, because it is compiled paradigmatically and restricted to abstract logical differentiations, the Index remains an open repertoire that can be supplemented at any time by an analysis of further ballad corpuses, for example collections of Anglo-American ballads. Simone M. Salz

Natascha Würzbach

6

Introduction

1.1. Illustration of types of motifs, specification and submotifs I.

TYPES of motifs

Li.

Motifs involving a CONSTELLATION OF CHARACTERS and a correspondent NUCLEUS OF ACTION: - combat: C 49 - love against family's wishes: C 65 -murder: C 13 - rescue: C 95

I.ii.

Particular features of character emphasized in a motif (action less specific): - otherworldly being: C 42 - outlaw: C 143 - revenant: C 78 - witch: C 35

I.iii. PLACE and TIME as MOTIFS: - fairyland: C 37 - grave: C 75 - greenwood: C 41 I.iv. DISPOSITION motifs: - jealousy: C 73 -joy:C131 - longing: C 25 - mouming: C 170 - pregnancy: C 6 - sickness: C 84

n.

Distinction between SPECIFICATION of a motif and SUBMOTIFS

Il.i.

SPECIFICATIONS (syntagmatic relation of a motif) (Who? Why? In which way?): murder: -ofenemy: C206 -ofking:C89 - of stepdaughter: C 261 -ofwife: C81 etc. - in self-defence: C 4

Introduction

- in revenge: C 11 etc. - by burying alive: C 20 - by drowning: C 242 - with weapon: C 14 etc. trickery: - disguise: C 17 - lulling to sleep: C 268 - making drunk: C 97 - in Order to catch criminal: C 169 - in Order to conceal adultery: C 274 - in Order to rescue lover from death: C 182 - in Order to win wager: C 246 etc.

n.ii. Independent SUBMOTIFS: murder: - crime of passion: C 73 - infanticide: C 155 - murder by poisoning: C 12 (and some others) trickery: - disguise: C 63 - pretence: C 216 - substitution of lover: C 5

2. Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus abduction ->flight —> release 4, 19, 37 (?), 39,40, 41,46 (?), 62, 89 B, 221 E, 222, 223, 224, 225, 258, 296 (by unwanted lover): 46 (?), 62, 89 B, 221 E, 222, 223, 224, 225, 258, 296 (of woman by otherworldly being(s)): 4, 19, 37, 39, 40, 41 (using magic): 41 abortion 39, 173 C, D, N, I (prevented): 39 (unsuccessful): 173 C, D, N, I accusation —> execution -> pardon 29, 45, 59, 68, 71, 88, 98 C, 124, 126, 131, 136, 145, 152, 154, 158, 165, 171, 191, 194 C, 204, 207, 208, 209, 231, 244, 247, 261, 271, 291 (of infidelity): 29, 59, 191, 194 C, 204 (- to husband): 29, 59, 191, 194 C, 204 (of betrayal): 88 (of foul play in combat): 207 (of high treason): 45, 98 C, 158, 171, 208 (of impotence): 231 (of incest): 261 (of lawbreaking): 124 (ofmurder): 68,71, 165,209 (ofpoaching): 126, 131, 136 (ofrape): 291 (ofrobbery): 145, 154

10

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(of seducing daughter): 71 (Oftheft): 152, 191, 244, 247, 271 (false): 29, 59, 68, 88, 98 C, 126, 191, 194 C, 204, 209 (?), 231, 244, 247, 261, 271, 291 addiction to gambling 267 adultery -> infidelity (oflover / —> rivalry

ofmistress)

29, 30, 42, 59, 80, 81, 82, 108, 156, 173, 191, 194 C, 200, 203, 204, 209 I, J, 235, 241, 243, 266, 274, 297 (by husband): 42, 173, 2091, J, 235,241,297 (by wife): 29, 30, 59, 80, 81, 82, 108, 156, 191, 194 C, 200, 203, 243, 266, 274 (with otherworldly being): 42, 243 (betrayed): 82 (confessed): 156 (supposed): 29, 59, 194 C, 204 anger 28, 43, 54, 64, 76, 87, 96 E, G, III, 112, 118, 145, 146, 148, 152, 156, 158, 204, 207, 235, 240, 254, 275 (at husband's meeting with unaccepted person): 158 (at ill-treatment of mistress by her family): 240 (at infidelity of lover/husband): 28, 235 (at infidelity of wife/mistress): 156 (at lese majeste): 207 (at daughter's love relationship): 254 (at son's love relationship): 87 (atunwantedlover): III (at lover's refusal to share duties of child-rearing): 28 (at another's low regard): 118 (at mistress's rejection): 64, 112 (at wife's request): 54 (at mother sending away mistress): 76 (at opponent's victory in contest): 146

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

(at being outwitted by mistress): 43,112 (at being outwitted by opponent): 145 (at being outwitted by outlaws): 152 (at being outwitted by sister): 96 E, G (at vain search for outiaw): 146 (at slander): 204 (at disrespectful treatment): 275 animal, taiking 4 C-G, 18 C, 26,43, 55, 63 C, E, F, H, 68, 82,96, 114 B, F (?), 204 J, L, 254, 270 (bird): 4 C-G, 26, 43, 55, 63 C, E, F, H, 68, 82, 96, 114 B, F, 204 J, L, 254, 270 (horse): 43 (wild boar): 18 C (falsely accuses wife of adultery): 204 J, L (betrays human being): 68, 82 (bids person take heart): 63 C, E, F, H (consults over possible food): 26 (gives testimony of faith): 55 (fights with human being): 18 C (bears message): 96, 114 B, F, 246, 254 (reports on events): 43 apple, shooting of 116 arson 161, 174, 178, 180, 183, 196, 199, 246 (because of family feud): 183 (prevented): 180 (in revenge): 246 assistance, divine 53 M, 56,79 C, 118, 147 (averting marriage of lover to rival mistress): 53 M (averting punishment of innocent person): 56 (raising dead): 79 C

11

12

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(assuring victory in Single combat): 118 (making voyage possible): 53 M (invoked): 79 C, 118, 147 banishment 98, 108, 115, 116, 117(1), 151, 152, 154, 174, 177, 237, 292 (of lovers for relationship unaccepted by family): 237 (of mistress): 292 (of ouüaws): 115, 116, 117 (1), 151, 152, 154 (of poachers): 116 (ofqueen): 174 (of supposed traitor): 98 C beggar / beggary, life of 17, 66, 107, 133, 134, 140, 142, 157 F, 226 B-H, 237, 241, 242, 260, 267, 279, 280, 292 (disguise as beggar): ~> disguise (because of addiction to gambling): 267 (after banishment by family): 237, 292 (after banishment by lover): 292 (money demanded from beggar): 134 (as penance): 66, 242 bells, marvellous ringing of 84, 155 (as marvellous announcement of death): 84 (at encounter with otherworldly being): 155 betrayal 23, 65, 68, 80, 81, 82, 83 C-F, 114, 116, 119, 157 G, H, 176, 189, 213, 214 M, N, 231 E, 247, 249, 266 (ofinfidelity):81,82 (of Christ): 23 (of enemy's/rival's presence): 266 (of husband/lover): 157 G, H, 213, 214 M, N, 266

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

(of murderer): 68, 157 G, H, 189, 213 (of murderess): 68 (of murder plan): 80, 231 E (ofoutlaw): 116, 119 (of poacher): 114 (of secret love): 65 (of secret meeting of lovers): 247,249 (of secret meeting of mother and son (supposed lovers)): 83 C-F (of traitor): 176 (by (supposed) friend): 23 (by kitchen-boy): 65 (by messenger): 80, 81, 83 C-F, 231 E, 247 (bymonk): 119 (by old woman): 116, 249 (by otherworldly being): 68, 82 (bypilgrim): 114 (by talking animal): 68, 82 (by wife/mistress): 157 G, H, 213, 266 bewitchment ~> cursing -> enchantment —> release (from curse) 4 B, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39, 43 A (?), C, 67 B, C, 270 (2x) (of man by bis mother): 270 (of man by otherworldly being): - (elf): 39 (of man by magician): 35 (of man by mistress): 43 A (?), C (of woman by man): 4 B (of wicked woman by stepchild): 34 B (of woman, child(ren) by wicked stepmother): 31, 32, 34, 36 (lulling to sleep by magic harp): 4 B, 43 A (?), C, 67 B, C (transformation into animal): 36, 270 (2x) (transformation into misshapen woman): 31, 32 (transformation into monster): 34, 35, 36 (in Order to carry out rescue): 270 (in revenge for rejected love): 35 (in Order to gain woman's love): 270

13

14

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

(in Order to gain Submission of woman): 4 B, 67 B, C, 6, 79 (in Order to preserve virginity): 43 a (?)

Bluebeard plot kernel ~> abduction (by unwanted lover) -> murder (ofwife)

birth ~> pregnancy 5, 6, 15, 16, 20, 24 B, 41, 63, 64, 89, 90 (?), 91, 101, 102, 103, 104, 113, 170, 173, 217, 231,237, 257, 264, 270, 301 (with fatal outcome for woman): 15, 16, 91, 102 B, 170 (marvellous - inscription on newbom baby's skin testifies to identity of father): 5 (prevented by cursing): 6 (secret): 102, 173

bridal quest —> courtship 1, 5, 7, 8 C, 10 B-F, H-J, N, O, Q, V, W, Y, 11, 14, 24, 33,46, 47, 60 (2x), 61, 62, 65, 66, 67, 89, 91, 101, 105, 107, 108, 109, 149, 214 J-L, S, 219, 221, 226 B-H, 227, 232, 234, 236, 243, 253, 259, 262, 270, 271, 272, 280, 294, 302, 304 (by harp-playing): 60, 67 (of otherworldly being): 1 C, 33 - (giant Courts giantess): 33 (of several suitors): 11 K, 65, 66, 89, 214 J-L, S, 226 D, E, 253, 262, 302 (of unwanted suitor): 11 K, 14,46, 105, 232, 270, 302

bride, test of -> suitor, test of

1,2 (Performance of task as condition for marriage / relationship): 1 (solving of riddles as condition for marriage / relationship): 2

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

15

burial —> rose and briar 4 D, 7 B, C, I, 15 B, 16, 24, 26,49, 50, 64, 73, 74, 75, 76, 85, 87, 102 B, 120 B, 139, 154, 190, 229 B, 235, 242 captivity ~> servitude, nobleman in 8, 18, 39, 41, 53, 59 C, 72, 89, 94, 99, 100, 104, 117 (6), 118, 141, 159, 161, 180 (2x), 182, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 194 C, 244, 246, 247, 251, 265, 284, 288, 291 (of man/men): 39, 53, 72, 94, 117 (6), 118, 141, 159, 180, 186, 187, 190, 244, 246, 247, 251,265, 284, 291 - (of daughter's lover(s)): 53 C, M, 72, 247 - (of innocent): 94, 244, 291 - (of supposed rival lover): 94, 291 - (of supposed thief): 244 -(ofking): 100, 159 - (of murderer): 187, 188, 189 (?) -(ofoutlaw): 117(6), 118, 141 - (of pirates): 284 (?) - (of robber): 186, 189 (?), 190 -(ofsoldier): 161 - (of Emperor's son): 288 -(oftraitor): 180 (of woman): 8, 18, 41, 59 C, 89, 99, 104, 194 C, 251 - (of innocent): 59 C - (of supposed adulteress): 59 C - (of murderess): 194 C - (of queen): 89 (in combat): 159, 161, 284, 288 (in Order to prevent betrayal of plan): 246 (in Order to force love relationship): 41 (?), 104 (because of love relationship unaccepted by fanüly): 53 C, M, 72, 99, 251 (in Order to prevent meeting with lover): 8 (at hands of otherworldly being): 18, 19, 39,41 (?) (as punishment for bringing bad news): 265 cock's crow 79, 248, 255

16

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(announces moment of parting): 79 (causes Separation of lovers): 248, 255 combat 7, 8, 18, 30, 31, 48, 49, 60, 61, 70, 71, 80, 81, 83, 92 B, 99, 103, 107, 108, 109, 114, 117 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123 B, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135 (2x), 136, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 145, 146, 148, 149, 151, 152, 153, 154, 157, 158, 159, 161, 162, 163, 164, 166, 167, 168, 169, 172, 175, 178, 179, 184, 185, 190, 191, 193, 198, 202, 203, 205, 206, 207, 211, 214, 220, 221, 223, 225 J, L, 244, 245, 249, 250, 262, 266,282, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 304, 305

116, 129, 150, 177, 222,

(against mistress' abductor): 222 (against mistress's/wife's brothers): 7 B-F, I, 8 C, 71, 214 (between beggar and outlaws): 134 (between Citizens and outlaw(s)): 8 B, 130, 134, 137, 139, 142 (clash of armies): ~> war (between criminals and representative(s) of authority): 116 (2x), 117 (4, 5, 6), 119, 124, 133, 136, 140, 141, 149, 153, 154, 157, 169, 193 - (between murderer and representatives of authority): 157 - (between outlaw(s) and representative(s) of authority): 116 (2x), 117 (4, 5, 6), 119, 124, 133, 136, 140, 141, 149, 153, 154 (between two enemies): —> Single combat (against hostile family): 203 (?) (between man and woman): 103 (for mistress/wife): 7, 8, 60, 70, 71, 99, 214, 221, 222, 249, 304 (against pirates): 284 (?), 285, 287 (against pursuers): 191 E (against slanderer): 191 (sporting contest): ~ > contest (between victim(s) and thieves/robbers): 178, 179, 184, 190, 282 (between woman and robber): 178 (between woman and unwanted lover): 178 (against would-be murderers): 80 (using magic): 60 (for money/possessions): 134, 135, 137, 142 B, 178, 190,282 (one against many): 7, 8, 70, 71, 80, 114, 119, 124, 134, 139, 142, 157, 158, 178, 191, 193,214,249, 282 - (successful): 7, 8, 70, 71, 80, 114, 124, 134, 139, 157, 158, 249, 282 - (unsuccessful): 119, 178, 191, 193, 214 (prevented): 31, 127, 128 (at sea): 284, 285, 287 (weaker submit): 124, 136, 305

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

17

commission 23, 25, 58, 59, 60, 65, 66, 72 C, 73 C, E, F, H, 75 I, 83, 84, 87, 90, 91, 96, 98 C, 99, 109, 114, 129, 141, 145, 158, 164, 166, 169 B, 175, 176, 177, 181, 208, 209 B-D, F-J, 214 J, 221 B, D, F, K, 222, 229, 235 B, 238 I, 240, 246, 251, 253, 254, 271, 305 (to apprehend someone): 181 (to buy food): 23 (to care for someone): 271 (to carry news): - > messenger, sending of (to report on course of war): ~> messenger, sending of (to report on Situation of prisoner): 141 (to undertake voyage): 58 (ignored): 181,271

confession 4 D, 5 E-G, 13, 51, 57, 88, 90, 104 B, 180, 182 D, 209 J, 244 (of false accusation): 244 (of high treason): 180 (of humiliation of woman): 209 J (ofincest): 51,57 (of loss of virginity): 5 E-G (of murder): 4 D, 13, 51, 88, 90, 104 B, 209 J (ofrape): 209 J (?) (of rescue of prisoner): 182 D (of theft): 244

confession to priest ~> confession 4 D , 59, 116, 156 (of false accusation): 59 (of infidelity to husband): 156 (of murder by poisoning): 156

conspiracy 80, 89, 93, 117 (8), 174, 191, 193, 194, 203, 207 (against critics of king): 207

18

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(with devil): ~> devil, pact with (against husband): 80, 191, 194, 203 (against king): 89, 174 (against unjust master): 93 (against representative of authority): 193 (against Robin Hood): 117 (8) consultation 26, 175, 192, 271 (over possible food): 26 (over necessity of Waging war): 175 (over perpetration of theft): 192 (over sentence to be carried out): 271 contest 107, 116, 117 (2, 3, 5, 7, 8), 118, 119, 120, 121, 139, 145, 146, 151, 152, 220, 245 (archery): 116, 117(3,5,7, 8), 118, 119, 120, 121,139, 145, 146, 151, 152 - (shooting apple off someone's head): ~> apple, shooting of (dancing): 220 (football game): 107 (sailing): 245 (wrestling): 117(2) courtship ~> bridal quest 4 C-E, 35, 44, 59, 98, 104, 111, 112, 173, 199, 200, 238, 246, 252, 268, 276, 291, 301 (by harp-playing): 67 (by singing): 200 (by unwanted lover): 4 D, 44, 59, 98, 104, 111, 112, 199, 246, 268, 276 - > love, rejected (by unwanted mistress): 35, 238, 252, 291, 301 - > love, rejected

crime of passion 10 B-I, M-R, V, W, Y, 30, 66, 73, 81, 82, 83, 89, 90 D, 174, 200 (?), 242, 261 (on brother): 66 (on lover): 242

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

19

(on mistress): 90 B, C (on rival lover): 30, 81, 82, 89, 90 D, 174, 200 (?) (on rival mistress): 10 B-I, M-R, U-W, Y, 73 (on sister): —> sibling murder (on stepdaughter): 261 (on wife): 81 (by drowning): 10 B-I, M-R, V, W, Y, 242 (with weapon): 30, 66, 68, 73, 81, 82, 83, 89, 90 B-D cursing -> bewitchment 6, 70, 79, 215 D-G, 216, 257 (daughter curses father): 70 (woman curses daughter-in-law): 6 (woman curses son): 215 D-G (of sea): 79 (ofself): 257 (leads to death): 215 D-G, 216, 256, 257 - (leads to drowning in river): 215 D-G, 216 (prevents birth): 6 death ~> execution -> killing, unintentional —> murder —> Single combat (with fatal —> suicide

outcome)

7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21, 26, 30, 42, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 58, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 (2x), 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 97 B, C, 102 B, 104 B, 106, 115, 117 (8), 118, 120, 139, 153, 154, 155, 159, 160, 161, 162, 165, 166, 168, 169, 170, 173, 174, 177, 178, 181, 185 (?), 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 193, 194, 195, 196, 198, 199, 201, 203, 204 D, N, 206, 207, 209 J, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 222 B-D, 229 (2x), 230, 233, 235, 239, 242, 243, 250, 252 E, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 265, 269, 272, 278, 287, 289, 292 (of child/children): 15, 49, 72, 79, 93, 211 (offriend):211

20

Motif Index oftheChildBallad Corpus

(of husband/lover): 7, 18, 26, 49 B-D, 58, 69, 70, 72, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 C. E-H, 84, 85, 87, 92, 97 B, 160, 168, 181, 196, 198, 203, 210, 214, 215, 216, 222 B-D, 230, 233, 239, 243, 256, 258, 259, 262, 265, 269, 272, 292 (ofking): 168, 169 (ofmurderess): 20 O, 68 (ofparents): 72 C (ofqueen): 170 (of soldiers): 168, 198, 206, 287 (ofson):215D-F (of wife/mistress): 15, 16, 50, 52, 64, 65, 66, 67 B, C, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 84, 91, 92, 93, 102 B, 204 D, N, 216, 222 B-D, 229, 233, 235, 239, 292 (as i-esult of bewitchment): 215 D-F (atbirth): 15, 16, 64,91 (in combat): 7, 48, 49, 83, 120, 161, 177, 185 (?), 190, 198, 203, 207, 211, 250, 262, 265 (?)

(as result of cursing): 215 D-F, 216, 257 (bydrowning):215,216, 258 (through execution): ~> execution (from love): ~> death front love (out of grief at death of child(ren)): 49 E, F, 72 C, 83 D, E (through murder): - > murder (out of remorse for murder): 20 O, 83 D, E (?) (out of remorse for treatment of daughter): 48 (in shipwreck): 58, 76 D, E, 243 B-G, 289 (due to sickness): 201, 259 (because of slander): 204 D, N (out of grief at refusal of reconciliation): 48 (through suicide): - > suicide (because of violation): 67 B, C (in war): 168, 287 (personified -): ~> ghost, revenant death from love ~> fidelity in love (to lover/mistress) —> suicide 1 B-D, I, 26, 52 (?), 64, 65, 66 B, 67, 70, 72 C, 73, 74, 75 (2x), 76 (2x), 77, 83 D, E, 84, 85, 87, 92 (2x), 214, 222 B-D (2x), 229 (2x), 233 (2x), 235, 239 (2x), 243, 256 (2x), 262, 269, 272 (2x), 292 (out of grief at death of husband/lover): 7 B-D, I, 26, 70, 72 C (2x), 77, 78 B, 85, 87, 214, 256,262, 269, 272

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

21

(out of grief at death of wife/mistress): 52, 67, 73 E-G, I, 74, 75, 76, 83 D, E, 92, 222 BD, 229, 233, 239,292 (out of grief at infidelity of husband/lover): 74, 235 (out of longing for husband/lover): 64, 75, 76, 84, 92, 222 B-D, 233, 239 (out of longing for wife/mistress): 84, 85 B, 243, 256, 272 (out of remorse for treatment of lover): - (for rejection of love): 84, 256 (out of remorse for treatment of mistress): - (for infidelity to mistress): 73 E-G, I, 74 - (out of remorse for rejection of love): 292 (announced): 229 deliverance from curse 6 devil, pact with 39, 194,243 E-G ~> otherworldly being (encounter with -) disguise -> identity, discovery oftrue -> pretence 17, 30, 45, 60, 63, 83 B-F, 97, 103, 106, 107, 117 (7), 118, 121, 122, 129, 133, 138, 140, 142, 143, 144, 147, 150, 151, 152, 156, 157 F-H, 187, 212 B-F, 226 B-H, 232 F, G, 241, 252,254 B, 263, 266, 271, 279, 280, 303 (as beggar): 17, 107, 133, 140, 142, 157 F, G, 226 B-H, 241, 279, 280 (as butcher): 122 (as com merchant(s)): 187 (as harper(s)): 60, 138 (of man as woman): 83 B-F, 97, 143, 157 G, H, 212 B-F, 254 B, 303 (with mask): 252 B-E, 263 (as monk): 156 (as nobleman): 271 (as pilgrim): 30, 129, 266 (as poor man): 232 F, G (as potter): 121 (as priest): 45, 117 (7), 147, 151 (as shepherd(s)): 144

22

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

(of woman as man): 63, 103, 106, 143, 150 (asyeoman): 118 (in Order to accompany lover): 63, 103 (in Order to accompany mistress): 254 B (in Order to arrange lovers' meeting): 107 (in Order to attend wedding): 138 (in Order to avoid capture): 60, 97, 122, 129, 133, 143, 147, 157 G-H, 266 (in Order to confront supposed rival lover unrecognized): 83 B-F (in Order to eam one's living): 106 (in Order to evade enemy): 212 B-F (in Order to gain social advantage): 271 (in Order to go begging): 142 (in Order to hear wife's confession): 156 (in Order to meet lover): 150 (in Order to meet mistress): 303 (in Order to meet Robin Hood): 117 (7), 151 (in Order to outwit representatives of authority): 144 (in Order to participate incognito in contest): 121, 152 (in Order to perform task in place of brother): 45 (in Order to prevent recognition as married man): 241 (in Order to put fidelity of wife/mistress to the test): 17, 226 B-H, 232 F, G, 252, 263, 279, 280 - > love, test of (in Order to rescue prisoner from death): 118, 140, 187 disloyalty 180, 271,305 (toking): 180,305 (to master): 271 disowning —> humiliation 292

drawing lots —> trial by ordeal (drawing

lots)

5, 24, 57, 89, 250 (for one who is to perform a task): 5, 89, 250 (to establish guilty man/woman): 24, 57

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

23

dream ~> premonition, dreadful 59, 69 D, E, 73 G, 76 (2x), 88 B-E, 101 B-D, 102, 118, 161 C, 165, 178, 189, 214, 215 C, 216, 253, 259, 262, 281 C, D, 293 D (awakens longing for lover): 76, 101 B-D, 293 D (awakens longing for mistress): 73 G, 76, 101 B-D, 253, 293 D (as dreadful premonition): 59, 69 D, E, 73 G, 76, 88 B-E, 102, 118, 161 C, 165, 178, 189, 214, 215 C, 216, 259, 262, 281 C, D (awakens remorse for infidelity to mistress): 253 eavesdropping ~> watching

30,43 C, F, 62, 81, 83, 92, 98 C, 102 B, 108, 247, 253, 271, 293

execution 10 R, S, Y, 14 E, 22, 36, 45, 59, 65, 67 B, C, 68, 72, 81 E, 93, 94, 95, 97 B, 100, 102, 116, 118, 133, 141, 158, 168, 169, 171 (?), 173, 174, 178 G, 184, 188, 189, 191, 194,200 A (?), C, G, 208, 209, 213, 244, 249, 251, 266, 269, 271, 291 (of daughter for unaccepted relationship): 65 (of daughter's lover): 72, 100, 102, 269 (ofdeceiver):271 (ofking): 174 (of innocent man): 94, 209 (?), 244, 291 - (of supposed rival lover): 94, 291 - (of supposed thief): 191, 244 (of martyr): 22 (of murderer): 10 R, S, Y, 14 E, 81 E, 93, 97 B, 178 G, 209 (?), 213 (of murderess): 68, 93, 173, 194 (ofoutlaws): 118 (of rival lover): 67 B, C, 200 (A (?), C, G), 266 (ofrobber(s)): 169 B,C, 178 G (of thief): 184 (of traitor): 45, 171, 208 (of traitress): 249 (of wife for adultery): 266 (of wife for supposed adultery): 59 (of wife for bewitching stepchildren): 36

24

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(of wife for criticism): 168 (prevented): 95, 116, 118, 133, 141, 188, 209, 244, 251 (threatened): 10 Y, 14 E, 45, 59, 97 B, 100, 102, 158, 168, 169, 171, 244, 249 exposure 10,21,29, 68, 86, 155 C, N,T, 231 (ofliar): 29, 231 (of murderer): 86 (of murderess): 10, 21, 68, 155 C, N, T (by Christ): 21 (by otherworldly being): 10 N, P, Q, 86 (by marvellous musical instrument): 10 (through trial by ordeal): 68 fairyland -> otherworldly being (mortal's joumey into -): 37, 38 female soldier ~> disguise (woman as man) -> Single combat (between woman and man) festivity ->joy 119, 125, 131, 149 (2x), 187B,C,203 family feud

165 (?), 183, 196, 197, 199, 203 (?)

fldelity 7 B-F, I, 25 E, 26, 53 C, E, K, 62, 63, 64, 65, 69, 70, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 85, 87, 88, 92, 105, 109, 110, 119, 196, 215 C, 218, 232, 238, 252, 263, 264, 270, 272, 280, 292, 293, 294, 302

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

25

(tofriend): 119, 196 (to husband/lover; wife/mistress): ~> fidelity in love (feigned): ~> infidelity fidelity in love ~> death from love —> infidelity 7 B-F, I, 25 E, 26, 53 C, E, K, 62, 63, 64, 65, 69, 70, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 85, 87, 88, 105, 109, 110, 215 C, 218, 232, 238, 252, 263, 264, 270, 272, 280, 292, 293, 294, 302 (of lovers to each other): 7 B, C, I, 64, 73, 74, 75, 76, 85, 87 (of man to mistress): 53 C, E, K, 78, 105, 252, 264, 272 (of woman to husband/lover): 25 E, 26, 62, 63, 65, 69, 70, 88, 109, 110, 215 C, 218, 232, 238, 263, 270, 280, 293, 294, 302 (beyond the grave): 7 B, C, I, 26,64, 69, 70, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 85, 87, 215 C, 272 (symbolized by rose and briar): ~> rose and briar (sworn): 69, 215 C flight ~> pursuit —> search 7, 8, 118, 186, 298,

9, 15, 24, 41, 60, 64 B, C, 88 B, 97, 99, 101, 102, 103 B, C, 108, 116, 117(4, 5, 8), 119, 120, 134, 141, 146, 147, 151, 154, 157 G, H, 164, 172, 177, 182, 184, 185, 188, 191 E (2x), 195, 197, 200, 209 J, 221, 226 B-H (?), 227 (?), 228, 252, 258, 296, 302

(of army from enemy in combat): 154, 164 (of captive from prison): 191 E (of Citizens from outlaw(s)): 116, 117 (8), 147, 151

(of criminal(s) from representative(s) of authority / from punishment): 88 B, 117 (5), 119, 146, 157 G, H, 186, 188, 195, 209 J, 302 - (of murderer(s)): 88 B, 157 G, H, 188, 195, 209 J -(of robbers): 186 - (of outlaws): 117 (5), 119, 146 (of exile from punishment): 177 (of lover unaccepted by family): 99, 252 (of lovers): 7 (2x), 8, 9, 15, 24, 64 B, C, 97, 101, 102, 108, 182, 221, 226 B-H, 227 (?), 228, 298

26

Motif Index oftheChild Bailad Corpus

(of innocent man from captivity): 191 E (of man/men from enemy in combat): 60, 134, 154, 164, 172, 185 (of man from members of hostile family): 197 (of outlaws from beggar): 134 (of representatives of authority from outlaws): 117 (4), 118, 141, 154 (of Robin Hood from murderer): 120 (of thief from pursuers): 184 (of woman from abductor(s)): 41, 258, 296 (of woman from husband): 200 (of woman/women from wicked stepmother): 103 B, C, 141 (successful): 8, 64 B, C, 88 B, 97, 99, 101, 119, 157 G, H, 177, 182, 186, 188, 191 E, 197; 209 J, 221, 258, 296, 298 (unsuccessful): 97 B, 120 followers, recruitment of —>

reconciliation

117 (3) (2x), 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128 (2x), 130 B, 131, 133, 149, 151 ghost (encounter with-) 10 N, P, Q, V, 20 B-F, H-O, Q, 47, 49 B, C, 54 B, C, 57, 69 G, 73 E, F, I, 74, 75 I, 77, 78, 79, 86, 155, 243, 255, 261, 265, 272 (angels): 54 B, C (Christ): 79 C (corpse, talking): 86, 155 (Death): 75 I (revenant(s)): 10 N, P, Q, V, 20 B-F, H-O, Q, 47, 49 B, C, 69 G, 73, E, F, I, 74, 77, 78, 79, 86, 155,243,261,265, 272 (Virgin Mary): 57 (asks back troth-plight): 77 (announce birth of Christ): 54 B, C (appears to tHjfaithful lover): 73 E, F, 1,74 (brings woman baci to life): 79 C (carries off mistress on horse-back): 272 (conjured up by bereaved): 49 B, C (demands keeping of troth-plight): 243 (gives advice): 261 (exposes murder): 10 N, P, Q, 86, 155 C, N, T

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

27

(foretells death of person addressed): 75 I (foretells future): 265 (kills man for meeting mistress at night): 255 (punishes pride): 47 (takes leave of bereaved): 79, 155, 265 (teils bereaved to cease mouming): 49 C, 69 G, 78 (threatens consignment to hell): 20 B-F, H-O, Q (wishes lovers joy): 74 greenwood 5, 8, 14, 16, 18, 31, 37, 39, 41, 52, 64 F, 83, 90, 97, 98, 101, 102, 103, 114, 115, 116, 117 (1, 3, 6, 7, 8), 118, 119, 121, 122, 123 B, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130 B, 131, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142 B, 143, 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 193, 214 N, 233, 252, 266, 273, 282, 292, 298 (as place of banishment): 98, 115, 116, 117 (1, 3, 6, 7, 8), 118, 119, 121, 122, 123 B, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, BOB, 131, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142 B, 143, 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 292 - (for outlaws): 115, 116, 117 (1, 3, 6, 7, 8), 118, 119, 121, 122, 123 B, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130 B, 131, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142 B, 143, 144, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154 - (for woman): 292 (as scene of birth): 16, 64 F, 102, 103 (as scene of combat): 8, 83, 103, 117 (7), 118, 119, 121, 122, 125, 126, 127, 130, 134, 135, 136, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 193, 214 N, 266, 282 (as scene of encounter with enemy): 31 (as scene of encounter with lover/violator (?)): 5, 52 (as scene of encounter with murderer): 14 (as scene of encounter with otherworldly being): 18, 37, 41 (?) (as scene of hunting or poaching): 114, 115, 117 (7), 123 B, 127, 128, 129, 131, 137, 144, 149, 193, 273 (as secret meeting-place of lovers): 8, 16, 39, 90, 101, 233, 252 grief ~> madness 1 B-D, I, 15, 16, 18, 26, 36, 40, 41 C, 48, 49 C-F, 50, 52, 53 B-E, H, M, N, 58, 62, 64 F, 65, 66 B (?), 67, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 83, 85, 87, 91, 92, 93, 97 B, 102 B, 103 C, 104, 106, 108, 109, 113, 116, 117 (1), 138, 160, 161, 162, 168, 170, 173, 178, 180, 181, 182, 190, 194 C, 196, 199, 204, 209 J, 210, 211, 214, 215 D-H, 222, 229, 230, 233, 234 B, 235, 239, 240, 243, 253, 256, 259, 262, 269, 271, 272, 287, 289, 292

28

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

(at someone's death): 7 B-D, I, 15, 16, 18, 26, 49 C-F, 50, 52, 58, 64 F, 65, 66 B (?), 67, 69, 70, 72 C, 73, 74, 75, 76 B, 78, 87, 92, 93, 97 B, 102 B, 116, 160, 161, 162, 168, 170, 178, 181, 190, 194 C, 196, 209 J, 210, 211,214, 215 D-H, 222 B-D, 229, 230, 233, 235, 239, 243, 256, 259, 262, 269, 272, 287, 292 - (at death of brother): 49 D - (at death of child(ren)): 15, 49 F, 72, 93, 178, 211 -(at death öffnend): 211 - (at death of husband/lover): 7 B-D, I, 18 (?), 26, 49 C, 58, 69, 70, 72 C, 77, 78 C, E-H, 85, 87, 97 B, 160, 168, 181 (?), 196, 210, 214, 215 D-H, 230, 243, 256, 259, 262, 269, 272 - (at death of queen): 170 - (at death of wife/mistress): 15, 16, 50, 52, 64 F, 65, 66 B, 67 B, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 83, 91, "92, 93, 102 B, 178, 222 B-D, 229, 233, 235, 239, 292 - (at death of soldier(s)): 116, 161, 162, 287 - (at execution of murderess): 194 C - (over lover condemned to death): 182 (at fate): 36,40,41 C, 53 B-E, H, M, N, 62, 103 C, 106, 117 (1), 138, 173, 180, 199, 204, 222, 253, 271, 289 (at ill-treatment by lover): 104 (at ill-treatment of mistress by her family): 240 (at imminent marriage between mistress and rival): 109 (at infidelity of husband/lover): 74, 235 (at infidelity of mistress): 108 (at rejected love): 292 (at marriage between mistress and rival): 234 B (at Separation from lover): 92, 108

(and death): ~> death from love (out ofgrief) (and suicide): - > suicide (out ofgrief) Griseldis plot kernet —> humiliation ofwoman by man guarding 281 (of woman): 281 (in Order to prevent meeting with lover): 281

harp-playing 60, 67, 192, 302

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

29

(bridal quest by -): 60, 67

help 1 C, 2 I, 3, 6, 9, 10, 14 E, 18 C, D, 19, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39, 43, 45, 53 C, M, 56, 65, 72, 79 C, 88 B-E, 89, 95, 98, 103, 107, 109, 116, 117 (1, 2, 6, 7), 118, 119, 121, 122, 123, 127, 133, 135, 136, 138, 140, 141, 143, 144, 147, 153, 154, 161, 166, 173 E, F, 175, 177, 178, 182, 184, 186, 187, 188, 190, 191, 193, 196, 202, 209, 212 B-F, 217, 221, 222, 223, 240, 241, 244, 245, 249, 251, 254, 260, 261, 266, 267, 270, 271, 278, 281, 282, 286, 288, 290, 301,305

(advice): 6,43, 53 C, M, 202 (assistance in carrying out rescue): 270 (assistance in combat): 109, 117 (2), 123, 127, 133, 135, 138, 140, 153, 161, 175, 184, 190, 193, 249, 266, 282, 305 - (assistance in combat for mistress): 109, 138 - (assistance in war): 161, 175, 305 (assistance in theft): 184 (assistance in robbery): 122 (establishing contact with mistress): 107 (exchanging clothes): 143 (through magic): 270 (lending money): 117 (1) (midwifery): 103 (plea for niercy): 182 B-D (plea for innocent person): 244 (prevention of marriage between mistress and rival): 53 C, M (protection from pursuers): 88 B-E, 143, 177, 212 B-F (solving of riddles): 31,45 (rescue): ~> rescue (assistance with trickery): 281 (making voyage possible): 53 M (from God): ~> assistance, divine (from magician): 6, 43 (from otherworldly being): 43, 53 C, M (invoked): 118, 147 (refused by person asked for help): 10, 88 B-E, 95, 190, 193, 196 (refused by person in need): 109, 161 (summoned): 103, 116, 122, 123, 127, 133, 135, 136, 140, 144, 153, 222, 249, 266, 282 (unsuccessful): 65, 72, 178, 191,288

30

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

high treason 45, 98 C, 140, 171, 175, 180, 305 (accusation of high treason): - > accusation (ofhigh treason) (false accusation of high treason): 98 C (confession of -): 180 horn Signal 4, 18, 99 B-D, G, J, 103, 117 (7), 118, 120 B, 121, 122, 123, 125, 126, 127, 129, 131, 133, 135, 136, 138, 140, 144, 149, 151, 153, 178, 249, 266, 273, 279, 282 (ofelf):4 (calls wild animal): 18 C, D (summons follower(s)): 117 (7), 120 B, 121, 122, 123, 125, 126, 127, 129, 131, 133, 135, 136, 138, 140, 144, 149, 151, 153, 178, 266, 273, 279, 282 (summons help): 103, 122, 123, 127, 133, 135, 136, 140, 144, 153, 249,266, 282 (awakens longing for love relationship): 4 (proclaims victory in combat): 99 B-D, G, J, 118 horse theft 4 C-G, 9, 184, 185, 192, 209 F, G, J humiliation 5 (?), 44,48, 50 (?), 52, 62, 63, 104, 110, 111, 117 (3), 134, 143, 144, 148, 152, 164, 194, 209 J, 217 (?), 222 B, 223, 225 J, L, 233, 240, 260, 290, 292, 295 (of one king by another): 164 (of loser in combat): 134 (of man by woman): 295 (of outwitted opponents): 117 (3), 152 (of representative(s) of authority by outlaws): 117 (3), 143, 144, 152 (of Robin Hood): 148 (of woman by family members): 233, 240 (of woman by friends): 240 (of woman by man): 5 (?), 44, 48, 50 (?), 52, 62, 63, 104, 110, III, 194, 209 J, 217 (?), 222 B, 223, 225 J, L, 260, 290, 292, 295 (by banishment): 292 (by chasing away): 260, 292 (by contempt): 233, 240

Motif Index oftheChildBallad Corpus

31

(by demanding degrading services): 62, 63 (by disowning): 260 (by disrespect): 48, 62, 63, 110 (by mockery): —> mockery (by physical injury): 209 J, 233 (by rape): ~> rape (by rejection because of colour of skin): 295 (by undressing): 48 identity, discovery of true —> disguise —> love, test of -> pretence —> reunion, unexpected 5, 14, 17, 21, 47, 50, 52, 60, 62, 89, 90, 101 B, 103, 105, 107, 110, 117 (7), 118, 122, 126, 128, 129, 132, 138, 140, 143, 144, 145, 150, 151, 156, 157, 167, 226 B-H, 228, 241, 252, 263, 266, 271, 273, 279, 280, 282, 283, 293, 294 (of captive): 143 (ofcompanion): 122,282, 283 (of interlocutor): 17, 21, 47, 105, 117 (7), 129, 156, 157, 263, 266, 271, 282, 283, 293 (of king by subject): 117 (7), 151, 273 (of lover): 5, 14, 50, 52, 62, 101 B, 226 B-H, 228, 241, 252, 271, 279, 280, 294 (of mistress): 110 (of murderer): 14 (ofopponent): 103, 118, 126, 128, 132, 144, 150, 167 (of seif): 89, 90 ~> origin, unicnown (of suitor): 14, 60

incest ~> accusation (false, of incest) —> identity, discovery oftrue (of lover) 16, 50,51,52, 57 infanticide 20, 21, 87, 90 D (?), 93, 155, 173, 178, 209 J, 264, 271 (man murders child(ren)): 90 D (?), 93, 178, 209 J (woman murders child(ren)): 20, 21, 87, 93, 155, 173

32

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

(out ofgreed): 209 J, 271 (in Order to prevent discovery of love relationship): 20 D-F, H, I, N, O, 90 D, 173 (out of racial hatred): 155 (?) (in revenge): 87, 93 (motive unclear): 20 A, 21, 155 (prevented): 264, 271

infidelity ~> disloyalty -> fidelity 5, 17, 23, 28, 30, 42, 53, 62, 68, 73, 74, 80, 81, 82, 94, 108, 156, 173, 191, 200, 203, 209 I, J, 212 B-F, 217, 218, 235, 241, 242, 253 (2x), 257, 266, 274, 295 B, 297 (of friend): 23 (to husband/wife): ~> adultery (of lover): 28, 53, 62, 68, 73, 74, 212 B-F, 217, 218, 242, 253, 257, 295 B (ofmistress): 17, 108 (supposed): 5, 59, 94 (temporary): 217

inheritance, dividing up of 11, 12, 13,92, 198, 208, 261,262 (distributed amongst poor): 92, 208, 262 ~> mercy (towards poor) (as implicit accusation): 11, 12, 13, 261

inheritance, frittering away of 154, 267 (through addiction to gambling): 154

investigation 158, 202 (of Situation in war): 158, 202

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

33

jealousy 10 B-I, M-R, U-W, Y, 30, 59, 66 (?), 73, 81, 82, 83, 89, 94, 101, 103, 174, 200, 242, 261, 291 (of (supposed) brother of mistress): 103 (of mistress's father): 101 (unfounded): 59, 83, 94, 291 (and murder): ~> crime ofpassion

joy —>festivity 43 C, F, 45, 105, 116, 119, 125, 126, 128, 129, 131, 132, 142 B, 150, 187 B, C, 203, 278, 283 (at death of husband): 203 (at deliverance from wicked wife): 278 (of family members at reunion): 126, 128, 129, 132 (of husband and wife/loversatreunion): 105, 116, 150 (at outwitting of robber): 283 (at preservation of virginity): 43 C, F (at recruitment of new follower): 125, 131 (at rescue from execution): 45 (at rescue of prisoner): 119, 187 B, C (at successful theft): 142 B (at winning wager): 43 C, F

killing, unintentional (ofown child): 15 B

leave-taking 169 B, C,173,189,193, 204, 206 (from family): 169 B, C, 173, 193, 204, 206 (from friends): 173, 189, 193 (before imminent death): 169 B, C, 173, 189, 193, 206

34

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

legacy stanzas

—> inheritance, dividing up of

longing 2, 4, 25, 39, 41, 52, 53, 61, 64, 71, 73 G, 75, 76, 84, 85 B, 92, 96, 101 B-D, 103, 105, 107, 108, 116, 150, 212 C-F, 216, 222 B-D, 233, 238, 239, 243, 253, 256, 266, 272, 293, 295 B, 303 (forhusband/lover): 39, 53, 64, 75, 76, 92, 101 B-D, 103, 105, 108, 150, 212 C-F, 222 BD, 233, 238, 239, 266, 293 (for love relationship): 2, 4,41, 52 (for wife/mistress): 25, 61, 71, 73 G, 75, 76, 84, 85 B, 96, 101 B-D, 107, 116, 216, 243, 253, 256, 272,293 D, 295 B, 303

love against family's wishes 6, 7, 8, 15, 17 D, 20 D-F, H, I, N, O, 24, 39, 53 C, M, 64, 65, 66, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 76, 87, 90, 97, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 107, 109, 138, 173, 214, 215 D-G, 216, 221, 226 B-H, 227, 228, 233, 236, 237, 239, 240, 247, 249, 251, 252, 254, 257, 264, 269, 270, 272, 281, 294, 297,298,300, 303 (because of love relationship with married man): 297 (because of love relationship with otherworldly being): 270 (because of different nationality): ~> love between partners ofdifferent nationality (because of premarital pregnancy): 240 (because of different regional origin): ~ > love between partners of different regional origin (because of different social standing): ~ > love between partners of different social Standing

love between partners of different nationality 7, 65,99, 101,221,251

love between partners of different regional origin 227, 228

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

35

love between partners of different social Standing 15, 17 D (?), 20 D-F, H, I, N, O, 24, 53 C, M, 64, 66, 70, 73, 87 (?), 99, 100, 101, 102, 109, 173, 214 J-L, S, 217, 226, 227, 228, 232, 233, 236, 237, 247, 251, 252, 269, 277, 294, 300 love, rejected ~> abduction (by unwanted lover) -> bridal quest/-> courtship (by unwanted lover) —> deathfrom love (because of rejected love) 4 D, 9, 11 K, 14, 35, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 (?), 53 C, E, K, 59, 63, 64, 65, 66, 84, 89, 98, 104, 105, 109, 110, I I I , 112, 138, 178, 199, 209 J (?), 214 J-L, S, 217 (?), 218, 219, 221,222, 223, 225, 229, 232, 234, 238, 239, 246, 252, 254, 256, 260, 268, 270, 276, 290, 291, 292, 295, 296, 299, 301, 302, 303, 304 love, rekindled 17, 53, 62 E, F, J, 63, 218, 238, 253 love, test of 5, 17, 25 E, 29, 105, 109, 226 B-H, 232 F, G, 252, 263, 268, 279, 280, 293, 294 (man puts fidelity of wife/mistress to the test): 5, 17, 25 E, 29, 109, 226 B-H, 232 F, G, 252, 263, 268, 279, 280, 294 (man puts fidelity of son's mistress to the test): 293 (woman puts fidelity of husband/lover to the test): 61, 105 (through courtship by another man): 268 (using magic): 5, 29 (by trickery): 17, 25 E, 105, 109, 226 B-H, 232 F, G, 252, 263, 279, 280, 293, 294 - (by disguise): 17, 226 B-H, 232 F, G, 252, 263, 279, 280 - (as beggar/poor man): 17, 226 B-H, 232 F, G, 279, 280 - (with mask): 252 B-E, 263 - (by feigning death): 25 E - (by lying): 105, 109,263, 293 - (saying lover/mistress is dead): 105, 109, 263 - (saying lover is already married): 293 - (by pretence): 105, 232 F, G, 294 - (concealing true identity): 105, 232 F, G, 294 - (simulating poverty): 232 F, G, 294

36

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

lover, Substitution of 59,67 (in revenge): 59 (as trickery in order to sleep with mistress): 67

loyalty ~> disloyalty (toking): 58, 166, 180 (feigned): 180

madness --> grief 64 F, 65 H, 66, 67 B, C, 70 B, 243 C, 255, 261 (due to committing murder): 66, 261 (due to grief at death of lover): 70 B, 255 (due to grief at death of mistress): 64 F, 65 H, 67 B, C (due to wife's infidelity): 243 C

magic 4, 5, 6, 15, 17, 24, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39, 41 C, 43 (A (?), C), 44, 53 M, 54, 56, 57, 59, 60, 67, 70 (?), 79, 92, 93 B, D, E, H, Q, 109, 118, 147, 176, 177, 215 D-G, 216, 243 B-G, 245, 162, 270, 304 (bewitchment): ~> bewitchment (breaking of spell): - > spell, breaking of (Christian): 15, 59, 79 C - (announcement of Christ's birth): 54 B, C - (divine assistance): ~> assistance, divine - (healing of sick): 59 - (divine punishment): 56 - (raising of dead): 15, 79 C - (through blood of saint): 15 - (by Christ): 79 C - (divine reward): 57 - (tree bows down at Christ's command) 54

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

37

(contest in -): 44 - (with lover, to preserve virginity, unsuccessful): 44 --> single combat (cursing): - > cursing (deliverance from curse): ~> deliverance front curse (marvellous object): - > object, marvellous (magic spell): 4, 41 C, 43 A (?), C, 109 - (staunches bleeding): 109 - (lulls enemy to sleep): 4 - (assists in trickery): 43 A (?), C - (places woman in lover's power): 4 D, 41 C (marvellous test of truth): 24, 68 (marvellous voyage): ~> voyage, marvellous

magician 6, 18 C (?), D (?), 35, 43, 44, 96 B, C (witch): 6, 18 C (?), D (?), 35, 43,44, 96 B, C (courts man): 35 (courts woman): 43 (gives advice): 43

marriage -> love against family's wishes —> love between partners ofdifferent nationality —> love between partners ofdifferent social Standing

—> love, rekindled —> misalliance, supposed 1, 5, 11, 17, 25, 31 (?), 32 (?), 46, 53. 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 73, 74, 80, 87, 89 (2x), 91, 97 C, 99, 100, 101, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 129, 138, 149, 165, 174, 182, 194 C, 200 J, 217 M, 218, 221, 223, 225, 226 B-H, 227, 231, 232 F, G, 234, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 243, 244, 245, 251, 252, 253, 254, 256, 257, 259 (?), 260, 262, 268, 270, 271, 280, 290 (?), 293, 294, 298, 300, 301, 304 (with considerable age disparity): 64, 66 C, 80, 138, 239 (?) (forced): 53 C, E, K, 64, 66, 110, 138, 221, 223, 225, 239, 270 - (forced but prevented): 53 C, E, K, 138, 221, 223, 254, 270 (with otherworldly being): 251 (prospect of): 25, 32 (?), 60, 63, 100, 105, 165, 174, 217 M, 223, 226 B-H, 232 F, 240, 244, 245, 253, 268, 290 (?), 293, 300

38

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

meeting 8, 16, 39, 43, 67, 69, 70, 71, 81, 83, 90, 97, 101, 107, 214 M, N, 233, 247, 248, 249, 252, 255,281,298, 299, 303 (of lovers): 8, 16, 39, 43, 67, 69, 70, 71, 81, 90, 97, 101, 107, 214 M, N, 233, 247, 248, 249, 252, 255, 281, 298, 299, 303 (of mother and son): 83 (in greenwood): 8, 16, 39, 90, 97, 101, 233, 252, 298 (planned): 83, 214 M, N, 247 (secret): 8, 16, 39, 67, 69, 70, 71, 81, 83, 90, 97, 101, 107, 214 M, N, 233, 247, 248, 249, 252, 255 (?), 281,298, 303

mercilessness 21,56, 117(2) (towards debtors): 117 (2) (towards poor): 21, 56

mercy ~> mercilessness -> pardon (towards poor): 92, 117 (1,4), 121, 148, 154, 196 C, 208, 262

messenger, sending of 25, 59, 60, 65, 66, 72 C, 73 C, E, F, H, 75 I, 83, 84, 87, 90, 91, 96, 98 C, 99, 109, 114, 119, 129, 145, 158, 159, 161, 164, 166, 169 B, 175, 176, 177, 193 B, 208, 209 B-D, F-J, 214 J, 221 B, D, F, K, 222, 229, 235 B, 238 I, 240, 246, 251, 253, 254, 271, 305 ((talking) animal bears message): 96, 114 B, F, 246, 254 (female messenger): 129 (messenger reports on course of war): 158, 159

misalliance, supposed 226 B-H, 228, 232 F, G, 280, 294

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

39

mistress, substitution of ~> love, test of 5, 268 mockery 117 (3), 134, 143, 144, 148, 152, 164, 190, 233, 295 (of one king by another): 164 (of loser in combat): 134 (of lover): 295 (of outwitted opponent): 117 (3), 152 (of representative(s) of authority by outlaws): 117 (3), 143, 144, 152 (of Robin Hood): 148 (of victim by robber): 190 (of woman for love relationship): 233 murder —> confession (of murder) -> exposure (ofmurderer/murderess) -> Single combat -> suicide 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 30, 42, 49 B-I, 51, 52 B, 60, 64 F, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 80 (?), 81, 82, 83, 86, 87, 88 (2x), 89, 90, 93, 97 B, C, 98, 104 B, 106, 113, 115, 117 (8), 118, 119, 120, 139, 153, 154, 155, 159, 162 (3x), 165, 166, 169, 173, 174, 178, 180, 181, 187, 188, 189, 193, 194, 195, 196, 199 D, 200 (?), 203, 206, 209 J, 212, 213, 214, 230, 231 E, F, 242, 243 D, 244 B, 255, 260, 261, 265 (?), 271, 278, 297, 300, 301 (of acquaintance): 196 (of army Commander): 162 (2K) (of brother): ~> sibling murder (of mistress's brother(s)): 88, 104 B (of child): —> infanticide (ofcritic): 159 (of enemy in war): 206 (of father): ~> parricide (ofgrandchild): 1 2 I , K (of (of (of (of (of

husband): 12, 68, 106, 194, 231 E, F, 242, 301 husband by mermaid): 42 husband by robbers): 106 imps): 278 king): 89, 166, 169, 174, 180

40

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

(of lover by hired men): 212 (of daughter's lover): 70, 214 J, K (of mother's lover): 203 (of sister's husband/lover): 69, 88 B-E, 214, 297 (of unwanted lover): 4 (of woman's lover by attendant): 97 B, C (of woman's lover by ghost): 255 (of mistress): 66 B (?), 86, 88, 90, 243 D, 300 (of former mistress by revenant): 243 D (of mother): ~> parricide (of mother and children): 178 (of army commander's murderer): 162 (of father's murderer): 89 (of friend's murderer): 115 (of murderess of mistress): 73 (of opponents in contest): 139 (of representative of authority by ouüaw): 118, 119 (of rival lover): 30, 60, 64 F, 67, 81, 82, 89, 90 D, 200 (?) (of rival mistress): 10 B-I, M-R, U-W, Y, 73 - > crime ofpassion (ofrobber): 188 (of Robin Hood): 115, 117(8), 120, 153, 154 (of sister): ~> sibling murder (of slanderer): 244 B (of stepdaughter): 261 (of stepson): 12 J, L-0, U (of wife): 66 B (?), 80, 81, 83, 209 J (of enemy's wife): 199 (of master's wife): 93 (because of rejected advances): 14, 98 (in Order to prevent discovery of incest): 52 B (in Order to prevent discovery of love relationship): 90, 173 (out o f e n v y ) : 4 9 H (because of family feud): 196 (?) (out of greed): 10 R, S, 209 J, 271 - > robbery with murder (out of jealousy): ~> crime ofpassion (because of secret meeting with mistress): 255 (out of racial hatred): 155 (?) (during raid or robbery): ~> robbery with murder (in revenge): 11, 14, 30, 49 G, I, 51, 60, 64 F, 65, 66, 67 F (?), 68, 69, 70, 73, 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87, 88, 89, 93, 98, 115, 139, 159, 162, 166, 169, 174, 193, 194, 199 D, 203, 206, 212 B-F, 214, 243 D, 244 B, 260, 297, 300, 301 (in self-defence): 4, 188

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

41

(motive unclear): 10, 12, 13, 20, 21, 42, 49 B-I, 66 B, 88, 115, 117 (8), 120, 153, 154, 155, 165, 181, 187, 195, 212, 213, 230 (inambush): 115 (by arson): 174, 178, 196 (by blood-letting): 117 (8), 120, 153, 154 (by burying alive): 20 (by drowning): 10, 86, 173,242,243 D (by hanging): 194 (by poisoning): ~> murder by poisoning (using snake): 301 (with weapon): 4, 11, 13, 14, 30, 49 B-I, 51, 52 B, 60, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 80, 81, 82, 83, 88, 89, 90, 93, 97 B, 106, 115, 118, 139, 155, 159, 162, 165, 169, 206, 209 J, 212, 214,219 (confessed): 4 D, 13, 104 B, 209 J (discovered): ~> exposure (planned): 174 (plea to be murdered): 113 (prevented): 14 E, 97 C, 180, 212 B-F, 231 E, F, 271, 300, 301 (threatened): 4, 65, 98, 180, 203, 297 murder by poisoning 12, 87, 156, 23 I E , F, 260, 261 (of child): - > infanticide (ofhusband): 231 E,F (of lover): 12, 260 (of stepdaughter): 261 (out of jealousy): - > crime ofpassion (in revenge): 87, 231 E, F, 260 (motive unclear): 12, 156 (prevented): 231 E,F

musical instrument, marvellous 4 B, 10,41 C (?), 49 B, 67 B, C, 192 (?) (harp): 4 B, 41 C (?), 49 B, 67 B, C, 192 (pipes): 49 B (violin): 10

42

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(exposes murderess): 10 (places woman in lover's power): 4 B, 67 B, C (with soporific effect): 4 B, 41 C, 67 B, C, 192 (conjures up dead lover): 49 B

object, marvellous —> omen, bad 4 B, 5, 17, 29, 30, 34, 41 C (?), 67 A (?), B, C, 84, 92, 93 B, D, E, H, Q, 155, 176, 177, 192 (?), 262, 304 (bells): 84, 155 (belt): 34 (blankets): 5 (chain): 92 (harp): ~> musical instrument, marvellous (book): 30, 177, 262 (coat): 29 (pipes): ~> musical instrument, marvellous (ring): - > ring (sword): 34 (violin): ~> musical instrument, marvellous (exposes adulteresses): 29 (subdues demon): 30 (possesses soporific effect): 4 B, 67 B, C (foretells future): 176, 177, 262 (as bad omen): 93 B, D, E, H, Q (possesses healing power): 34, 92, 304 (proves/disproves virginity): 5

omen, bad ~> premonition, dreadful 90 D, 93 B, D, E, H, Q, 208 (losing buttons): 90 D, 93 D, E, H (stumbling horse): 208 (bleeding nose): 90 D (breaking rings): 93 B, H, Q

Motif Index oftheChild Bailad Corpus

43

origin, unknown ~> identity, discovery oftrue (of seif) 89,90 otherworldly being (encounter with -) 1 C, 2, 3, 4, 10 N, P, Q, V, 18, 19, 20 B-F, H-0, Q, 26, 30, 33, 35 (?), 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 (?), 42, 47, 49 B, C, 53 C, M, 54 B, C, 55, 57, 58 J, L, P, Q, 61, 63 C, E, F, H, 68, 69 G, 73 E, F, I, 74, 75 I, 77, 78, 79, 82, 86, 110 D, F, G, N, 113, 114 B, F (?), 129, 155, 204 J, L, 243, 251, 254, 255, 261, 265,270, 272, 278, 289, 304 (demon/household spirit): 6, 30, 53 C, 110 D, F, G, N (devil): 1 C, 2 I, 3, 243 E-G, 278 (dwarf): 38 (elf/elves): 2, 4, 19, 35 (?), 37, 39, 40,41 (?), 53 M, 61 - (elf-king): 61 - (elf-queen): 35 (?), 37, 39 (ghost): ~> ghost, revenant (giant): 18, 33,61, 129, 251,304 (human being/animal altemation): 113, 270 (mermaid): 42, 58 J, L, P, Q, 289 (talking animal): - > animal, talking (abduction by otherworldly being): 4, 19, 37 (?), 39,40, 41 (?) (adultery with otherworldly being): 42, 243 (birth prevented by otherworldly being): 6 (breaking of spell by otherworldly being): 35 (?) (bridal quest of otherworldly being): 1 C, 33 (combat (single combat) with otherworldly being): 18, 30, 61, 129, 304 (consignment to hell threatened by otherworldly being): 20 B-F, H-O, Q (courtship by otherworldly being): 35 (enchantment by otherworldly being): 35, 39 (foretelling of future by otherworldly being): 265 (help given by otherworldly being): 6,43, 53 C, M (joumey into fairyland with otherworldly being): 37, 38 (love relationship with otherworldly being): 42 C, 113, 251, 270 (marriage to otherworldly being): 251 (marriage between lover and rival mistress prevented by otherworldly being): 53 C (murder by otherworldly being): 42, 243 B-G, 255 (pride punished by otherworldly being): 47 (rescue from wicked wife by otherworldly being): 278 (revelation by otherworldly being of human being's true identity): 110 D, F, G, (shipwreck caused by otherworldly being): 58 J, L, P, Q, 289

44

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

(human being set task by otherworldly being): 2, 3 (test of bride by otherworldly being): 2 (threat by otherworldly being to city): 129 (threat by otherworldly being to kingdom): 61

outlaw(s) 8, 115, 116, 117 (1, 2, 6-8), 115, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 305

pardon ~>

reconciliation

45, 59, 71, 72, 100, 103, 108, 116, 117 (7), 129, 133, 140, 141, 145, 146, 151, 166, 169, 173 B, D, 174, 180, 182, 194 C, 200 E, 206, 213, 244 B, 247, 266, 273, 284, 285, 287, 305 (of criminal(s) (by representative(s) of authority)): -(ofexile): 108 - (of murderer/murderess): 173 B, D, 174, 194 C, 206, 213 - (of outlaw(s)): 116, 117 (7), 129, 141, 145, 146, 151, 305 - (of pirates): 284 (?), 285, 287 - (of poacher(s)): 103, 133 - (of robber): 169 - (of thief): 244 B -(oftraitor):45, 140, 180, 305 (ofking): 174 (of lover unacceptable to family): 71, 72, 100, 247 (of rival lover): 200 E, 266 (ofslanderer): 59, 244 B (of disrespectful subject by king): 166, 273 (declined by condemned person): 173 B, C, 194 C (after fulfilment of promise): 116 (refused): 72, 133, 140, 141, 169, 174, 182, 206, 213, 244 B, 266, 284, 285, 287

parricide 13B,90

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

45

(man murders his father): 13 B, 90 (in revenge): 90 (motive unclear): 13 B (with weapon): 90

paternity, in question 264

peace offer 158,285, 287 (refused): 285, 287

penance ~> remorse 66, 79 C, 80, 81 L, 116, 155 C, 213 (?), 242 (by life of beggary): 66, 242 (by pilgrimage): 80, 116, 155 C, 213 (?) (by leading life of seclusion): 81 L

pilgrimage 30, 80, 116, 155 C,213(?)

piracy 167, 250, 285

poaching 103, 114, 115, 116, 117(6 (?), 7), 123 B, 127, 128, 129, 131, 133, 136, 137, 144, 149 (?), 162, 209 H

46

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

pregnancy 5, 6, 15, 16, 20, 24, 39, 41, 51, 63, 64, 65, 66, 89, 90, 91, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 113, 170, 173, 217, 231, 237, 240, 241, 252 C, E, 257, 264, 269, 270, 299, 301 (as indication of secret love): 6, 15, 16, 20 D-F, H, I, N, O, 24, 39, 51, 64, 65, 66, 90, 99, 100, 101, 102, 173, 217, 240, 241, 252 C, E, 257, 269, 270 (and abortion): ~> abortion (and birth): ~> birth premonition, dreadful 16, 51, 59, 69, 73 G, 75 D, 76, 88 B-E, 90 D, 91, 93 B, D, E, H, Q, 97 B, 98 C, 102, 118, 155, 161 C, 165, 178, 189, 203, 208, 214, 215 C, H, 216, 249, 259, 262, 271, 281 C, D (through dream): 59, 69 D, E, 73 G, 76, 88 B-E, 102, 118, 161 C, 165, 178, 189, 214, 215 C, 216, 259, 262, 281 C, D - > dream (as dreadful premonition) (through omen): 90 D, 93 B, D, E, H, Q - > omen, bad

pretence ~> disguise —> identity, discovery

oftrue

105, 145, 148, 157, 167, 216, 223 F, G, 293, 294 (changing name): 145, 148 (concealing true identity): 105, 223 F, G, 293, 294 (changing name): 145, 148 (disguising voice): 216 (pretending to be old man): 157 (woman impersonating her daughter): 216 (in Order to avoid captivity): 157 (in Order to destroy daughter's love relationship): 216 (in Order to lead new life): 148 (in Order to Iure enemy in war): 167 (in Order to participate incognito in contest): 145 (in Order to test fidelity of lover/mistress): ~> love, fest of (through pretence)

pride 47, 159, 164, 168, 172, 211, 229, 277

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

47

(injured): 159, 168,211,229 (punished): 47, 159, 164, 168, 172, 277 prophecy 23, 54,69G, 177, 261,262, 265 (by Christ): 23, 54 (by ghost (revenant)): 69 G, 265 (by magic book): 262, 177 (by Christ about his future life): 23, 54 (by murdered woman about murderess's future): 261 (about wife's/mistress's future): 69 G, 265 punishment ~> reward 5, 10 R, S, Y, 13, 11, 14, 20 B-F, H-L, N, O, Q, 21, 22, 30, 35, 36, 41 (?), 45, 47 B, 48 (?), 49, 51, 52, 53 C, M, 56, 59, 60, 64 F, 65, 66, 67 B, C, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 93, 94, 97 B, 98, 100, 102, 104, 115, 116, 117 (6), 118, 133, 139, 141, 158, 159, 162, 168, 169, 171, 173, 174, 178 G, 180, 184, 186, 187, 188, 189 (?), 190, 191, 193, 194, 200, 203, 206, 208, 209, 213, 214, 216, 231, 233, 240, 242, 243 B-G, 244, 247, 251, 255, 260, 266, 269, 271, 277, 278, 291, 297, 300, 301, 302 (of child): 93 (of man/men): 10 R, S, Y, 14, 22, 30, 35, 45, 49 D, 48, 51, 52, 53 C, M, 56, 60, 64 F, 65 (?), 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 81, 82, 83, 87, 88 C, D, E, 89, 90, 93, 94, 97 B, 98, 100, 102, 115, 116, 117 (6), 118, 133, 139, 158, 159, 162, 169, 171, 174, 178 G, 180, 184, 186, 187, 188, 189 (?), 190, 191, 193, 194, 200, 203, 206, 208, 209, 213, 214, 215 D-G, 216, 231, 242, 244, 247, 251, 255, 260, 265, 266, 269, 271, 291, 297, 301, 302 (of oneself): 13, 66 B (?), 88 C, D, E (of woman/women): 5, 11, 14, 20 B-F, H-L, N, O, Q, 21, 36, 41,47 B, 51, 59, 65, 68, 73, 80, 82, 83, 86, 88, 90 D, 93, 98, 104, 120, 168, 173, 194, 233, 240, 243 B-G, 251, 266, 277, 278, 300 (for false accusation): 194 C (for adultery): 80, 266 (for supposed adultery): 59 (for arrest of friend): 193 (for attempt to kill sheriff): 118 (for supposed adultery): 59, 83 (for belief): 22 (for bewitchment): 36

48

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(for supposed betrayal): 88 (for bringing bad news): 265 (for confession of incest): 51 (for criticism): 159, 168 (for disregarding banishment): 116 (for enchantment): 36 (for execution of daughter's lovers): 72 C (for execution of mistress): 65 (for execution of nobleman): 174 (for exposure of liar): 231 (for father's unjust treatment of servant): 93 (for forge sting to ask for consent in marriage): 11 (for high treason): 45, 171, 180, 208 (for supposed high treason): 98 C (for humiliation of woman): 48, 260 (for husband's unjust treatment of servant): 93 (for ill-treatment): 82 (for incest): 51, 52 (for infanticide): 21 (for infidelity): 68, 242, 243 B-G (for master's unjust treatment of servant): 93 (for loss of virginity): 5 (for meeting mistress at night): 255 (for mercilessness towards poor): 56 (for murder): 10 R, S, Y, 13, 14, 20 B-F, H-L, N, O, Q, 21, 49 C, 51, 66 B, 68, 73, 81 E, 88 B, 89, 90, 93, 97 B, 115, 120, 162, 173, 174, 178 G, 187, 188, 189 (?), 194, 203, 206, 209, 213, 297 (for physical injury): 194 (for poaching): 117 (6) (?), 133 (for premarital liaison): 5, 69 (for pride): 45, 47 B (for quarrel): 86, 194 (for refusal to do household duties): 277 (for refusal to marry sister): 88 B-E (for refusal of pardon): 169 (for refusal to pay stakes in wager): 139 (for rejection of love): 14, 35,41 (?), 48, 59, 98, 104, 291, 301 (for relationship with daughter): 53 C, M, 70, 72, 100, 102, 214 J, K, 247, 251, 269 (for relationship with lover (for rivalry)): 73 (for relationship with lover unaccepted by family member(s)): 65, 233, 240, 251 (for former relationship with lover): 90 D (for relationship with mistress (for rivalry)): 64 F, 66, 90 D (for relationship with mistress unaccepted by family member(s)): 87, 215 D-G, 216 (for relationship with sister): 69, 214, 297

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

49

(for relationship with son): 300 (for relationship with wife): 30, 60, 64 F, 67, 81, 82, 89, 90 D, 94, 174 (?), 200, 266, 291 (for supposed relationship with wife): 83, 94, 291 (forrobbery): 169, 178 G, 186, 190 (for slander): 244 B (fortheft): 184, 189 (for supposed theft): 191, 244 (for unjust treatment of father): 191 E (for treason): 45, 171,208 (for wickedness): 278 (by false accusation): 291 (by arson): 120 (by banishment): 98 C (by betrayal): 82 (by bewitchment): 35 (by burning alive): 266 (by captivity): 41, 59 C, 72, 94, 104, 117 (6), 180, 186, 187, 247, 251, 291 (by consignment to hell): 20 B-F, H-L, N, Q, 21, 47 B, 56, 72 C (by cursing): 215 D-G (by execution): 14 E, 36, 45, 59, 65, 68, 72, 94, 95, 100, 102, 116, 133, 158, 169, 171, 173, 174, 184, 188, 191, 194, 200 A (?), C, G, 208, 209, 213, 244, 251, 266, 269, 291 (by humiliation): 80, 233, 277 (by imprisonment): 41, 53 C, M, 59 C, 72, 104, 180, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 194 C, 244, 247 (by life in hell): 278 (by murder): 4, 11, 14, 30, 51, 60, 64 F, 65, 67, 69, 70, 73, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 93, 98, 115, 139, 159, 162, 169, 174, 193, 194, 200 (?), 203, 206, 214, 242, 243 B-G, 244 (?), 255, 297, 301 (by physical injury): 80, 233, 277 (by Substitution of lover): 59 (by suicide): 13, 14, 49 C, 51, 52, 66, 88 C, D, E (by verbal abuse): 240 (announced): 13, 88 E (divine): 21, 47 B, 48 (?), 56, 72 C (by otherworldly being): 82, 255 (prevented): 14 E, 95, 116, 118, 120, 133, 141, 173 E, F, 188, 209, 244, 251, 300, 301, 302 (threatened): 10 Y, 14 E, 20 B-F, H-L, N, O, Q, 21, 45, 47 B, 59, 65, 97 B, 98, 100, 102, 166, 158, 168, 169 A, 171, 190, 203, 244, 297 pursuit 7, 19 (?), 147, 157 G, H, 184, 185, 186, 188, 191 E, 197, 298

50

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(of abductors): 19 (of Citizens by outlaws): 147 (of escaped prisoners): 191 E (oflovers): 7,298 (of member of hostile family): 197 (ofmurderer): 157 G, H, 188 (of robbers): 186 (ofthief(thieves)): 184, 185

quarrel ~> Separation ofhusband and wife/of lovers (acrimonious) 28, 73, 86, 118, 119, 151, 168, 194, 204, 207, 209 J, 211, 214 B-F, H, I, 229, 235, 273, 275 (between (between 275 (between (between

friends): 118, 119,211, 214 B-F, H, I husband and wife/between lovers): 28, 73, 86, 168, 194, 204, 209 J, 229, 235, Robin Hood and king): 151 king and subject(s)): 207, 273

raid 161, 178, 179, 186, 190, 199 ransom —> rescue 95, 154, 169 C, 173 E, F, 191, 209, 241, 287, 288 (saves husband from execution): 241 (saves mistress from execution): 95, 173 E, F (saves prisoner from execution): 209 (refused): 169 C, 191, 287, 288 rape 5 (?), 44, 50 (?), 52 (?), 104, 110, 111, 209 J (?), 217 (?), 222 B, 223, 225 J, L, 290 (attempted): 223

Motif Index oftheChild Bailad Corpus

51

reconciliation —>followers, recruitment of -> pardon 5, 9, 41, 48, 54, 63, 86, 102, 108, 109, 110, 116, 117 (3, 7), 119, 121, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 130 B, 131, 132, 136, 151, 157 G, H, 162, 204 D, N, 229, 237, 268, 270, 282 (with daughter's lover): 237 (between friends/comrades in arms): 119 (between husband and wife/between lovers; with husband or wife/with lover or mistress): 5, 41, 54, 63, 86, 108, 110, 157 G, H, 204 D, N, 229 (with former opponent): 109, 117 (3), 121, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 130 B, 131, 132, 136, 151, 162, 282 (between parents and child): 9,48, 102, 270 (between representative of authority and outlaws): 116, 117 (7) (with rival): 109 (between woman and man who has caused her physical injury): 268 (between woman and rapist): 110 F, N (through aristocratic title): 116 (through drinking bout): 136 (through money): 116 (through place at court): 116, 117 (7) (through promise of marriage): 63 (refused): 48, 86, 229, 282 release ~> abduction 19,40 (of abducted woman, prospect of): 40 (of abducted woman, as reward for pipe-playing): 19

remorse —> penance 9, 13, 14, 20 F, O, 42 C, 47 C-E, 48,49 D, 51, 52, 54, 62 E, F, J, 66, 73, 74, 79 C, 80, 81, 83, 84, 88, 98 C, 103, 113, 116, 119, 155 C, 157 G, H, 173, 194, 211, 213, 214 M, N, 226 B-H, 228, 229, 233 B, C, 235, 236 D-F, 238, 242, 243 B-E, G, 253, 256, 264, 269, 292

52

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(for betrayal): 157 G, H, 214 M, N (for crime(s)): 13, 14, 20 F, O, 49 D, 51, 52 B, 66, 80,81,83, 88, 116, 173, 194 C, 211, 242 - (for murder): 13, 14, 20 F, 0 , 4 9 D, 51, 52 B, 66, 80,81,83, 88, 173, 194 C, 211,242 (for entering love relationship): 9,42 C, 113, 194, 226 B-H, 228, 236 D-F (for executing daughter's lover): 269 (for fighting a woman): 103 (for incest): 51, 52 (for ordering infanticide): 264 (for pride): 47 C-E (for sins): 79 C (for treatment of daughter): 48, 233 B, C (for treatment of friend): 98 C, 119 (for treatment of husband/lover): 84, 243 B-B, 256 - (for infidelity to husband): 243 B-E, G - (for rejection of love): 84, 256 (for treatment of wife/mistress): 54, 62 E, F, J, 73, 74, 229, 235, 238, 253, 292 - (for infidelity to wife/mistress): 62 E, F, J, 73, 74, 235, 253, 292 - (for rejection of love): 229, 238, 256, 292 (and death from love): - > death front love (out of remorse) (and penance): - > penance (and suicide): ~> suicide (out of remorse) rescue 1 C, 2 I, 3, 9, 10, 14 E, 18, 19, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39, 53, 56, 65, 72, 88, 89, 95, 98, 116, 117 (6), 118, 119, 133, 138, 140 B, C, 141, 154, 166, 173 E, F, 177, 178, 182, 186, 187, 188, 191, 196, 209, 212 B-F, 217, 221, 222, 223, 240, 241, 245, 251, 254, 260, 266, 267, 270, 271, 278, 286, 288, 290, 300, 301 (of captured ship): 286 (from devil's clutches): 1 C, 21, 3 (of enchanted people): 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39 (of family from robbers): 178 (of kingdom from usurpation by foreign ruler): 177 (of lover from pursuers): 88 (of man from wicked wife): 278 (of martyr from punishment): 56 (of mistress from disgrace): 217, 240, 260, 290 (of mistress from unwanted lover): 98, 138, 221, 222, 223, 254, 270 (of mother from captivity): 89 (of oneself from unwanted lover): 4

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

53

(of person from death): 10, 56, 65,72, 95, 116, 118, 133, 140 B , C , 141, 154, 166, 173 E, F, 182, 188, 191, 196, 209, 212 B-F, 241, 251, 271, 300, 301 - (of army Commander from death): 266 - (of child from drowning): 271 - (of husband/lover from execution): 182, 241 - (of (future) lover from wild animal (snake): 301 - (of man from murder): 212 B-F - (of mistress from execution): 65, 95, 173 E, F - (of mistress from murder): 300 - (of prisoner(s) from execution): 72, 116, 118, 133, 140 B, C, 141, 154, 166, 182, 188, 191,209, 251 - (of sister from drowning): 10 (from poverty): 267 (of prisoner from captivity): 9, 53, 117 (6), 119, 186, 187 (of prisoner of war): 288 (of ship from shipwreck): 245 (of sister from unwanted lover): 14 E (of son from servitude): 271 (of stepchild from bewitchment): 36 (of woman/wife from captivity at hands of otherworldly being): 18 C, D, 19 (through (through (through (through (through (through (through (through (through (through

devil's help): 278 divine assistance): 56, 118 concealment): 88 marriage): 260 offer of reward): 271 ransom): 95, 154, 173 E, F, 209, 241, 288 setting of impossible task): 2 I solving of task): 1 C, 3 treasure ehest): 267 trickery): 4, 53, 182

(refused): 10, 196 (unsuccessful): 65, 72, 178, 191, 288 reunion ~>

Separation

2 5 , 4 1 , 5 3 , 6 2 , 7 1 , 103, 105, 116, 126, 128, 129, 132, 150, 235, 237, 252, 266, 293 (of husband and wife/of lovers): 25,41, 53, 71, 103, 105, 116 (2x), 129, 150, 235, 237, 252, 266, 293 (of family members): 41, 62, 126, 128, 129, 132, 237 - (of parents and child): 41, 129, 237

54

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

- (of Cousins): 132 - (of sisters): 62 - (of uncle and nephew): 128 revenge 11, 14, 30, 34 B, 51, 59, 60, 64 F, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 88, 89, 90, 93, 98, 115, 137, 139, 159, 162, 166, 169, 174, 184, 190, 193, 194, 199 D, 203, 206, 212 B-F, 214, 231 E, F, 243 D, 244 B, 246, 260, 291, 297, 301 (false accusation in revenge): 291 (arson in revenge): 246 (betrayal in revenge): 82 (bewitchment in revenge): 34 B (murder in revenge): 11, 14, 30, 51, 60, 64 F, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 88, 89, 90, 93, 98, 115, 139, 159, 162, 166, 169, 174, 193, 194, 199, 203, 206, 212 BF, 214, 231 E, F, 243 D, 244 B, 260, 297, 301 (practical joke in revenge): 137 (substitution of lover in revenge): 59 (theft in revenge): 184 (war in revenge): 162 (forarrestoffriend): 193 (forattemptedrobbery): 137 (for confession of incest): 51 (for criticism): 159 (for enchantment): 34 B (for execution of family member): 184 (for execution of mistress): 65 (for execution of nobleman): 174 (for exposure as liar): 231 E, F (for forgetting to ask for consent to marriage): 11 (for humiliation): 260 (for ill-treatment): 82 (for infidelity): 68, 243 D (for master's unjust treatment of servant): 93 (for murder of army Commander): 162 (for murder of comrade / friend): 115, 120, 206 (for murder of father): 89, 203 (for murder of mistress): 73 (for murder of mother): 90 (for physical injury): 194 (for quarrel): 86, 194 (for refusal of pardon): 169

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

55

(for refusal to pay stakes in wager): 139 (forrejection of love): 14, 35, 59, 98, 199 D, 246, 260, 291, 301 (for premarital relationship): 69 (for relationship with daughter): 70 (for relationship with sister): 69, 214, 297 (for rivalry): 30, 60, 64 F, 66, 67, 81, 82 (for seizing crown): 166 (for slander): 244 B (for supposed betrayal): 88 (fortheft): 190 (for wife's adultery): 80 (for wife's supposed adultery): 83 (prevented by victim): 120 (threatened): 65, 98, 169, 190, 191 E, 203, 297 reward ~>

punishment

4 C-G, 19, 31, 45, 56, 57, 61, 72 C, 79 C, 89, 90 C, 97 C, 129, 167, 177, 180, 220, 231, 245, 286, 301, 304 (for bearing of son): 231 (forchild-rearing): 89 (for concealing Information): 4 C-G, 97 C (for confession of guilt): 57 (for injustice suffered): 56, 72 C (for keeping silent): 4 C-G (for leading Christian life): 56, 79 C (for loyalty to king): 180 (for pipe-playing): 19 (for punishing murderer): 90 C (for rescue of captured ship): 286 (for rescue of kingdom from usurpation by foreign ruler): 177 (for rescue of person from death): 301 (for rescue of ship from shipwreck): 245 (for solving task): 31,45 (for victory in contest): 220 (for victory over otherworldly being): 61, 129, 304 (for victory in war): 167 (of aristocratic title): 90 C, 167, 180 (oflands): 89, 286 B (of man in marriage): 31, 220

56

(of (of (of (of (of

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

money and/or possessions): 45, 97 C, 167, 177, 180, 231 person's release): 19 place in heaven): 56, 57, 72 C, 79 C woman in marriage): 61, 129, 245, 286, 304 wound healing): 301

(refused): 286 (divine): 56, 57, 72 C, 79 C, 301

ring 5 (2x), 9, 17 (2x), 34, 53 E, N, 61, 65 I, 91, 92, 93 B, H, Q, 145, 176, 195, 196, 217 N, 252 (2x), 304 (as bad omen (breaking rings)): 93 B, H, Q (as evidence of victory in combat): 61 (as Identification): 5, 17, 53 E, N, 217 N, 252 (as keepsake): 5, 53 E, 65 I, 91, 195, 196, 252 (as marvellous announcement of death): 92 (as marvellous means of foretelling future): 176 (as marvellous means of healing wounds): 34, 304 (as marvellous token of fidelity): 17, 92 (as token of fidelity): 5, 145

rivalry 10 B-J, M-R, U, V, W, Y, 17, 42, 53, 60, 64, 66, 67, 73, 74, 81, 89, 90 B-D, 109, 138, 174, 191, 221, 235, 242, 253, 262, 266, 292 (between two men over a woman): 17, 60, 64, 66, 67, 81, 89, 90 B-D, 109, 138, 174, 191, 221,262, 266 (between two women over a man): 10 B-J, M-R, V, W, Y, 42, 53, 73, 74, 235, 242, 253, 292 robbery ~> theft

106, 117 (4, 7), 121, 122, 132, 135, 142B (?), 143, 144, 145, 147, 151, 154, 161, 165 (?), 178, 179, 186, 190, 199, 282, 283 (planned): 117(1,4), 121, 132, 134, 135, 137, 138, 144, 147, 151,282,283

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

57

robbery with murder 10 R, S, 106 Romeo and Juliet plot kernel ~> death from love -> love against family's wishes rose and briar ~> fidelity in love (oflovers; beyond the grave) 1 B, C, I, 64, 73, 74, 75, 76, 85, 87 search ->flight -> pursuit 19 (?),41,53 (?), 68, 86 B, 88, 89, 102, 116, 117 (7), 119, 127, 143, 146, 150, 151, 153, 155, 157, 200, 213,215,216, 226 D, 266, 302 (for child by parent(s)): 68, 102, 226 D, 155 (for criminal(s) by representative(s) of authority): - (for murderer(s)): 88, 157, 213 - (for outlaw(s)): 117 (7), 119, 127, 143, 146, 151, 153 (for dead body): 86 B (for husband/lover): 41, 53, 116, 150, 215, 216, 302 (for missing person): 89, 155 (for queen by Citizens): 89 (forwife): 19,200, 266 (unsuccessful): 119 Separation ~> reunion, unexpected 17, 25, 53, 71, 75, 92, 93, 99, 103, 108, 150, 194 C, 195, 204, 217, 229, 233, 235, 239, 243, 248, 252, 253, 254, 255, 266, 268, 272, 299, 302, 303 (of husband and wife/of lovers): 17, 25, 53, 71, 75, 92, 93, 99, 103, 108, 150, 194 C, 195, 204, 217, 229, 233, 235, 239, 243, 248, 252, 253, 254, 255, 266, 268, 272, 299, 302, 303

58

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

(acrimonious): 204, 229 (duetobanishmentofhusband/Iover): 108, 116 (due to cock's crow in the moraing): 248 (due to hope to evade artest of lover): 195 (premature): 248, 255 (due to love relationship unaccepted by family member(s)): 103, 252, 272, 303 (due tötest oflove): 268 (due to war): 108, 266 servitude, nobleman in (as shepherd): 271 shipwreck 58, 76 D, E, 243 B-G, 245, 289 (after encounter with mermaid): 58 J, L, P, Q, 289 sibling murder 10, 11, 13, 14,49 B-I,51,52B,66,81 I, 90 D (man murders bis brother): 13, 49 B, I, 66, 81 1, 90 D (man murders his sister(s)): 11, 14, 51, 52 B (woman murders her sister): 10 (out of envy): 49 H (out of jealousy): ~> crime ofpassion (in revenge): 11, 14, 49 G, I, 51, 66 (?), 811 (motive unclear): 10, 13,49 B (by drowning): 10 (with weapon): 11, 13, 14,49 B-I, 51, 52 B, 66, 811, 90 D sickness 61, 84, 107 (2x), 109, 120, 156, 201, 235, 238, 259, 295, 303 (due to grief at infidelity of husband): 235 (due to grief at possibility of losing mistress to rival): 109 (due to longing for husband/lover): 238 (due to longing for wife/mistress): 61, 84, 107, 295 B, 303 (and death): —> death (due to sickness)

Motif Index oftheChildBallad Corpus

59

Single combat

18, 30, 31, 48, 49, 59, 61 (3x), 81, 83, 103, 109, 117 (3), 118, 120, 121, 122, 123 B, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130 B, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135 (2x), 150, 158, 161, 162, 177, 185, 207, 211, 223, 225 J, L, 244, 262, 282, 304

(between army Commanders): 161, 162 (between brothers): 49 (with critic of King): 207 (with foreigner threatening to usurp kingdom); 177 (with friend): 211 (with magician): 18 C, D (?) (between man and woman): 18 C, D (?), 44, 103, 150, 223, 225 J, L (with murderer): 120 (with otherworldly being): 18, 30, 61, 129, 304 (withoutlaw): 117 (3), 121, 122, 125, 126, 128, BOB, 132, 133, 134, 135 (2x) (between outlaw and representative of authority): 118, 127, 131 (withrival):81, 109, 262 (with robber): 282 (with slanderer): 59 (with supposed rival): 83 (with supposed thief): 244 (between thief and victim): 185 (with wild animal): 18 A (?), B-D, 48, 61 (with wild woman/old woman): 18 C, D (forhonour): 158, 244 (in Order to win bride): 129 (as matter of life and death): 18, 30,48, 59, 83, 103, 109, 117 (3), 120, 122, 126 (?), 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 150, 158, 161, 162, 177, 185, 207, 244, 262, 304 (for mistress): 262, 304 (for money and/or possessions): 121, 132, 133, 134, 135,282 (as sign of fidelity in love): 61 (in Order to unmask guilty person): ~> trial by ordeal (in Order to test skill in combat): 49, 117 (3), 123 B, 125, 126, 130 B, 133, 135 (2x), 211 (in Order to preserve virginity): 223, 225 J, L (in Order to preserve virginity, unsuccessful): 225 J, L (using magic): 30 (with fatal outcome): 48, 49, 83, 120, 161, 177, 185 (?), 207, 211, 262 - > death (prevented by recognition of friend): 128 (prevented by solving of riddle): 31 (weaker submits): 109, 121, 125, 126, 127, 130 B, 131, 132, 133, 135, 162, 244

60

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

spell, breaking of ~> release (from curse) —> rescue (of enchanted person) 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 39 (by otherworldly being): 35 (?) (got by force): 36 (by unconditional fulfilment of wishes): 31, 32, 34, 39 stepmother, wicked -> wife/woman, wicked 12 J, L-O, U, 31, 32, 34, 36, 96 G, H, 103, 261 (falsely accuses stepdaughter of incest): 261 (bewitches stepchiJdren): 31, 32, 24, 36 (ill-treats stepchildren): 103 B, C

suicide 13, 14, 20 F, 49 D, 50, 51, 52, 65, 66 B, 67, 73, 75 E, 76 B, 81 C, G, 88 C-E, 211, 214, 243, 252 E (of man): 13, 14, 49 D, 51, 65, 66 B, 67, 73, 75 E, 76 B, 81 C, G, 88 C-E, 211, 243 (of woman): 20 F, 50, 52, 67, 214, 252 E (out of grief at death of brother): 49 D (out of grief at death of friend): 211 (out of grief at death of husband): 214 (out of grief at death of mistress): 65, 66 B (?), 67, 73, 75 E, 76 B (out of longing for wife): 243 (because of rejected love): 252 E (out of remorse for incest): 51, 52 B (?) (out of remorse for infidelity to mistress): 73 (out of remorse for murder): 13, 14, 20 F, 49 D, 51, 52 B, 66 B (?), 81 C, G, 88 C-E, 211 (because of violation): 50, 52 (?), 67 (announced): 13, 49 D, 51, 52 B, 65, 88 E

suitor, test of 46,47

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

61

task, setting of 1, 2, 3, 31,45, 46, 47, 61, 107, 286, 304 (combat against otherworidly being): 61, 304 (making shirt without needle and thread): 2 (rescue of captured ship): 286 (solving of riddles): 1, 3, 31, 45,46,47 (winning football game): 107 (human being tested by devil): 1 C, 21, 3 (in Order to find 'suitable' lover for daughter): 286 (in Order to test mistress): 1, 2 (in Order to test suitor): 46, 47, 61 (?), 107 task, solving of 1, 3,45,46,47, 2, 61, 107, 286, 304 (guarants pardon): 45 (makes escape from devil's clutches possible): 2, 3 (proves man to be a 'suitable' lover): 46,47, 61, 286, 304 (proves woman to be a 'suitable' mistress): 1 testimony of faith 23, 55 (by talking animals): 55

theft ~> robbery 4 D-G, 9, 23, 24, 30, 48, 108, 117 (3), 127, 142 B (?), 179, 182, 184, 185, 190 (2x), 192, 209 F, G, J, 244

(of cattle): 179, 184, 185, 190 (of crown jewels): 244 (of horses): ~> horse theft (of money and/or possessions): 4 D-G, 9, 23, 24,48, 108, 117 (3), 190 (of marvellous objects): 30 (of prison keys): 244 (of ring): 9 (of Warrant of arrest): 127

62

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(as condition for marriage or love relationship): 4 D-G, 9, 24, 48 (to prove supposed legitimacy of action): 9 (in revenge): 184, 185, 190

treasure ehest 267 trial by ordeal 24, 57 (2x), 59, 68 (bleeding of corpse's wounds): 68 B, C, J (drawing lots): 24, 57 (ordeal by fire): 68 (ordeal by water): 24, 57 (Single combat): 59 (exposes perpetrator of incest): 57 (exposes murderess): 68 (exposes premarital pregnancy): 24 (exposes slanderer): 59 trickery -> love, test of(through disguise; pretence) 4, 5, 6, 9, 17, 25, 30, 43, 45, 53, 59 B, 60, 63, 67, 69, 71, 83 B-F, 88, 89, 96, 97, 103, 105, 106, 107, 112, 116, 117 (3, 7), 118, 119, 121, 122, 127, 129, 133, 134, 138, 140, 142, 143, 144, 145, 147, 148, 150, 151, 152, 156, 157, 167, 169, 182, 187, 192, 202, 212 B-F, 216, 226 B-H, 232 F, G, 241, 246, 252, 263, 265, 266, 268 (2x), 271, 274, 276, 279, 280, 281, 283, 290, 293, 294, 296, 303 (bewitchment): 43 A (?), C (birth simulated by wax figure of baby): 6 (bribery): 53 (cheating in wager): 246 (concealing true identity): 119 (concealment): 88 (invitation to contest): 152 (disguise): ~> disguise (making drunk): 59 B, 89,97, 127, 265, 296 (exchange of children): 89

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(feigning death): 25, 96 (harp-playing): 192 (lie): 97, 105, 107, 117 (2, 3), 122, 134, 169, 176, 192, 263,274, 290 (lulling to sleep): 4, 268 (using magic): 4 (man in basket): 281 (practica! joke): 112, 151,276 (pretence): - > pretence (showing Stolen object to "prove" supposed legitimacy of action): 9, 182 (substitution of lover): ~> lover, substitution of (substitution of mistress): ~> mistress, substitution of (taking vow literally). 69, 71 (in Order to abduct mistress): 296 (in Order to accompany lover): 103 (in Order to arouse pity): 192 (in Order to attend wedding): 138 (in Order to avoid capture): 129, 133, 143, 147, 157, 266 (in Order to take men captive): 265 (in Order to escape captivity): 89 (in Order to catch criminal): 152, 169 (in Order to circumvent paying loan): 117 (2) (in Order to circumvent vow): 69, 71 (in Order to commit theft): 192 (in Order to conceal adultery): 274 (in Order to confront supposed rival lover unrecognized): 83 B-F (in Order to destroy daughter's love relationship): 216 (in Order to eam one's living): 106 (in Order to evade enemy): 134, 212 B-F (in Order to fend off unwanted lover): 268 --> mistress, substitution of (in Order to flee with lover): 97 (in Order to free prisoner): 9 (in Order to gain social advantage): 271 (in Order to gain victory in war): 202 (in Order to get the better of sheriff): 117 (3), 121, 122, 151 (in Order to go begging): 142 (in Order to band over traitor): 176 (in Order to hear wife's confession): 156 (in Order to lead new life): 148 (in Order to lift curse): 6 (in Order to Iure enemy in war): 167 (in Order to Iure sheriff into trap): 117 (3), 121, 122 (in Order to meet lover/mistress): 69, 71, 96, 97, 150, 281, 303 (in Order to meet Robin Hood): 117 (7) (in Order to outwit robber): 283

63

64

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(in Order to outwit sheriff): 121, 144 (in Order to participate incognito in contest): 145 (in Order to perform task in place of brother): 45 (in Order to prevent recognition as married man): 241 (in Order to prove supposed legitimacy of action): 9 (in Order to put fidelity of lover to the test): 105 (in oder to put fidelity of son's mistress to the test): 293 (in Order to put fidelity of wife/mistress to the test): 226 B-H, 232 F, G, 252, 263, 279, 280, 294 (in Order to preserve virginity): 43, 112, 276 (in Order to prevent son being murdered): 89 (in Order to rescue lover from death): 182, 88 (in Order to rescue lover from pursuers): 88 (in Order to rescue prisoner(s) from death): 53, 116, 118, 140, 187 (in Order to simulate adultery of innocent woman): 59 (in Order to simulate virginity): 5 (in Order to sleep with mistress): 67 (in Order to summon lover): 96 (in Order to summon mistress):25, 290 (in Order to take revenge for rejected advances): 59 (in Order to teil brother's beloved of his love for her): 107 (in Order to use person as Substitute lover): 59 B (in Order to win wager): 246, 268 (unsuccessful): 152 Tristan and Isolde plot kernel —> adultery —> bridal quest —> death from love --> rivalry (between two men over a woman) truth, test of 5, 17, 24, 25 E, 29, 57, 59, 68, 96 B-G, 105, 109, 226 B-H, 232 F, G, 252, 263, 268, 279, 280, 293, 294 (proves/disproves fidelity of husband/lover; of wife/mistress; of son's mistress): ~> love, test of (marvellous): ~> trial by ordeal; --> love, test of(using object, marvellous) (exposes murderer): 68 (exposes perpetrator of incest): 57 (exposes premarital pregnancy): 24

Motif Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

65

(exposes slanderer): 59 (does not reveal truth): 96 B-G (suggested by otherworldly being): 96 B, C (suggested by wicked stepmother): 96 G, H

voyage, marvellous ~> shipwreck 24, 57. 243 B-G, 245 (voyage prevented by presence of guilty person on board): 24, 57 (ship obeys commands): 245

wager 43 B-F, 119, 121, 135, 139, 145, 192 D, E, 245, 246, 268, 275 (on ability to keep silent): 275 (on ability to persuade woman to commit adultery): 268 (on preservation of virginity): 43 B-F (on skill in archery): 119, 139 (on success of courtship): 246 (on success of robbery): 121 (on success of theft): 192 D, E (on victory in contest): 119, 145 (on victory in sailing contest): 245 (on victory in Single combat): 135

war 92 B, 108, 148, 158, 159, 161, 162 (3x), 163, 164, 166, 167, 168, 172, 175, 198, 202, 205, 206, 250, 266, 286, 287, 288, 305 (between English and French): 148, 158, 164 (between English and Germans): 288 (between English and Scots): 92 B, 159, 161, 162 (3x), 167, 168, 172, 202, 205, 206 (between English and Spanish): 108 (between highlanders and lowlanders): 163, 198 (between two houses, for crown): 166 (with pirates): 167, 250, 287

66

Moüf Index of the Child Ballad Corpus

(with rebels against the English crown): 175 (with rebels against the Scottish crown): 305 (between Scots and Türks): 266 (at sea): 167, 250, 286, 287, 288

warning, disregarded 37 C, 42 (?), 58, 67 B, C, 72 B-C, 81, 90, 108, 114, 116, 119, 120, 159, 168, 175, 176, 183, 198, 214, 215 G, 216, 262, 288, 300

watching ~> eavesdropping 27,138 (of outlaw's family): 116 (of worshiped woman): 27

wish, last

42,49, 120, 191,211,259

woman/wife, wicked 6, 10, 12,31,32, 34, 36, 73,76, 87, 103, 116, 155, 215 D-F, 216, 249,261, 277, 278, 300 (accuses stepdaughter of incest): ~> stepmother, wicked (curses daughter-in-law): 6 (bewitches stepchildren): ~> stepmother, wicked (betrays secret meeting of lovers): 249 (betrays outlaw): 116 (carried off by devil): 278 (commits murder): 10, 12, 73, 87, 155, 261 (curses son): 215 D-F, 216 (destroys daughter's love relationship): 216 (destroys son's love relationship): 76 (murders stepdaughter): ~> stepmother, wicked (refuses to do housework): 277 (rejected by devil): 278

Motif Index of the Child Bailad Corpus

(tries to destroy daughter's love relationship): 103 (tries to destroy son's love relationship): 300 (tries to destroy stepdaughter's love relationship): ~> stepmother, wicked (tries to murder son's mistress): 300 (treats stepchild(ren) badly): ~> stepmother, wicked

67

3. Summaries of ballads followed by the motifs contained

Child 1, "RIDDLES WISELY EXPOUNDED" A knight courts the youngest daughter of a lady. After a night spent with him the girl asks him to marry her, but he will only agree on condition that she answer three riddles. This presents her with no difficulty and so, her mental prowess proved, nothing now stands in the way of their marriage. bridal quest task, setting of (solving of riddles; in order to test mistress) / bride, lest of task, solving of (proves woman to be a "suitable' mistress) marriage

C: In this variant a woman, though unbeknown to her, is courted by the devil. He makes it a condition for marriage that she should answer various riddles (in reality he intends to carry her off if she cannot solve them). When the woman calls the devil by his name, however, he disappears in smoke and flame. bridal quest (of —> otherworldly

being

(devil))

task, setting of (solving of riddles; in order to test mistress; human being tested by devil) task, solving of (proves woman to be a "suitable' mistress; makes escape from devil's clutches possible) help (—> rescue (from devil's clutches, through solving

oftask))

Child 2, "THE ELFIN KNIGHT" When a young woman hears the hom of the elfm knight, she expresses a wish to be with him. She has hardly spoken, when the elf appears before her. She wishes to marry him, but he will only agree if she makes him a shirt without using needle or thread. The woman agrees, on condition that he perform three equally impossible tasks to her satisfaction. In the light of such conditions she gives up her original idea of marrying him.

70

Summaries ofballads

horn Signal (of elf; awakens woman's —> longing (for love

relationship))

otherworldly being, encounter with (elf; human being set task by -) / task, setting of (making shiit without needle and thread; in order to lest mistress) / bride, test of task, setting of (in order to test lover)

I: The devil presents a woman with various tasks, threatening to carry her off if she cannot fulfil them. When the woman in tum presents him with impossible tasks, he gives up. otherworldly being, encounter with (devil; human being set task by -) task, setting of (human being tested by devil) task, setting of (makes escape from devil's clutches possible) rescue (from devil's clutches; by setting of impossible task)

Child 3, "THE FAUSE KNIGHT UPON THE ROAD" The devil tries to confuse a boy whom he meets on the road by asking him various questions. The boy's answers prove that he can keep a cool head and is quick-witted enough to find the appropriate answers. otherworldly being, encounter with (devil; human being set task by -) task, setting of (solving of riddles; human being tested by devil) task, solving of (makes escape from devil's clutches possible) rescue (from devil's clutches; through solving of task)

Child 4, "LADY ISABEL AND THE ELF-KNIGHT" The King's daughter Isabel, hearing the sound of the elf-knight's hom from her window, has hardly expressed her wish to have him as her lover when he appears before her. He has her ride with him into the forest, but she soon realizes that he intends to kill her just as he has already killed seven other women. Lady Isabel manages to escape such a fate: when at her request the elf grants her a moment's rest and lays his head in her lap, she lulls him to sleep with the aid of a charm and then kills him with his own dagger.

horn Signal (of elf; awakens woman's —> longing for love relationship) abduction (of woman; by - > otherworldly being (elf)) murder (by unwanted lover; threatened)

Summaries of ballads

71

rescue (of oneself from unwanted lover; through - > trickery -> magic (magic spell: lulls enemy to sleep)) murder (of unwanted lover; in self-defence; with weapon) / death (through murder)

B, C, E: May Colvin is courted so assiduously by a knight (C, E) or so bewitched by his magic harp (B) (which lulls all other listeners to sleep), that she finally agrees to ride off with him. courtship: C, E magic ( ~ > musical instrument, marvellous (harp; possesses soporiflc effect; places woman in lover's power)-, --> bewitchment (lulling to sleep; in order to gain Submission of woman)): B

D: May Collin is courted by a wicked knight. When she rejects him he casts a spell on her so that she has no choice but to go with him. courtship (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected magic (~> bewitchment (places woman in lover's power))

C-G: In these variants the woman has to steal her parents' money and one/two of their horses before she can go with her lover, or, as in C, the man steals one of the horses himself. theft (of money, horse(s) ~ > horse thefl-, as condition for love relationship)

B-G: When the woman realizes that her lover intends to kill her, she waits for an opportune moment to push him into the river (B-F). On her retum home her parrot asks where she has been and inquires after her lover, but she promises the bird various things as a reward for his silence and it does not mention her absence (C-G). In D the woman eventually teils her parents what has happened, and fearing that the body might be found she and her parents (or her father) retum to the scene and bury the dead man. otherworldly being ( ~ > animal, talking (bird))-. C-G reward (for keeping silent): C-G confession (of —> murder): D burial: D

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Summaries ofballads

Child 5, "GIL BRENTON" Gil Brenton has courted a woman in another country, and brings her home as bis bride. She however is weeping, in dread of the moment that her betrotbed will discover that sbe is not a virgin. She also hears that the King (identical with Gil Brenton?) has already married seven women and sent them home again, after brutally punishing them by physical injury for their premarital liaisons. In order to escape this fate the woman decides on a plan: she persuades her maid, who is still a virgin, to spend a night with Gil Brenton. But the blankets speak to him, revealing that his wife is pregnant. Gil Brenton's mother, who leams all this from her son, does not hesitate to take her daughter-in-law to task. The latter relates how one day the lot feil on her as the youngest sister to go and gather nuts in the forest, where she met a man who slept with her (raped her (?)). The three keepsakes which he gave her (among them a ring) reveal that the man was Gil Brenton, so that they are now reunited. When the woman gives birth a month later, it is written on the child's breast that Gil Brenton is his father. bridal quest marriage punishment (of woman; for premarital liaison; for loss of virginity) trickery (—> mistress, substitution of, in order to simulate virginity) truth, lest of (disproves fidelity of mistress - > love, lest of (using - > magic (-> object, bedclothes))

marvellous:

drawing lots (for one who is to perform a task) greenwood (as scene of encounter with lover (?) / violator (?)) humiliation (of woman by man; by —> rape (?)) ring (as keepsake, Identification, and token of fidelity) / infidelity, supposed identity, discovery of true (of lover) reconciliation (with mistress) pregnancy birth (marvellous; inscription on newbom baby's skin testifies to identity of father)

E-G: Here the woman confesses openly that she is no longer a virgin, but regains Gil Brenton's affections when she teils him what happened to her (cf. also var. A). confession (of loss of virginity)

Child 6, "WILLIE'S LADY" Willie's wife is expecting a child, but cannot give birth because her mother-in-law, a witch, has put a curse on her. The wicked woman will not help the pregnant wife, and remains unmoved by the latter's offer of a valuable horse and a costly girdle in retum for

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the lifting of the curse. Only a clever ruse can help now, suggested by a kindly household spirit: a wax baby deceives the witch into believing that her curse has been lifted, and in her rage at the supposed failure of her plan she betrays her secret. Willie can now take the several steps needed to lift the curse, and his wife is able to give birth to the child. pregnancy (as indication of secret love) love against family's wishes magic (~> cursing (woman curses daughter-in-law) -> woman, wicked; --> magician (witch)) / birth (prevented by cursing)) help (advice; from - > otherworldly being (demon/household spirit)) trickery (birth simulated by wax figure of baby; in order to lift curse) magic (—> deliverance from curse) birth

Child 7, "EARL BRAND" The Scot Earl Brand has been courting the young English princess, but has to flee with her as the woman's family object to their relationship. While riding through the country they meet Carl Hood. The princess teils her lover to kill Hood, but he refuses.- Carl Hood gathers from his conversation with Earl Brand that the latter has abducted the princess. When the king is later told of this by Hood, he orders his men to fetch his daughter back. In the ensuing fight Earl Brand is mortally wounded, but manages to flee with his mistress to his mother's Castle in Scotland, so that after his death the princess can marry his youngest brother. bridal quest love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners ofdifferent nationality) flight (of lovers) pursuit (of lovers) combat (for mistress; one against many - successful) flight (of lovers) death (of lover; in combat)

B-F, I: In this variant the lovers are pursued by the woman's father and brothers. In the fighting William kills his mistress's brothers and severely wounds her father (B-F, I). When she has bound up her father's wounds the woman rides on with her lover, but soon realizes that he is mortally wounded. Arrived at his mother's house they both die (B-D, I), and after their burial a rose and briar grow out of their graves and intertwine, symbolizing their etemal love (B, C, I).

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combat (against mistress's brothers; one against many): B-F, I death (of lover; in combat): B-D, I [see above] death (—> death from love (out of--> griefat death of lover)): B-D, I burial: B, C, I fidelity (to lover, to mistress —> fidelity in love (qflovers to each other; beyond death; shown by —> rose andbriar)): B, C, I

Child 8, "ERLINTON" Erlinton is keeping his daughter locked up, to prevent a meeting between her and Willie. Her lover soon comes knocking at her door asking to be let in. She thinks it more prudent for them to meet in the forest the next moming, when she is allowed out. The plan succeeds, but as she and Willie are riding through the forest they come upon fifteen knights (in B they are outlaws), whose leader advises Willie to leave her with them if he values his life. Willie does not give in to this threat, but instead challenges his opponents to a fight in which he kills all but their leader. love against family's wishes captivity (of woman; in order to prevent meeting with lover) meeting (of lovers; in greenwood [see below]; secret) flight (of lovers; successfiil) greenwood (as secret meeting-place of lovers; as scene of combat) combat (for mistress; against —> outlaws (B); one against many - successful)

C: Robin Hood has courted a woman and is fleeing with her, as her parents object to the relationship. Later it is the woman's brothers whom Robin has to fight. bridal quest combat (against mistress's brothers)

Child 9, "THE FAIR FLOWER OF NORTHUMBERLAND" A Scottish prisoner of the Barl of Northumberland persuades the Earl's daughter to free him, promising to marry her and make her a rieh woman. Showing the jailer her father's ring, which she has stolen for the purpose, she manages to convince him that the order for the prisoner's release has come from the highest authority. She even steals her parents' money and two of their horses at her lover's bebest, so that she can flee to Scotland with him. When they arrive in Edinburgh, however, he teils her he already has a wife and

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children. He then rides off with her horse, and she has to be taken back to Northumberland by two knights. The woman now bitterly regrets the liaison. Moral. Never trust a Scot. help ( - > rescue (ofprisoner front captivity)) theft (of - > ring) trickery (showing stolen object to prove supposed legitimacy of action; in order to free prisoner) theft (of money, horses —> horse theft\ as condition for marriage or love relationship) flight (of lovers) love, rejected remorse (for entering love relationship)

B, C, E: Amved back home, the woman shows remorse for having gone off with the man. Her parents forgive her. remorse (for love relationship) [see above] reconciliation (between parents and child)

Child 10, "THE TWA SISTERS" Two sisters decide to go down to the sea to await the retum of their father's ships. When they reach the shore, the eider sister pushes the younger into the water. The eider remains impervious to her sister's pleas for help, and the latter drowns. A milier pulls the dead woman out of the mill dam, and builds a violin from various parts of her body. When he plays it the strings reveal that the woman was murdered by her own sister.

murder (of sister - > sibling murder (woman murders her sister)-, motive unclear; by drowning) / woman, wicked (commits murder) / death (through murder) help (—> rescue (of person from death: of sister from drowning)-, refused by person asked for help) murder (exposed; by - > magic (—> object, rmrvellous (violin) --> musical instrument, marvellous)) / exposure (of murderess)

B-J,N, O, Q,V,W, Y: A nobleman has courted both sisters, but prefers the younger to the elder (in all above variants except G). In G "rivalry between two women over a man" can be assumed, as the younger sister promises the elder that she will give up her lover to her, if she will only save her.

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Summaries of ballads

bridal quest: B-F, H-J, N, O, Q, V, W, Y rivalry (between two women over a man): B-J, N, O, Q-V, Y

B-I, M-R, U-W, Y: In her jealousy of her younger sister, whose affections the man has won, the eider murders her (B-I, M-Q, V, W, Y). In variants R and U it seems that the eider sister is jealous of the younger because their father gives her fmer, costlier presents (R, U). In variant R, however, the younger sister promises to give up her lover to the eider if she will save her. murder (of sister - > sibling murder (woman murders her sister; out of jealousy)', --> crime of passion): B-I, M-R, U-W, Y / murder (of rival misttess): B-I, M-R, U, W, Y

N,P,Q,V: In these variants the ghost of the dead woman appears to her lover (N), the miller (P, Q) or a musician (V). The murder is either exposed by the dead woman's ghost (N, P, Q), or the musical Instrument made of her bones reveals the circumstances of the bloody deed (V; cf. also var.A). otherworldly being ( - > ghost (revenant; exposes murder)): N, P, Q / exposure (of murderess)

R,S, (Y): The drowning woman promises the milier a reward if he saves her, but having taken the proffered gold chain he pushes her back into the water. The milier is executed (R, S). In variant Y it is not clear whether the milier has actually murdered the woman or is falsely accused of her murder. Here also he is threatened with execution. murder (out of greed ~ > robbery with murder): R, S punishment (of man; for murder; by —> execution (R, S); threatened (Y))

Child 11, "THE CRUEL BROTHER" A knight has courted the youngest of three sisters, and wishing to marry her he asks the consent of all her relations. He forgets to ask her brother John, however. After the wedding her family take leave of her, for now she is to live with her husband. John has not forgiven the slight, and as he sets his sister on her horse he wounds her mortally with a knife. Not until they have been riding for some time does the bridegroom notice that something is wrong with his bride. Before she dies she leaves her parents and sisters

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objects which indicate her affection for them, but she wishes her brother John a death on the gallows and his wife a life in the wildemess. bridal quest marriage punishment (of woman; for forge sting to ask for consent in marriage; by murder) / murder (of sister —> Siblins murder (man murders his sister); in - > revenge-, with weapon) / death (through murder) inheritance, dividing up of (as implicit accusation)

K: Three knights court three women, who reject them. bridal quest (of several, unwanted suitors) / love, rejected

Child 12, "LORD RANDAL" Lady Randal asks her son how he has spent the day. Düring the course of the dialogue it eventually becomes clear that Lord Randal has been poisoned by his mistress, with whom he has had a meal. Lord Randal makes his will, leaving nothing to his mistress but a wish for her death. murder (—> murder by poisoning death (through murder)

(of lover; motive unclear) / woman/wife, wicked (commits murder) /

inheritance (dividing up of; as implicit accusation)

I,K: Lord Randal is murdered by his grandmother. murder (of grandchild)

J, L-O, U: Here the stepmother is the murderess. murder (of stepson —> stepmother,

wicked)

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Summaries of ballads

Child 13, "EDWARD" When Edward's mother asks how he got the bloodstains on his clothes, he at first explains that it is the blood of his hound and his hawk. Eventually he confesses that it is the blood of his brother, whom he has killed in a quarrel. Edward resolves to take his own life as a penance. He makes his will, and it is clear from the way he divides up his inheritance that his mother (for whatever reason) also bears some responsibility for his brother's death.

murder (of brother ~ > sibling murder (man murders his brother)-, motive unclear; with weapon) / death (through murder) confession (of murder) punishment (of oneself; for murder; by suicide) / suicide (of man; out of —> remorse announced) / death (through suicide)

for murder;

inheritance (dividing up of; as implicit accusation)

B: In this variant Edward murders his father. The motive for the deed remains unclear here also. murder (of father —> parricide

(man murders his father); motive unclear) / death (through murder)

Child 14, "BABYLON" While picking flowers in the forest, three sisters are waylaid by Babylon, a robber. He threatens each one in tum with death if she will not agree to be his wife. The fate of the first two women is sealed when they refuse their consent: they are stabbed to death. The third woman also refuses to live with him, but adds that her brother, who lives in the same wood, will take revenge on the robber if she is killed. When Babylon asks the name of her brother it tums out that it is the robber himself, and unable to bear the disgrace of having killed his sisters, he takes his own life.

greenwood (as scene of encounter with murderer) bridal quest (of unwanted suitor) / love, rejected punishment (of women; for rejection of love; by murder) / murder (of sisters - > sibling murder

(man

murders his sisters)-, in —> revenge-, with weapon) / death (through murder) identity, discovery of true (of 'lover', murderer; of interlocutor) suicide (of man; out of —> remorse for crime: murder) / death (through suicide) / punishment (of oneself; for murder; by suicide)

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E: Before the robber can kill the third sister, she is rescued by her brother. He threatens to have the murderer executed. help ( - > rescue (of sisterfrom unwanted lover)) / punishment (of woman; for rejection of love; by murder; prevented) punishment (of man; for murder; by —> execution\ threatened) / revenge (for murder of sister; threatened)

Child 15, "LEESOME BRAND" Leesome Brand is a young servant at the court of the King, where he begins a relationship with a noble young girl. She becomes pregnant, and they flee on horseback, but the girl soon starts to feel birth pangs. She sends Leesome Brand off hunting so that she can be alone for the birth. When he retums he finds his mistress and the child both dead. He is desperate, but his mother saves the Situation: the dead woman and child are brought back to life with some drops of the blood of St Paul which she has had in her keeping. love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners ofdifferent social Standing) pregnancy (as indication of secret love) flight (of lovers) birth (with fatal outcome for woman) / death (at birth) grief (at someone's death: at death of mistress; at death of child) magic (Christian: raising of dead - through blood of saint)

B: By an unlucky chance an arrow shot by Leesome Brand while hunting strikes the newbom baby and kills it. On retuming to his mistress, Leesome Brand fmds that she too is dead. After he has buried them, he breaks out in lamentation over her death. killing, unintentional (of own child) burial grief (at someone's death: at death of mistress) [see above]

Child 16, "SHEATH AND KNIFE" A king's daughter is expecting a child by her brother. In order to keep the birth a secret she goes into the forest with her brother, but wishes to give birth alone. She appears to

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Summaries of ballads

foresee what is to come, for she asks her brother to bury her after she has died. When he has done this he retums to his father's Castle. Asked the reason for his melancholy, he explains that he has lost his "sheath and knife" for ever. incest pregnancy (as indication of secret love) meeting (secret; of lovers) greenwood (as secret meeting-place; as scene of birth) premonition, dreadful birth (with fatal outcome for woman) / death (at birth) burial grief (at someone's death: at death of mistress)

Child 17, "HIND HORN" Before leaving the country, Hind Horn is given a keepsake by his mistress, a king's daughter. It is a diamond ring which will lose its sparkle when her love for him has gone. One day he notices that the ring has become pale, so he sets off for home to find out why. He learns from a beggar that a wedding is being celebrated at the King's Castle. He changes clothes with the beggar and begs a glass of wine at the Castle gate, which is brought to him by the King's daughter. He drinks the wine and drops the ring into the glass. On seeing this the princess declares that she will share Hind Hom's life of beggary, but he then reveals his identity and assures her that he will make her a rieh woman. Although already married, she chooses to go with her lover rather than her husband. Separation (of lovers) ring (as marvellous token of fidelity) infidelity (of mistress) marriage truth, test of (proves fidelity of mistress —> love, lest of(by --> trickery: —> disguise (as —> beggar))) rivalry (between two men over a woman) ring (as Identification) identity, discovery of true (of interlocutor) love, rekindled

D: The King sends Hind Horn off to sea because he is in love with his daughter. love against family's wishes (because of - > love between partners ofdifferent social Standing (?))

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Child 18, "SIR LIONEL" A knight finds a woman sitting in a tree lamenting the death of her husband/lover (?), Sir Browning, who has been killed by a wild boar. The knight kills the beast [which must logically follow if we take into account the later action; the actual encounter is not described, but is included in the other variants]. He thereby incurs the wrath of the boar's owner, a giant, who demands as penance his hawk, his hounds and the little finger of his right hand. The knight refuses to fulfil these demands, so the giant gives him forty days' grace after which he must fight him in Single combat. The woman has to remain with the giant as security for his retum. When his time is up the knight seeks the giant out [...], summons the woman with a hom signal, and teils her to flee if he should seem to be losing the fight [...]. greenwood (as scene of encounter with otherworldly being [see below]) grief (at someone's death, at - > death of husband/lover (?)) combat (between two enemies —> single combat (with wild animal; as matter oflife and death)) (?) captivity (of woman; at hands of —> otherworldly

being)

horn Signal combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with -> otherworldly being (giant))-, planned)

C, D: When the knight has been told by the woman of the preceding events, he summons the wild boar with a horn signal. The beast, which has the power of speech (C), is killed by the knight after a fight. The owner of the animal then appears, a "wild woman'V'old lady" (witch (?)), who in tum fights the knight but is also vanquished. horn Signal (calls wild animal) combat (between two enemies - > Single combat (with --> otherworldly boar: C); fights with human being)', as matter of life and death): C, D

being (->

animal, talking (wild

combat (between two enemies - > Single combat (between man and woman (?) or with --> (witch) (?); with wild woman/old woman) help (—> rescue (of woman from --> captivity (at hands of otherworldly

magician

being)))

Child 19, "KING ORFEO" While King Orfeo is out hunting, his wife is abducted by the elf king. [...] The King sets out in search of her, or follows the abductors (?). The tracks end at a great stone, and when the King takes out his pipes to play, he is allowed into the elf king's Castle, where his playing is much admired. He can have anything he wishes as a reward, and so at his request he regains his wife.

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Summaries of ballads

abduction (by —> otherworldly beings (elves)) search (for abducted wife) (?) / pursuit (of abductors) (?) release (of abducted woman; as --> reward (for pipe-playing)) / help ( - > rescue (of wife from -> (at hands of otherworldly being)))

captivity

Child 20, "THE CRUEL MOTHER" A woman gives birth to a child and buries it alive. pregnancy birth murder (of child - > infanticide (woman murders child)-, motive unclear; by burying alive) / death (through murder)

D-F, H, I, N, O: A noblewoman has had a liaison with a servant of her father's, and is pregnant. Wishing to escape the sanctions of her family, she murders the child. pregnancy (as indication of secret love) love against family's wishes (because of - > love between partners ofdifferent social Standing) murder (of child - > infanticide (woman murders child)-, in order to prevent discovery of relationship))

B-F, H-O, Q: In these variants the woman is visited by her murdered child (murdered children) (B-F, H-O, Q), who announce(s) that she will go to hell or suffer other punishments for her misdeed. (B-F, H-L, N, O, Q). otherworldly being (~> ghost (revenant; threatens consignment to hell)): B-F, H-O, Q punishment (of woman; for murder; by consignment to hell; divine; threatened): B-F, H-L, N, O, Q

F, O: After her children have appeared to her, the woman takes her own life (F) or dies (O). suicide (of woman; out of ~> remorse (for crime: murder)): / death (through suicide): F death (of murderess; out of ~> remorse (for crime: murder)): O

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Child 21, "THE MAID AND THE PALMER" A pilgrim asks a woman for a drink but is refused. At this the pilgrim suggests that she would not have treated her lover so. The woman at first denies the existence of a lover, but when the pilgrim reveals that he knows she has killed her nine children, she sees that it is useless to lie to him. She recognizes that the pilgrim is Christ, and begs for absolution of her sins. He teils her that she can only be cleansed of her sins when she has spent seven years as a stepping-stone, seven as a bell-clapper, and seven leading an ape in hell.

mercilessness (towards poor) exposure (of murderess; by Christ) / murder (of child - > infanticide unclear)

(woman murders child)-, motive

identity, discovery of true (of interiocutor) punishment (of woman; for murder; by consignment to hell; divine; threatened)

Child 22, "ST STEPHEN AND HEROD ' Stephen declares to the unbeliever, King Herod, that a king has been bom in Bethlehem who is mightier than he. Herod has Stephen stoned to death. testimony of faith punishment (of man; for belief; by execution) / execution (of martyr) / death (through execution)

Child 23, "JUDAS" On Maundy Thursday Jesus asks Judas to buy food for thirty pieces of silver. On his way to Jerusalem Judas meets his sister. She thinks Jesus is a false prophet, but Judas defends his master. At his sister's suggestion Judas lies down to rest, but when he wakes up he fmds that his money has been stolen (by his sister [?]). Pilate asks him if he will betray Jesus, and Judas agrees in retum for thirty pieces of silver. At the Last Supper Jesus talks of the betrayal, but Judas protests his innocence. When Peter declares that he will always be faithful to his master, Jesus teils him that he too will betray him.

commission (to buy food) testimony of faith theft (of money) betrayal (of Christ; by (supposed) friend) / infidelity (of friend) prophecy (by Christ about his future life)

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Summaries of ballads

Child 24, "BONNIE ANNIE" Bonnie Annie, daughter of a rieh nobleman, has been courted by a sea captain and is pregnant by him. He promises to take her to Ireland if she steals her parents' money, which she agrees to do. [...] All efforts to get the ship under way fail, however, and the sailors conclude that there is someone on board who is marked out for death. They cast lots, and the lot falls on Annie, who asks to be thrown overboard. Her lover refuses at first to sacrifice her, but when further efforts to set sail are to no avail he too agrees. When the trial by ordeal has taken place the ship can sail again. Annie's body, washed up on the Irish shore, is buried at sea. bridal quest love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners

ofdifferent

social

Standing)

pregnancy (as indication of secret love) theft (of money; as condition for marriage or love relationship) flight (of lovers) magic (—> voyage, marvellous

(voyage prevented

magic ( ~ > truth, test of (marvellous premarital pregnancy))

by presence

--> trial by ordeal

ofguilty

person on

(--> drawing

board))

lots; ordeal

by water);

exposes

burial

B: Having given birth to her child, Annie is thrown overboard with it. birth

Child 25, "WILLIE'S LYKE-WAKE" Willie longs to be with his beloved, but does not know how to arrange a meeting. He is advised to feign death if his wish is to come true. The plan succeeds: when she learns through a messenger of Willie's supposed death his love at once sets off to visit him at his deathbed. When the "corpse" sees his beloved he awakes from the dead and demands to spend the night with her. She begs him to wait until they are married, but he refuses, at the same time making it clear that he intends to marry her. Separation (of lovers) longing (for mistress) commission (to carry news —> messenger,

sending

of)

trickery (feigning death; in order to summon mistress) reunion (of lovers) marriage (prospect of)

Summaries of ballads

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E: Willie is not completely sure of the affections of his beloved, and so wishes to put her fidelity to the test. She sets off to see him as soon as she hears of his supposed death, however, and thus he has proof of her love. truth, test of (proves fidelity of mistress ~ > love, test of (man puts fidelity of mistress to the test; by --> trickery: feigning death)) fidelity (to lover —> fidelity in love (ofwoman

to lover))

Chiid 26, "THE THREE RAVENS" Three ravens are Consulting over what they should have for breakfast. One of them mentions that a knight lies slain in the field but is faithfully guarded by his hawks and hounds. A pregnant doe comes along, kisses the dead knight's wounds, and carries him away to bury him. She herseif dies soon afterwards. otherworldly beings (—> animals, talking (birds; consult over possible food)) / consultation burial death ( - > death from love (out of -> grief(at

someone's death: at death of lover))

Child 27, "THE WHUMMIL BORE" A servant of the King teils how in his seven years of service he has only once seen the King's daughter, whom he worships. He was able to observe her secretly for a short while as she was dressing. watching (of worshiped woman)

Child 28, "BURD ELLEN AND YOUNG TAMLANE" While Sewing in her Chamber Burd Ellen is visited by Young Tamlane, who is evidently the father of Ellen's young son. [...] At her request that he should help in the rearing of his child, he says that he has already done enough. Burd Ellen expresses her anger at Tamlane. infidelity (of lover) quarrel (between lovers) anger (at infidelity of lover; at lover's refusal to share duties of child-rearing)

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Summaries of ballads

Chiid 29, "THE BOY AND THE MANTLE" A boy at the court of King Arthur suggests that the fidelity of the noble ladies to their husbands should be put to the test. This is to be with the aid of a mantle which will only fit virtuous women. It is too short even for the Queen, and it is the same with all the other ladies. It seems made to measure only for Craddocke's wife. She is accused by the Queen of being unfit to wear it, but the boy asserts that this is a lie. A second and third test again prove that Craddocke is the only husband who has not been betrayed by his wife. Only he manages to carve with his knife the head of a boar that the boy has killed, and only he is able to drink from the boy's drinking hom. truth, test of (proves fidelity of wife ~> love, test of (using —> magic (—> object, marvellous exposes adulteresses accusation [see below])

(coat));

accusation (of infidelity to husband; false) / adultery (by wife; supposed) exposure (of liar)

Child 30, "KING ARTHUR AND KING CORNWALL" King Arthur boasts to Gawain about his round table, but his wife Guenever teils him that she knows of a castle where there is a table far finer than his. Arthur is curious, and disguised as a pilgrim he sets out with four of his nobles to find the castle, whose name Guenever will not reveal. The men eventually come to the castle of Comwall, Arthur's rival, where they gain admittance. [...] Comwall teils the "pilgrims" that he has had a liaison with Arthur's wife, which resulted in a daughter. He then shows his guests his horse, which is three times as fast as Arthur's [[...] presumably he also shows them his other precious possessions, including a magic sword and a seven-headed demon whom he has in his service], When the men go to bed the demon is shut up in a barrel which is placed next to Arthur's bed, so that he can listen to the pilgrims' conversation and report back to Comwall. King Arthur vows that he will kill Comwall [...] [and we can assume cf. Child's note - that his companions vow to take possession of Cornwall's treasures]. The demon must first be subdued, however. One of the men, Sir Bredbeddle, bursts open the barrel and fights the demon. His weapons are soon broken, and he has to resort to a book of Evangiles. With the aid of its magical powers he subdues the demon and shuts him up tili wanted in a wall of stone. The demon is now completely tamed and the men can use him to help fulfil their vows. He brings them the magic horse and finally the magic sword, with which Arthur slays his rival Comwall. trickery ( - > disguise (as --> pilgrim)) adultery (by wife) eavesdropping combat (between two enemies - > single combat (with --> otherworldly being (demon)-, as matter of life and death; using —> magic) magic (—> object, marvellous (book; subdues demon)) theft (of marvellous objects)

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punishment (of man; for relationship with wife; by murder) / murder (of rival lover; in - > revenge rivalry); out of ~ > jealousy --> crime ofpassion; with weapon) / death (through murder)

(for

Child 31, "THE MARRIAGE OF SIR GAWAIN" Arthur meets a knight in the forest, who demands that he either fight with him or save himself by answering the question: what do women most desire? Arthur cannot find an answer, but the Solution needed for his release from the baron's power is eventually given him by an ugly, misshapen woman whom he chances to meet: women's greatest desire is to have their own will. In gratitude for her help Arthur promises her Gawain in marriage. When the latter is prepared to marry her in spite of her ugliness (the actual marriage is omitted, though a logical consequence), she suddenly changes into a beautiful woman. As she can only retain her beauty for one half of each day, Gawain must decide whether he wishes her to be beautiful by day or by night. Gawain leaves the choice to her, and in so doing breaks the spell which her stepmother cast on her (and her brother the baron). By letting her have her will he has enabled her to be beautiful all the time. [...] The couple are made welcome at the court of the King. greenwood (as scene of encounter with enemy) task, setting of (solving of riddles) task, solving of (prevents —> combat (between two enemies -> Single combat)) reward (for solving task; of man in marriage) marriage (?) magic (—> bewitchment misshapen woman))

(of woman by --> woman, wicked —> stepmother,

magic ( ~ > spell, breaking of (by unconditional fulfilment person))

wicked; transformation

of wishes)) / help (—> rescue (of

into

bewitched

Child 32, "KING HENRY" A fiendishly ugly woman demands that King Henry carry out various commands, so that the spell of ugliness may be lifted which her stepmother [cf. Child's annotation] has laid on her. In order to satisfy her hunger and thirst she commands him to slay his hounds, his hawks and his horse. After gorging herseif on this meal the woman commands King Henry to lie with her at night. Though reluctant, he obeys. The next morning the misshapen creature has tumed into a beautiful woman. In gratitude for the unconditional fulfilment of her wishes she is Willing to spend the rest of her life with him. magic (—> bewitchment stepmother, wicked)

(of woman; transformation

into misshapen

woman; by —> woman, wicked —>

88

Summaries of ballads

magic ( ~ > spell, breaking person))

of (by unconditional fulfilment

of wishes)) / help (—> rescue (of

bewitched

marriage (prospect of) (?)

Child 33, "KEMPY KAY" Kempy Kay, an ugly giant, has travelled to a far country where he courts a similarly charmless giantess. bridal quest (of ~ > otherworldly

being; giant courts giantess)

Child 34, "KEMP OWYNE" A woman is bewitched by her stepmother, and from now on has to spend her life as a monster in Craigy's Sea. Her stepmother teils her that the spell can only be broken by Kemp Owyne, the bewitched woman's lover. When Kemp Owyne discovers what has happened he wastes no time in going to his mistress. She tempts him with the offer of three magic objects (belt, ring and sword which have healing powers) to steel himself to give her the three kisses she needs which gradually release her from the spell. magic (—> bewitchment wicked)

(of stepchild: transformation

into monster; by —> woman, wicked —> stepmother,

magic ( ~ > object, marvellous (belt, --> ring, sword; possess healing magic ( ~ > spell, breaking of (by unconditional fulfilment woman / of mistress))

powers))

of wishes)) / help ( - > rescue (of

bewitched

B: After the woman has been released from the spell by Kempion, she in tum casts a spell on her stepmother. magic ( - > bewitchment (of wicked woman by stepchild: transformation

into monster; in —> revenge))

Child 35, "ALLISON GROSS" A man teils how the witch Allison Gross tried to gain his love by offering him presents. In revenge for his rejection of her she tumed him into a monster. Eventually the spell was broken by the Queen (of the elves (?)).

Summaries of ballads

89

courtship (by unwanted mistress —> magician (witch; courts man)) punishment (of man; for rejection of love; by bewitchment) / magic ( - > bewitchment transformation into monster); in -> revenge (for rejection of love))

(of

magic ( ~ > spell, breaking of (by —> (?) otherworldly person))

bewitched

being (elf-queen)) / help (—> rescue (of

man;

Child 36, "THE LAILY WORM AND THE MACHREL OF THE SEA" A wicked woman has changed her stepson into a dragon and her stepdaughter into a mackerei. When their father retums, the dragon teils him of his fate. The stepmother lies when her husband asks the whereabouts of his children, but he does not believe her and has her lift the spell from his son. His daughter refuses to have her spell lifted for fear of a worse fate. In order to put a stop to her evil-doing, the father has his wife executed. magic ( ~ > bewitchment stepmother,

(of children: transformation

into monster and animal; by —> woman, wicked (—>

wicked))

grief (at fate) magic ( ~ > spell, breaking of(got byforce))

/ rescue (of stepchild from bewitcliment)

punishment (of woman; for bewitchment; by execution) / execution (of wicked stepmother; of wife) / death (through execution)

Child 37, "THOMAS RHYMER" Thomas Rhymer meets the queen of the elves in the forest. She Orders him to go with her and serve her for seven years (abducts him). While riding to fairyland the queen teils him that there are three roads: the path of righteousness, beset with thoms, the broad, lilystrewn road of wickedness, and the "bonny road" that leads to fairyland. Thomas's experiences in fairyland are not described. We are only told that he is not seen again until seven years have elapsed. greenwood (as scene of encounter with otherworldly being) otherworldly being, encounter with - (elf-queen) abduction (by otherworldly being) (?) fairyland (mortal's joumey into -)

C: In this variant True Thomas disregards the elf-queen's waming that he should not touch her, and falls into her power through the physical contact. warning, disregarded

90

Summaries of ballads

Child 38, "THE WEE WEE MAN" A man describes his encounter with a dwarf, whose immense strength astonished him. The dwarf takes the narrator to see a part of fairyland. otherworldly being, encounter with (dwarf; journey into fairyland with -) fairyland (mortal's journey into -)

Child 39, "TAM LIN" Janet's father has forbidden her any contact with Tarn Lin, who is evidenüy well known for his effect on women. She nevertheless goes into the forest to meet him. [...] At home it soon becomes obvious that she is pregnant, but she fends off reproaches by maintaining that it is her concern only. While in the forest picking herbs for an abortion she meets Tam Lin again. He teils her not to abort the child, and she asks if he is a Christian. He then gives her an account of his life: one day while out hunting he feil from his horse, and the queen of the elves abducted and bewitched him and held him prisoner. Every seven years, at Halloween, a tribute must be paid to the devil, but there is also an opportunity for her to release him from fairyland. Janet succeeds in following his instructions, and so brings her bewitched lover back to the realm of mortals despite the fairies' magical attempts to prevent his release. love against family's wishes longing (for lover) meeting (of lovers; in - > greenwood-, secret) pregnancy (as indication of secret love) abortion (prevented) abduction (by —> otherworldly

being

(elf-queen))

captivity (of man; at hands of otherworldly being) devil, pact with magic (—> bewitchment (ofman by otherworldly

being))

magic ( ~ > spell, breaking of(by unconditionalfiilfilment

of wishes)) / help (—> rescue (of bewitched

man))

Child 40, "THE QUEEN OF ELFAN'S NOURICE" A woman is abducted by elves four days after the birth of her son, to serve as nurse in the elf-queen's family. When she laments her fate she is told that she may return home as soon as the elf-queen's child has learnt to walk.

Summaries of ballads

91

abduction (of woman by ~ > otherworldly being (elves)) grief (at fate) release (of abducted woman; prospect of)

Child41, " f f l N D E T I N " While sitting in her Chamber the King's daughter Margaret hears a melody in the forest and at once sets out towards it, as it unconsciously inspires in her the longing for a love relationship. On arriving in the forest she meets (the elf (?)) Young Akin, who takes her with him (or abducts her; in C he casts a spell on her) and keeps her prisoner in a house that cannot be seen by passers-by. Margaret lives with him for seven years and has as many children. One day Akin's eldest son asks him why his mother weeps so much. Akin replies that life with him cannot satisfy a king's daughter. Some time later, while Akin is out hunting, the boy seizes the opportunity to flee to the King's Castle with his mother and brothers. The eldest son uses gifts to make his way past the sentries, and teils the King who has come to visit him. The King is overjoyed to have found his daughter again and invites her to dine with him, but she will not eat until she has seen Akin again. The king sends his men to look for Akin and bring him to the court, with an assurance that he is pardoned (by Margaret (?)). Later, when they are all gathered together, the eldest son points out that he and his brothers have not been christened, and they receive the sacrament the very same day. Margaret continues to live at the court, and on her father's death she inherits the crown. longing (for love relationship) greenwood (as scene of encounter with lover) abduction (of woman by —> otherworldly being (elf) (?)\ using —> magic (magic spell: places woman in lover's power)-. C) punishment (of woman; for rejection of love (?); by captivity) (?) / captivity (of woman; in order to force love relationship (?); at hands of otherworldly being (?)) pregnancy birth night (of woman from abductor) reunion (of family members: parents and child) search (for lover) reunion (of lovers) reconciliation (between lovers)

C: While playing the (magic (?)) harp, which lulls her family to sleep, Margaret can lament her fate without being heard by Hind Etin. [...]

92

Summaries of ballads

harp-playing (marvellous (?); with soporific effect) / magic (—> object, marvellous instrument, marvellous))

(harp; -->

musical

(?)

grief (at fate)

Child 42, "CLERK COLVILL" Clerk Colvill's wife begs / wams (?) him never again to go to his mistress, a mermaid. Assuring his wife that she is the only one who means anything to him, he nevertheless sets off to Visit the water-nymph. While he is with her he forgets his wife aitogether [...]. He is racked with severe pains in his head, and the mermaid teils him he will die of it. He then tries to kill her, but she vanishes beneath the waves. On his retum home he begs his family to fulfü his last requests as he is soon to die. warning, disregarded rivalry (between two women over a man) infidelity (to wife —> adultery (by husband; with --> otherworldy being

(mermaid)))

murder (of husband by mermaid; motive unclear) / death (through murder) wish, last

C: As Clerk Saunders lies dying, the mermaid appears at the foot of his bed. She gives him the choice of either accepting death or living life in the water with her. Clerk Saunders chooses to die. otherworldly being (love relationship with -; mermaid) remorse (for entering love relationship)

Child 43, "THE BROOMFIELD HILL" A woman has arranged to meet her lover on Broomfield Hill. She is in a quandary, however: if she keeps the appointment she will probably lose her virginity, but if she stays at home her lover will accuse her of breaking her word. A witch solves the problem for her: the woman will find her lover in a deep sleep, and so will be able to leave "signs" that she has been there - she is to put her rings on his fmgers and strew flowers about his head and feet. (It is not clear here whether magic is involved - in C it is made obvious.) The plan succeeds. The knight wakes up, furious that he has missed his beloved. In his rage he asks his horse and his hawk why they did not wake him, only to be told that he was sleeping so soundly that all their efforts were to no avail. meeting (of lovers)

Summaries of ballads help (advice; from ~ > magician

93

(witch))

trickery (through - > magic (magic spell: assists in trickery, -> bewitchment)'. A (?), C; in order to preserve virginity) anger (at being outwitted by mistress) otherworldly beings (—> animals, talking (horse, bird; report ort events))

B-F: A woman bets a man that she can go to Broomfield Hill without losing her virginity, and wins. wager (on preservation of virginity)

C, F: The woman hides in order to observe her lover's reaction to her deception. She is pleased to have wen the bet. eavesdropping (on lover) joy (at winning wager; at preservation of virginity)

Child 44, "THE TWA MAGICIANS" A blacksmith tries to gain the favours a young woman, but she wishes to preserve her virginity. In order to elude him she changes into various animals and objects. He too has magic powers, however, and transforms himself so that she cannot escape. Finally, when she changes into a sheet, he takes on the form of a bed covering and so has his will with her. courtship (by unwanted lover (—> magician)) magic (contest in -; with lover; in order to preserve virginity; unsuccessful) humiliation (of woman by man; by ~ > rape)

Child 45, "KING JOHN AND THE BISHOP" King John accuses a bishop of high treason, stipulating that he will be saved from execution only if he can answer three questions. The bishop is at a loss, but his halfbrother, a shepherd, comes to his rescue. Disguised as a bishop, the shepherd goes to the King and answers the questions to the King's satisfaction. The latter is so impressed that he pardons the bishop and his brother and makes a rieh man of the shepherd. The grateful

94

Summaries ofballads

bishop, overjoyed at the favourable tum of events, likewise rewards bis brother with money. accusation (of —> high treason) punishment (of man; for treason; by ~ > execution', threatened) task, setting of (solving of riddles) help (solving of riddles) trickery (—> disguise (as priest)', in order to perform task in place of brother) task, solving of (guarants pardon) / help ( - > rescue (front

execution))

pardon (of criminal - traitor - by representative of authority) joy (at rescue from execution) reward (for solving riddles; of money)

Child 46, "CAPTAIN WEDDERBURN'S COURTSHIP" Captain Wetherboum urges Grizey Sinclair to become bis wife. She rejects bim, but eventually rides to Edinburgh with bim (it is not clear whether sbe is abducted or goes of her own free will). At all events she is only prepared to marry him on condition that he answer her riddles. To her surprise he succeeds, and Grizey has to keep her part of the bargain. bridal quest (of unwanted suitor) / love, rejected abduction (by unwanted lover) (?) task, setting of (solving of riddles; in order to test suitor) task, solving of (proves man to be a 'suitable' lover) / suitor, test of marriage

Chiid 47, "PROUD LADY MARGARET" Lady Margaret is visited by a man who assures her that he will die if she does not return bis affections. Sbe replies that many men have aleady died of love for her, but nevertbeless sbe sets him riddles to test bis "suitability". Wben be answers tbese to her satisfaction she has to admit that he is a proper suitor for her, and even starts to boast of her riches. The man then reveals that be is her dead brother, come to humble her proud heart. bridal quest task, setting of (solving of riddles; in order to test suitor) task, solving of (proves man to be a 'suitable' lover) / suitor, test of otherworldly being, encounter with (—> ghost (revenant; punishes

pride))

Summaries of ballads

95

identity, discovery of tme (of interlocutor) pride, punished

B: The ghost of the dead brother teils Margaret that she will go to hell if she does not change her ways. punishment (of woman; for pride, by consignment to hell; divine; threatened)

C-E: Margaret shows remorse for her pride. remorse (for pride)

Child 48, "YOUNG ANDREW" Young Andrew has slept with a woman, who insists that he marry her. He will do so only on condition that she steal her father's money. She does his bidding, but it soon transpires that Andrew is already married and is only interested in her wealth. He even forces her to undress so that he can give her clothes as a present to his wife. The deceived girl goes home to her father, but despite her entreaties he will no longer receive her, as he cannot forgive the theft of his money. Finding her dead the next morning he bitterly regrets his harshness, and dies soon afterwards of remorse. [...] Andrew is attacked and killed by a wolf. theft (of money, as condition for marriage or love relationship) love, rejected humiliation (of woman by man; by disrespect; by undressing) reconciliation (between parents and child; refused) death (out of —> griefat refusal of reconciliation) death (out of —> remorse for treatment of daughter) combat (between two enemies ~ > Single combat (with wild animaiy, as matter of life and death) / death (in combat) punishment (of man; for humiliation of woman; for rejection of love; divine) (?)

Child 49, "THE TWA BROTHERS" The brothers Sir John and Sir Willie have a wrestling match on their way to school. By an unfortunate mishap Sir John is badly hurt. Attempts to stem the blood fail, and Sir Willie

96

Summaries of ballads

digs his brother a grave. Sir John begs Willie to keep bis death from their parents and sister, but to teil his sweetheart the truth. combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (between brothers)', in order to test skill in combat; with fatal outcome) / death (in combat) burial wish, last

B-I: Here it is not an accident but murder. In B the motive remains unclear, in G William stabs his brother John for refusing to fight with him, in H the motive is the brother's wealth (his lands), and in variant I William declares that he has murdered his brother because he has killed two birds. murder (of brother —> sibling murder (man murders his brother); motive unclear: B; in —> revenge: G, I; out of envy: H; with weapon)

B: The dead man's mistress conjures him out of the grave by playing her pipes and harp. magic ( ~ > musical instrument, marvellous (pipes, harp; conjure up dead lover)) otherworldly being (—> ghost (revenant; conjured up by bereaved))

C: When the dead man's mistress leams of his death she weeps so bitterly that his ghost appears, entreating her to moum no more. grief (at someone's death: at death of lover) otherworldly being, encounter with (—> ghost; —> revenant (teils bereaved to cease

mouming))

D: After his brother's death Willie no longer has any wish to live. suicid-; (of man; out of ~ > grief al death of brother; out of —> remorse (for crime: murder) (?); announced) / deatn (through suicide) / punishment (of oneself; by suicide) (?)

Summaries of ballads

97

E: On leaming of her son's death, the men's mother dies, death (out of - > griefat death of child)

D,F: The dead man's mistress (D) or his father (F) express their grief. grief (at someone's death: at death of lover: D; at death of child: F)

Child 50, "THE BONNY HIND" Lord Randal's daughter is seduced, or raped, by a man. When she asks his name he rephes that he has retumed from a sea voyage and that he is called Jock Randal. The woman is in no doubt that he is her brother, and kills herseif. When he has buried his sister, Jock Randal sets off for home. On meeting his father he expresses his grief at what has happened, presenting the event as the irretrievable loss of a "bonny hind". humiliation (of woman by man; by --> rape (?)) identity, discovery of trae (of lover) incest suicide (of woman because of violation) / death (through suicide) burial grief (at someone's death: at death of mistress)

Child 51, "LIZIE WAN" Upon her father's asking the reason for her melancholy, Lizie Wan confesses that she is expecting a child by her brother. When the latter discovers that his sister has told their father of the incestuous relationship he kills her with his sword. His mother voices her suspicion that he has committed a crime, and after first answering evasively he then confesses that he has murdered his sister. He intends to take his own life in expiation of the deed. confession (of —> incest) pregnancy (as indication of secret love) punishment (of woman; for confession of incest; by murder) / murder (of sister ~ > sibling murder murders his sister)-, in —> revenge\ with weapon) / death (through murder)

(man

98

Summaries of ballads

premonition, dreadful confession (of murder) suicide (of man; out of ~ > remorse for crime: for murder; for incest; announced) / death (through suicide) / punishment (of oneself; for incest; for murder; by suicide; announced)

Child 52, "THE KING'S DOCHTER LADY JEAN" The King's daughter, bored with her Sewing, decides to gather nuts in the forest (this action indicates the woman's unconscious longing for a lover). Here she meets a man who seduces, or rapes, her. When in the ensuing conversation it becomes clear that the man is her brother, the woman tries to kill herseif. She wounds herseif badly, but manages to pass it off as an accident when she gets home. Her brother, bitterly regretting his deed, Visits her at her deathbed and dies in her arms. longing (for love relationship) greenwood (as scene of encounter with lover / violator (?)) rape(?) identity, discovery of true (of lover) incest suicide (of woman; because of violation (?); out of remorse for incest) / death (through suicide) / punishment (of oneself; for incest; by suicide) (?) death ( - > death from love (out of->

grief(at death ofmistress)) / death (out of - > remorse for incest) (?)

B: When the man realizes that he is face to face with his own sister, he kills her. He then declares that he will take his own life. murder (of sister ~ > sibling murder (man murders his sister); in order to prevent discovery of incest; with weapon) / death (through murder) suicide (out of - > remorse for incest; for murder; announced) / death (through suicide)

Child 53, "YOUNG BEICHAN" Beichan, a bold traveller, is taken prisoner in a far country by a Moor who treats him very cruelly. The Moor's daughter, Shusy Pye, manages to free him by bribing his jailers. She does this in part because she knows of Beichan's wealth and hopes to marry him, to which he seems to agree. After his escape Beichan goes back to his own country. When the agreed (?) seven years have elapsed and he has not retumed to claim Shusy Pye, she sets off to Visit him / in search of him (?), for she has a great longing for him. On her arrival in England she leams that preparations are being made for Beichan's wedding. She

Summaries of ballads

99

nevertheless wishes to see him again, and sends to fetch him. When Beichan comes face to face with her again his old love is rekindled, and dismissing his bride he marries Shusy Pye instead. captivity help (~> rescue (of prisonerfront

captivity; through -> trickery (bribery)))

Separation (of lovers) longing (for lover) search (for lover) (?) infidelity (of lover) rivalry (between two women over a man) reunion (of lovers) love, rekindled marriage

C, M: Here the reason for Beichan's imprisonment is his love for the King's daughter or for another woman. love against family's wishes (because of - > love between partners ofdifferent social Standing) punishment (of man; for relationship with daughter; by captivity) / captivity (of daughter's lover; because of love relationship unacceptable to family)

B-E, H, M, N: Beichan expresses his grief at his fate. grief (at fate)

E,N: At their parting the woman gives Beichan half of one of her rings as a keepsake (E). When she later visits him she proves her identity with the other half (E, N). ring (as keepsake): E ring (as identification): E, N

C, M: One day Burd Isbel (C) / Dame Essels (M) is woken by a demon (Billy-Blin) (C) or an elf (M) who teils her that the marriage between her lover and another woman will take place

100

Summaries of ballads

that same (or the next) day. She should therefore go down to the shore where a ship awaits her to take her safely to her lover. In variant C "Billy-Blin" is the helmsman, and in M the woman arrives at her destination with divine assistance. otherworldly being (household spirit / demon (C); elf: (M); —> help (advice) given by -) magic (Christian ~ > assistance, divine (making voyage possible)):

M

marriage (between lover and rival mistress; prevented) / magic (Christian - > assistance, divine (averting marriage of lover to rival mistress): M / otherworldly being (marriage between lover and rival mistress prevented by-): C

C, E, K: In these variants it is made evident that Beichan has not forgotten his mistress. In C he is forced to marry the daughter of a duke on pain of forfeiting his lands, and in variants E and K it is clear that Beichan is still very attached to his mistress, for he refuses to sleep with his bride. When Susie arrives at his house he chooses her. fidelity (to mistress —> fidelity in love (ofman to mistress)) marriage (forced but prevented) / love, rejected

Child 54, "THE CHERRY TREE CAROL" Mary and Joseph are Walking through an orchard. The pregnant woman asks her husband to pick a cherry for her, but he refuses, saying that God, the real father of the child, can do her this Service. At the command of the unborn child the cherry tree bows down far enough for Mary to pick the fruit. Joseph regrets his words and begs his wife for forgiveness. When his mother asks him about the future, Jesus replies that he will have to die but that there will be no need to moum for long as he will rise from the dead at Easter. anger (at wife's request) magic (Christian; tree bows down at Christ's command) remorse (for treatment of wife) reconciliation (between husband and wife) prophecy (by Christ about his future life)

B,C: In these variants angels appear to Joseph, announcing the birth of Jesus.

Summaries of ballads

101

otherworldly being, encounter with ( - > ghosts (angels; announce birth of Jesus)) / magic (Christian; announcement of Christ's birth)

Child 55, "THE CARNAL AND THE CRANE" The wise crane instructs a crow in some of the events surrounding the life of Jesus (e.g. the "immaculate conception", his birth, and flight into Egypt). otherworidly beings, encounter with ( - > aninwls, talking (birds; give --> testimony

offaith))

Child 56, "DIVES AND LAZARUS" The wealthy Dives is holding a great feast, and Lazarus begs for food and drink for himself and the poor. Dives shows no pity, but Orders his men to drive Lazarus away and sets his dogs on him. Lazarus, evidently under divine protection, remains unharmed by the attacks. When Lazarus dies he is taken into heaven by angels, whereas Dives is escorted to hell by serpents. mercilessness (towards poor) help (—> rescue (of person from death: of martyr from --> punishment)-, by - > magic (Christian assistance, divine (averting punishment ofinnocent man)))

->

reward (for leading Christian life; for injustice suffered; of place in heaven; divine) punishment (for mercilessness towards poor; by consignment to hell; divine) / magic (Christian; divine punishment)

Child 57, "BROWN ROBYN'S CONFESSION" When Brown Robyn sets out to sea with his men, the sky grows dark so that no orientation is possible. They draw lots to establish who is to blame, and the lot falls on Robyn. He admits that this is justified, for he has committed incest with his mother and his sister. Brown Robyn is tied to a plank and thrown into the sea. He does not sink, however, and after a few hours the Virgin Mary appears to him. She gives him the choice of either retuming to his ship or going to heaven with her. Brown Robyn chooses the latter. Mary points out that she is only taking him to heaven because he openly confessed his guilt. magic ( ~ > voyage, marvellous (voyage prevented by presence of guilty person on board)) magic ( ~ > truth, lest of (marvellous --> trial by ordeal (--> drawing lots); exposes perpetrator confession (of - > incest)

of incest))

102

Summaries of ballads

magic (~> truth, fest of {marvellous —> trial by ordeal (ordeal by water))) otherworldly being, encounter with (—> ghost (Virgin Mary)) reward (for confession of guilt; of place in heaven; divine) / magic (Christian; divine reward)

Child 58, "SIR PATRICK SPENS" On the advice of a knight, the King chooses Sir Patrick Spence to go to sea in one of his ships. When Sir Patrick is told by letter of his Orders he is alarmed at the King's decision, for a Storni is brewing that will make any voyage impossible. As it is his duty, he nevertheless undertakes the commission, disregarding the waming of one of his sailors. The ship cannot withstand the storm, and passengers and crew are drowned. The despairing ladies must wait long and in vain for their menfolk. commission (to undertake voyage) loyalty (to king) waming, disregarded death (in - > shipwreck) grief (at someone's death: at death of husband)

J, L,P,Q: When a mermaid appears to the sailors they know that they are going to be shipwrecked. otherworldly being (mermaid; causes —> shipwreck)

Child 59, "SIR ALDINGAR" The Queen has repulsed the attentions of Sir Aldingar, King Harry's Steward, and for this he determines on revenge. He persuades a leper, under the pretext that he will soon be cured, to lie down on the Queen's bed. He then sends for the King, so that he may be convinced of his wife's (supposed) infidelity. The King Orders his wife and the leper to be executed, but his wife has had a prophetic dream and demands her right that her innocence should be proved in battle. The King agrees to this, and gives her forty days to find a warrior who will fight Sir Aldingar in Single combat. In the southem part of the country no-one can be found to fight for her, but in the east a messenger meets a little boy who bids him teil the Queen to be of good courage. When the forty days have elapsed and the Queen's execution is being prepared, the boy appears in the nick of time to challenge Aldingar, whom he defeats. Aldingar calls for a priest, confesses all, and begs the Queen for forgiveness which she grants him. The leper is suddenly cured, and becomes the King's Steward.

Summaries of ballads

103

courtship (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected trickery (—> lover, substitution of, in order to simulate adultery of innocent woman; in order to take —> revenge for rejection of love) / punishment (of woman; for rejection of love; by substitution of lover) accusation (of ~ > infldelity to husband; false) / adultery (by wife; supposed) jealousy (unfounded) punishment (of woman; for supposed adultery; by - > execution-, threatened) premonition, dreadful (through - > dream) commission (to carry news - > messenger, sending of) magic (—> truth, test of (marvellous —> trial by ordeal: -> Single combat (as matter of life and death); exposes

slanderer)

confession (of false accusation) pardon (of slanderer) magic (Christian; healing of sick)

B: Here the Steward makes the leper drunk, then lays him in the Queen's bed to simulate adultery. trickery (making drunk; in order to use person as Substitute lover)

C: In this variant, having been informed of bis wife's supposed adultery the King has her thrown into prison. punishment (of woman; for supposed adultery; by —> captivity)

Chlld 60, "KING ESTMERE" Adler Younge persuades bis unmarried brotber, King Estmere, to ride with him to King Adland to ask for the band of bis daugbter. Altbougb tbe princess is promised to the Spanish prince, she agrees to marry King Estmere. The latter sets off home to make preparations for tbe wedding, but be is soon overtaken by a messenger from tbe princess who teils him tbat the King of Spain has come to marry her. Adler Younge and King Estmere disguise tbemselves as barpers, and so gain admittance to King Adland's Castle. There, chastised for behaving in a manner ill befitting mere barpers, they cballenge King Adland's mightiest warrior to battle, but the latter loses heart at the sight of Adler Younge's determined expression. In bis harp-playing, by means of which be courts the

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Summaries of ballads

princess, who is delighted much to the Spanish prince's annoyance, King Estmere reveals his true identity. When his brother kills the King of Spain with his sword, the latter's knights attack Estmere and Younge. The knights cannot härm the two, however, as they are protected by a charm. Thus King Estmere is able to take his beloved back to England and marry her. bridal quest marriage (prospect of) commission (to carry news - > messenger, sending o f ) rivalry (between two men Over a woman) trickery (—> disguise (as harpers)-, in order to avoid capture) bridal quest (by - >

harp-playing)

identity, discovery of true (of suitor) punishment (of man; for relationship with wife; by murder) / murder (of rival lover, in —> revenge

(for

rivalry)-, with weapon) / death (through murder) combat (for mistress, successful; using - > magic) flight (from enemy in combat) marriage

Child 61, "SIR CAWLINE" The knight Sir Cawline is in love with the King's daughter but has not the courage to confess his love. He falls sick with grief, and fears he will die unless his beloved Visits him. Leaming of Sir Cawline's plight, the King sends his daughter to him, and he confesses his love. Although marriage is out of the question owing to their disparate social status [cf. st.12,1 and 13,2], he desires at least to do her a Service. At the princess's request Sir Cawline watches at night on the ghostly moor, and soon encounters the elfking and his wife. A fight ensues between him and Sir Cawline, who proves the better warrior. When he strikes off the elf-king's hand, his wife begs Sir Cawline to cease fighting, promising that her husband will work no more mischief. Sir Cawline retums home to his beloved and shows her his enemy's sword and rings, which he has taken off his fmgers, as proof that he is the victor. [...] When a five-headed giant threatens to lay waste to the King's land the King proclaims that any man who vanquishes the giant shall be his heir and have the hand of his daughter. Sir Cawline takes on the giant, and wins the day. A false Steward, jealous of Sir Cawline's success, unleashes a lion on him but Sir Cawline is more than a match for the beast. Nothing now stands in the way of his marriage to the King's daughter. sickness (due to - > longing for mistress) bridal quest task, setting of (combat with otherworldly being; in order to test suitor)

Summaries of ballads combat (between two enemies (—> Single combat (with -> fldelity in love))

105

otherworldly

being (elf-king)); as sign of

task, solving of (proves man to be a 'suitable' lover) ring (as evidence of victory in combat) otherworidly being (giant; threat to kingdom by -) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with otherworldly

being))

reward (for victory over otherworldly being; of woman in marriage) combat (between two enemies - > Single combat (with wild animal)) marriage

Child 62, "FAIR ANNIE" Annie's lover, Lord Thomas, teils her that he is going away to seek a new, rieh, bride. She is to make all the preparations for his homecoming and welcome the bride in a "maidenlike" way (presumably to disguise the fact that he has had eight children by Annie). On his return Annie does as she was bidden. The new bride remarks on Annie's resemblance to her sister who was abducted by a knight when still a child. Annie recognizes the bride as her sister, but withdraws to see to the wedding preparations. On the evening after the wedding the new bride, hearing Annie lamenting in her room, goes to find out what is troubling her. Annie reveals her identity, and her sister promises to make her a rieh woman. The sister expresses her gratitude for having leamed the truth in time to retum home still a virgin. infidelity (of lover) bridal quest marriage humiliation (of woman by man; by demanding degrading services; by disrespect) fldelity (to lover --> fldelity in love (of woman to lover)) grief (at fate) eavesdropping abduction (by unwanted lover) identity, discovery of true (of interiocutor; of lover) reunion (of family members: sisters)

E,F,J: When the lord hears Annie's lamentations he feels remorse for having treated her so shamefully. He sends his bride home and decides to spend the rest of his life with Annie. remorse (for treatment of mistress: for infidelity to mistress) love, rekindled

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Summaries of ballads

Child 63, "CHILD WATERS" Fair Ellen teils Child Waters that she is expecting a child by him. He offers her two counties as compensation, but she prefers to be his mistress rather than a rieh woman. She disguises herseif - with his consent - as his footpage, so that she can be near him, but Child Waters never has a good word for her. She also knows that he intends to ride to his Castle and choose the fairest lady for his mistress. At the Castle Ellen's beauty is remarked upon, but Child Waters continues to humiliate her, even sending her into the town to find him a woman for the night. Not until he hears that she is giving birth in the stable does he go to her to beg forgiveness and ask her to be his wife. pregnancy love, rejected trickery (—> disguise (of woman as man); in order to accompany lover) humiliation (of woman by man; by demanding degrading services; by disrespect) fidelity (to lover -->fidelity

in love (of woman to lover))

birth love, rekindled reconciliation (between lovers; through promise of marriage) marriage (prospect of)

C, E, F, H: Fair Ellen follows Child Waters on the long journey to the Castle, and is finally so exhausted that she feels she can go no farther. A talking bird bids her take heart, telling her that the Castle is by no means as far away as Child Waters would have her believe. otherworldly being ( - > animal, talking (bird; bids person take heart))

Child 64, "FAIR JANET" Fair Janet loves Sweet William and is expecting a child by him, but is ordered by her father to marry an old French nobleman. Janet is unable to change her father's mind, and after giving birth she asks Willie to take the child to his mother in order to conceal the pregnancy. At the wedding celebration she refuses to dance with her husband, choosing to dance with her lover instead (which incurs the anger of the bridegroom (B, D, G)). Before the dance is ended she falls dead on the ground, and her lover dies of grief. The two are buried, and the bushes which grow out of their graves intertwine, testifying to the love of Janet and Willie. love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners ofdifferent pregnancy (as indication of secret love) birth

social

Standing)

Summaries of ballads

107

rivalry (between two men over a woman) marriage (with considerable age disparity; forced) / love, rejected anger (at mistress's rejection) death (—> death from love (out of--> longing (for lover)) / death (at birth) (?) burial fidelity (to mistress, to lover -->fldelity in love (oflovers to each other; beyond the grave; symbolized by > rose and briar))

B, C: As Fair Janet is to be married against her will, she tries to flee with her lover by boat. She soon feels the birth pangs, however, and begs Willie to take her back home, where she gives birth to her child. flight (of lovers; unsuccessful)

F: Here the pregnant Maggie begs her lover to take her into the forest, where she can give birth in secret. Shortly after her retum home, the marriage is set to take place. She is asked to dance, and when she does so she falls down dead from exhaustion. Her lover kills the bridegroom and later goes mad with grief at his mistress's death. greenwood (as scene of birth) punishment (of man; for relationship with mistress (for rivalry); by murder) / murder (of rival lover; in - > revenge (for rivalry)) / death (through murder) madness (due to —> grief (at someone's death: at death of mistress))

Child 65, "LADY MAISRY" Lady Maisry is courted by many Scottish noblemen but declares each time that she has given her love to the English nobleman Lord William, by whom she is expecting a child. A kitchen boy betrays her to her brother, who chastises her for loving an Englishman. He teils her to give up her lover as soon as the child is bom, but she refuses. As punishment for her disobedience her brother Orders that she be bumt at the stake. Lady Maisry sends for her lover to come to her aid, but Lord William arrives too late. The ballad ends with Lord William's vow to kill all those responsible for the execution and then take his own life. bridal quest (of several, unwanted, suitors) / love, rejected fidelity (to lover —> fidelity in love (of woman to lover)) love against family's wishes (because of - > love between partners ofdifferent

nationality))

108

Summaries of ballads

pregnancy (as indication of secret love) betrayal (of secret love; by kitchen boy) punishment (of woman; for relationship with lover unaccepted by family members; by execution) / execution (of daughter) / death (through execution) commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) help ( ~ > rescue (ofpersonfrom

death: ofmistress from execution); unsuccessful)

punishment (of men / of women (?); for execution of mistress; by —> murder; threatened) / revenge (threatened) suicide (of man; out of —> grief at death of mistress; announced) / death (through suicide; from love —> death from love)

I: Knowing she is about to die, Lady Maisry sends a messenger to her husband with one of her rings as a keepsake. commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) [see above] ring (as keepsake)

H: Lord William goes mad with despair at the death of his mistress. madness (due to —> grief at death of mistress)

Child 66, "LORD INGRAM AND CfflEL WYET" The brothers Lord Ingram and Chiel Wyet have courted the same woman, Lady Maisry, and fallen in love with her. The wealthy Lord Ingram is favoured as prospective husband by her family, but it is the poorer of the two, Chiel Wyet, whom she takes as lover and by whom she later becomes pregnant. She is nevertheless to marry Lord Ingram, and sends for Chiel Wyet to come to her aid. When Chiel Wyet arrives he kills his brother, but not without also receiving a mortal wound from him. Lady Maisry now bitterly reproaches herseif for having summoned Chiel Wyet and thus in part caused the tragic outcome. She vows henceforth to lead a beggar's life as a penance. bridal quest (of several suitors) rivalry (between two men over a woman) love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners ofdifferent social Standing)) pregnancy (as indication of secret love) marriage (forced) / love, rejected commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of)

Summaries of ballads

109

murder (of brother - > sibling murder (man murders his brother)-, in - > revenge (for rivalry) and/or out of ->jealousy --> crime of passion\ with weapon) / punishment (of man; for relationship with mistress - for rivalry; by murder) / death (through murder) madness (due to committing murder) penance (by —> life ofbeggary)

/ remorse (for crime: murder)

B: After murdering his brother Gil Viett takes his own life. Lady Masery is also killed (we are not told by which of the brothers). suicide (of man; out of ~ > remorse for murder (?); out of —> griefaX. death of mistress (?) —> death from love (?)) / death (through suicide) / punishment (of oneself; for murder; by suicide) (?) murder (of wife/mistress (?); motive unclear) / death (through murder)

C: Here Lady Maisry is forced to marry the old but wealthy Lord Ingram, marriage (with considerable age disparity; forced)

Child 67, "GLASGERION" Impressed by Glasgerion's (magic (?)) harp-playing, a king's daughter invites him to come to her Chamber secretly at night. Arriving home, Glasgerion teils his servant lacke about the assignation. lacke persuades him to lie down to rest, promising to wake him in good time. The servant, disguised as a gentleman, then goes to the princess and sleeps with her himself. On his return he duly wakes his master, who sets off to visit his beloved. When the princess realizes what has happened she conmiits suicide, whereupon Glasgerion takes his sword and kills his servant and himself. bridal quest (by - > harp-playing) marvellous) (?)

/ magic ( - > object,

marvellous

(harp

-> musical

Instrument,

meeting (of lovers; secret) trickery (—> lover, substitution of, in order to sleep with mistress) suicide (because of violation) / death (through suicide) rivalry (between two men over a woman) punishment (of man; for relationship with mistress; by murder) / murder (of rival lover; in - > revenge- with weapon) suicide (out of —> griefat death of mistress) / death (—> death from love (out ofgriefat

death of mistress))

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Summaries of ballads

B, C: Glenkindie, a harper at court, has 'bewitched' a young countess with his music, so that she invites him to come to her Chamber at night (B, C). In spite of her waming he nevertheless teils his servant Gib about the assignation, asking him to wake him at the appointed time for his visit. The false servant lulls his master to sleep with his harpplaying, then goes in disguise to meet the lady himself (B). [Continuation as var. A.] When the countess realizes what has befallen her, she dies. Her lover has his servant executed, and goes mad with grief. bewitchment (by ~ > object, marvellous power; with soporiflc

(harp -> musical instrument,

marvellous\ places woman in lover's

effect))

waming, disregarded death (of mistress; because of violation) punishment (of man; for relationship with mistress; by execution) / execution (of rival) madness (due to —> grief {at someone's death: at death of

mistress))

Child 68, "YOUNG HUNTING" Young Hunting teils his former mistress that he loves another, whereupon she first makes him drunk and then stabs him to death. His father sends his men to search for him but he is nowhere to be found. The murderess's bird reveals the place where Young Hunting's body is hidden, and exposes her as the perpetrator. The murderess imputes the deed to another woman, but the latter is unharmed by the flames at her execution. It is then clear that Young Hunting's mistress has been rightly accused, and she is bumt at the stake. Infidelity (of lover) punishment (of man; for --> infidelity-, by murder) / murder (of lover; in --> revenge\ with weapon) / death (through murder) search (for child by parents) betrayal (of murderer; by —> otherworldly

being (-> animal, talking:

bird))

accusation (of murder; false) exposure (of murderess; by —> magic (-> truth, test of (marvellous punishment (of woman; for murder; by - >

—> trial by ordeal: ordeal

byfire)))

execution)

B, C,J: Young Hunting's body is found in the river, and when the murderess approaches it the wounds Start to bleed. magic (—> truth, test of (marvellous

-> trial by ordeal (bleeding of corpse's wounds; exposes

murderess)))

Summaries of ballads

III

Child 69, "CLERK SAUNDERS" Clerk Saunders longs to sleep with his beloved, May Margaret, but she fears the wrath of her seven brothers if she does not wait until their wedding day. They eventually can circumvent May Margaret's vow not to let Clerk Saunders into her Chamber by taking the oath literally. They are discovered, however, and May Margaret's brothers, standing at the bed where the pair lie asleep, consult with each other over what action to take. The seventh brother is determined to take revenge, and overriding the sentiments of his brothers he kills Clerk Saunders with his sword. May Margaret, grief-stricken, vows to remain faithful to her dead lover. love against family's wishes premonition, dreadfui trickery (taking vow literally; in order to meet mistress; in order to circumvent vow) meeting (of lovers; secret) punishment (of man; for premarital liaison; for relationship with sister; by murder) / murder (of sister's lover; in ~ > revenge; with weapon) / death (through murder) grief (at someone's death: at death of lover) fidelity (to lover —> fidelity in love (ofwoman to lover; beyond the grave))

D, E: May Margaret foresees in a dream that something terrible is going to happen. premonition, dreadfui (through —> dream)

G: A year after his death Clerk Sandy's ghost appears to his mistress. When he leaves her she follows him, but loses sight of him in the forest. She sits down and weeps, but soon her lover reappears and teils her to cease mouming as she will shortly be seeing him in paradise. otherworly being, encounter with (ghost; ~ > revenant (teils bereaved to cease

mouming))

prophecy (by revenant; about mistress's future)

Child 70, "WILLIE AND LADY MAISRY" Willie arranges a secret meeting with his mistress, the King's daughter Lady Margery. As Willie is known in the casüe he has to fight his way through the King's bodyguard, whereby he kills every one of them. When the King discovers that Willie is in the Castle he kills him with his sword, whereupon Lady Margery curses her father and then dies of grief at her lover's death.

112

Summaries of ballads

meeting (of lovers; secret) love against family's wishes (because of ~ > love between partners ofdifferent

social

standing)

combat (for mistress; to gain access to mistress; one against many - successful) punishment (of man; for relationship with daughter; by murder) / murder (of daughter's lover; in ~ > revenge; with weapon) / death (through murder) cursing (daughter curses father) / magic (?) death (from love —> death from love (out of --> grief(at death of lover)))

B: After her lover's death Lady Maisry goes mad. madness (due to grief at death of lover)

Child 71, "THE BENT SAE BROWN" The knight Willie o Lauderdale longs to see his mistress, Annie, and sets off to visit her. She however has swom an oath to her family that she will have nothing more to do with him, and Willie has to resort to the clever device of taking the vow literally to gain entrance to her Chamber. The presence of a man in Annie's room does not go unnoticed, and her mother teils her three sons to do something about the intruder. Failing to find him in their sister's room (Willie having hidden), they decide to lie in wait for him outside the town. Leaving shortly afterwards Willie is able to kill all three. When Annie's mother hears of their deaths she accuses Willie before the King. Annie speaks up in defence of her lover, wins the King's approval and so regains her lover. Separation (of lovers) longing (for mistress) reunion (of lovers) love against family's wishes trickery (taking vow literally; in order to circumvent vow; in order to meet mistress) meeting (of lovers; secret) combat (for mistress; against mistress's brothers; one against many - successful) / death (in combat) accusation (of seducing daughter; of murder) pardon (of lover unacceptable to family)

Child 72, "THE CLERK'S TWA SONS O OWSENFORD" When the mayor of an unnamed town discovers that the sons of the Clerk of Owsenford have Started liaisons with his two daughters, he has the men thrown into prison and condemned to death. He remains impervious to the pleas of his daughters and the

Summaries of ballads

113

prisoners' father for the release of the men upon payment of a ransom. On his retum home the Clerk tries to conceal the Situation from his wife, but she guesses what has happened and expresses her grief at the death of her sons. love against family's wishes.

punishment (of men; for relationship with daughters; by captivity) / captivity (because of love relationship unaccepted by family members) pardon (of lovers unacceptable to family; refused) punishment (of man; for relationship with daughter; by ~ > execution) / death (through execution) help (—> rescue (of persans from death: of prisoners from execution;

unsuccessful))

grief (at someone's death: at death of children)

B, C: Although wamed by their parents, the brothers nevertheless embark upon liaisons with the mayor's daughters (C). [...] warning, disregarded

C: The condemned men send a messenger to their father with the news that they are to be executed. The mayor refuses to pardon them and the execution takes place, whereupon the men's mistresses and their father also die. Whereas the mayor is consigned to hell for his cruelty, the souls of the others are received in heaven. commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) death (—> death from love (out of --> grief (at death oflover)))

(2x)

death (of parents; out of ~ > grief at death of children) punishment (for execution of daughters' lovers; by consignment to hell; divine) reward (for injustice suffered; of place in heaven; divine)

Child 73, "LORD THOMAS AND FAIR ANNEX" Lord Thomas and Fair Annet part acrimoniously after Lord Thomas has declared that he will only marry a woman of whom his family approves. His mother and brother advise him to marry the rieh but piain "nut-brown bride". Only his sister thinks that the beautiful but poor Fair Annet would be a better choice. Lord Thomas accepts the opinion of the majority, but when Fair Annet appears at his wedding he is so overwhelmed by her beauty that he is unable to keep his eyes off her. The bride is filled with such jealousy of her rival's beauty and of the attention accorded her that she murders Fair Annet. At this

114

Summaries of ballads

Lord Thomas kills the murderess, then himself. After the burial of Lord Thomas and Fair Annet, bushes grow out of their graves and intertwine, testifying to their love. quarrel (between lovers) love against family's wishes (because of ~ > love between partners ofdifferent social Standing) infidelity (of lover) marriage rivalry (between two women over a man) punishment (of woman; for relationship with lover; by murder) / murder (on rival mistress; out of —> jealousy -•> crime ofpassion) / death (through murder) punishment (of woman; for murder; by murder) / murder (of murderess of mistress, in ~ > revenge (for murder of mistress)', with weapon) / death (through murder) suicide (of man; out of ~ > griefaX death of mistress) / death from love (out of —> remorse (for treatment of mistress: infidelity to mistress)) / death (through suicide) burial fidelity (to lover; to mistress - > fidelity in love (of lovers to each other; beyond the grave; symbolized by > rose and briar))

C, E, F, H: Lord Thomas sends a messenger to Fair Annet, inviting her to his wedding, commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of)

E-G, I: The ghost of Fair Annet appears on the wedding night at the couple's bedside (E, F, I), or Lord Thomas dreams about her (G). In the moming he rides off to see her straight away, but fmds her dead. He then dies also (E-G, I). otherworldy being, encounter with (~> ghost (revenant; appears to unfaithful lover)): E, F, I premonition, dreadful (through ~ > dream; awakens —> longing for mistress): G death ( ~ > death from love (out of --> grief (at death of mistress); out of --> remorse (for infidelity to mistress)): E-G, I

Child 74, "FAIR MARGARET AND SWEET WILLIAM" William teils his mistress, Fair Margaret, that he is going to marry another woman. She dies of grief, and on the wedding night her ghost appears at the bedside of William and his new bride, to wish them joy. Next moming William sets off at once to see her, but when he finds her dead he too dies of grief After the burial of Margaret and William, bushes grow out of their graves (rose and briar) which intertwine, symbolizing their love.

Summaries of ballads

115

infidelity (of lover) rivalry (between two women over a man) death (—> death from love (out of->

grief(at

infidelity of lover)))

marriage otherworldly being, encounter with ( - > ghost (revenant; appears to unfaithfiil lover; wishes lovers death ( ~ > death from love (out of-> for infidelity to

grief(at

joy))

death of mistress); --> remorse (for treatment of mistress:

mistress))

burial fidelity (to lover; to mistress —> fidelity in love (of lovers to each other; beyond the grave; symbolized rose and briar))

by >

Child 75, "LORD LOVEL" Lord Lovel teils his mistress, Lady Ouncebell, that he is going to Scotland and will not be able to see her for two years. Not six months have passed, however, when he decides to ride to London to visit Lady Ouncebell. On his arrival there he learns of her death, and dies of grief himself. The bushes that grow out of the lovers' graves after their burial intertwine, symbolizing their love for each other. Separation (of lovers) longing (for mistress) death ( - > death from love (out of->

longing (for lover))

death ( - > death from love (out of--> grief (at death of mistress))) burial fidelity (to lover; to mistress --> fidelity in love (of lovers to each other; beyond the grave; symbolized by > rose and briar))

D: After a year of Separation Lord Lovel has the dreadful premonition that his mistress is dead, which proves to be true. premonition, dreadful

E: When Lord Lovel leams of his mistress's death, he takes his own life. suicide (of man; out of —> grief at death of mistress) / death (from love —> death from love; through suicide)

116

Summaries of ballads

I: Death appears in Helen's Chamber, telling her that she is shortly to die. She sends a messenger to her lover, who at once sets off to see her, but when he arrives she is already dead. He then dies of grief himself. otherworldly being, encounter with ( - > ghost (Death; foretells death ofperson

addressed))

commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of)

Child 76, "THE LASS OF ROCH ROYAL" Isabel of Roch Royal has dreamt of her lover Gregory, which causes her to have her horse saddled and ride off to see him. Encountering a group of men she teils them who she is, explaining that she has been banished by her family (the reason why is not made explicit, but it is presumably because of her relationship with Gregory). The men show Isabel the way to her lover's castle. On arriving at the Castle gate she begs for admittance, but her lover's mother, pretending to be Gregory, asks for proof of her identity. When she has got this she teils Isabel that Gregory has gone to sea. In desperation Isabel asks what is to become of her and her child, and Gregory's mother assures her that she will have her Support until her son retums (strangely enough, for she is obviously not well-disposed towards Isabel). Soon afterwards Gregory wakes from a dream in which he saw his love at the gate of his castle. When his mother confirms that this was true he expresses his anger and sets off at once to find Isabel. He arrives too late, however: Isabel is dead, and he too then dies of grief. The bushes growing out of their graves testify to their love. dream (awakens ~ > longing for lover) love against family's wishes woman, wicked (destroys son's love relationship) dream (as —> premonition,

dreadful, awakens —> longing for mistress)

death ( ~ > death from love (out of -> longing (for lover))) anger (at mother sending away mistress) death ( - > death from love (out of--> grief (at death of mistress))) burial fidelity (to lover, to mistress ->fidelity rose and briar))

in love (of lovers to each other; beyond the grave; symbolized by >

B: When Gregory learns of his mistress's death he takes his own life. suicide (of man; out of - > grief at death of mistress) / death (through suicide; from love ~ > death from love)

Summaries of ballads

117

D, E: Annie, unable to see her lover, sets sail for home again, but is shipwrecked in a storm. death (in - > shipwreck)

Child 77, "SWEET WILLIAM'S GHOST" The ghost of Willie, Margaret's dead lover, appears to her and asks back his unfulfilled troth-plight. She evidently does not realize that he is dead, and teils him to come and kiss her first. Even when he explains that she too will die if her wish is granted, she insists that he marry her. He then teils her exactly what his Situation is, at which she gives back his troth-plight. She nevertheless follows him back to his grave. She asks if there is room for her in the coffin, and when she is told there is none and her lover's ghost suddenly disappears, she too dies. death (of lover) otherworldly being, encounter with (~> ghost (revenant; asks back troth-plight)) death (—> death front love (out of—> grief(at death of lover)))

Child 78, "THE UNQUIET GRAVE" After his mistress's death, a man moums at her graveside. When a year has elapsed the dead woman speaks, asking him to weep no longer as she cannot rest in peace. He replies that he longs for a kiss from her. She teils him that he would die if she were to grant his wish, advising him therefore to wait until he is called to his maker. death (of mistress) grief (at someone's death: at death of mistress) fidelity (to mistress -->fidelity in love (ofman to mistress; beyond the grave)) otherworldly being, encounter with (—> ghost (revenant; teils someone to cease mouming))

C, E-H: Here it is the woman mouming the death of her lover. grief (at someone's death: at - > death of lover)

118

Summaries of ballads

Child 79, "THE WIFE OF USHER'S WELL" A woman leams of the death of her sons, whom she has recently sent to sea. She curses the sea: may the storm never cease until her sons retum to her alive. One day her sons indeed visit her, but they are only able to stay until cock's crow the next moming, as they have retumed from the dead. death (of children) magic ( ~ > cursing (of sea)) cock's crow (announces moment of parting) otherworldy beings, encounter with (—> ghosts (revenants; take leave

ofbereaved))

C: After the death of her sons their mother calls on Jesus, asking him to bring them back to life so that she can see them once more. Jesus grants her wish, but when the cock crows at midnight it is a sign for the three men to leave their mother. They go with her and Jesus to a chapel, but Jesus allows only the men to enter. He gives their mother nine days' grace to do penance for her sins, after which he receives her in heaven. assistance, divine (raising dead; invoked) otherworidly being, encounter with (—> ghost (revenant;

Christ))

magic (Christian: raising of dead, by Christ) remorse (for sins; and —> penance) reward (of place in heaven; for Chrisitan life; divine)

Child 80, "OLD ROBIN OF PORTINGALE" Robin of Portingale, well advanced in years, has married a young woman, Lin. She soon secretly leaves her husband and goes to her lover, Sir Gyles. Together they devise a plan to do away with Robin of Portingale. The latter leams of his wife's plan through a footpage, and is able to take appropriate measures in time. In the ensuing fight Robin kills the men who have joined forces against him under Sir Gyles. He brutally punishes his wife [see sts. 29 f.; presumably causing her death - as in 81 A, sts. 26 f.]. He then bitterly regrets his deed, and joins the Crusades in the Holy Land as a penance. marriage (with considerable age disparity) infidelity (to husband —> adultery (by wife)) conspiracy (against husband) betrayal (of murder plan; by messenger) combat (against would-be murderers; one against many - successfui)

Summaries of ballads

119

punishment (of woman; for adultery; by physical injury; by murder (?)) / murder (?) (of wife; in - > revenge (for wife's adultery)-, with weapon) remorse (for crime: murder; and - > penance (by —> pilgrimage))

Child 81, "LITTLE MUSGRAVE AND LADY BARNARD" Little Musgrave casts an eye on Lady Bamard at Mass one day, and as she reciprocates they decide to meet in secret. Lady Bamard's servant has overheard their conversation and informs Lord Bamard, who rides off at once to verify his servant's Claims. Some of Lord Bamard's men try to warn Little Musgrave, but the latter does not take sufficient notice and Lord Bamard finds him as predicted in the arms of his wife. He challenges his rival to Single combat, and Little Musgrave (in I it is Lord Bamard's brother) is killed. In his outrage at his wife's adultery Lord Bamard kills her too, though later showing remorse for his deed. meeting (of lovers; secret) infidelity (to husband (—> adultery (by wife)) eavesdropping betrayal (of adultery; by messenger) warning, disregarded rivalry (between two men over a woman) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with rival lover)) punishment (of man; for relationship with wife; by murder) / murder (of rival lover (of brother —> sibling murder. I) and wife; out of —> jealousy -> crime ofpassion

and in —> revenge (for rivalry)-, with weapon)

remorse (for crime: murder)

C,G: After murdering his wife and his rival, Lord Bamard takes his own life. suicide (of man; out of —> remorse for murder) / death (through suicide)

E: Lord Bamaby is hanged for murdering the lovers. punishment (of man; for murder; by —> execution) / death (through execution)

L: Lord Bamard intends to expiate the murder of his wife and his rival by living in total seclusion. remorse (for murder; and ~ > penance (by leading life of seclusion))

120

Summaries of ballads

Child 82, "THE BONNY BIRDY" In the forest a knight encounters a bird belonging to his wife. The bird takes revenge for her ill-treatment of him by telling the knight of her infidelity. Although incredulous at first, the knight later realizes that the bird has spoken the truth: on his retum home he finds the lover in his wife's arms, whereupon he kills him with his sword. betrayal (of - > infidelity (to husband)-, by - > otherworldly being (-> animal, talking (bird))-, in ~ > revenge) / punishment (of woman; for ill-treatment, by betrayal; by otherworldly being) / adultery (by wife; betrayed) punishment (of man; for relationship with wife; by murder) / murder (of rival lover; out of ~ > jealousy crime ofpassion-, or in - > revenge (for rivalry)-, with weapon)

-->

Child 83, "CHILD MAURICE" Child Maurice sends a messenger to John Stewart's wife asking her to meet him in the forest. John Stewart, overhearing the messenger's conversation with his wife, suspects her of infidelity and rides into the forest to meet Child Maurice. He challenges him to Single combat, in which he emerges victor. On retuming home he also kills his wife, but bitterly regrets this when his wife teils him before she dies that Child Maurice was not her lover, but her son. The bailad ends with John Stewart's lamentations at losing two such worthy people as his wife and her son. commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) meeting (of mother and son; planned; secret) eavesdropping greenwood (as scene of combat) combat (between two enemies ~ > Single combat (with supposed rival; as matter of life and death; with fatal outcome)) / death (in combat) punishment (of man; for supposed relationship with wife; by murder) / murder (out of - > jealousy (unfounded) —> crime ofpassion (on supposed rival; with weapon) / death (through murder) punishment (of woman; for supposed adultery; by murder) / murder (of wife; in —> revenge (for wife's supposed adultery; with weapon)) / death (through murder) remorse (for murder) grief (at someone's death: at death of wife)

C-F: Child Morice's messenger, assuming that his master is planning an assignation with a married woman (i.e. not with his mother), makes sure that the woman's husband, Lord Bamard, is also aware of it. betrayal (of secret meeting of mother and son; of supposed lovers; by messenger)

Summaries of ballads

121

B-F: Lord Bamard disguises himself as a woman in order to confront Child Noryce without being recognized. trickery (—> disguise (ofman as woman; in order to confront supposed rival lover

unrecognized))

D-E: When Lady Bamard discovers what has happened she dies, and so shortly afterwards does her husband, out of grief at her death or/and (?) out of remorse for what he has done. death (out of —> grief at death of child) death (out of —> remorse for crime: murder; from love —> death from love (out of -> grief at (death of wife))) (?)

Child 84, "BONNY BARBARA ALLAN" Sir John Graeme, who has fallen in love with Barbara Allan, sends a messenger asking her to come and see him as he is sick with love for her. She does so, though very unwilling to do him this last Service. When he confesses his love for her, she reproaches him for having offended her by not including her in the toasts during a drinking bout in the tavem. Sir John dies, and Barbara Allan sets off for home. The death knell tolls, and with every stroke she is wamed that she has not much longer to live. She teils her mother that as her lover has died for her, she will die for him. sickness (due to --> longing for mistress) commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) love, rejected death (—> death from love (out of—> longing (for mistress); because of rejected

love))

magic (—> object, marvellous: —> teils, marvellous ringing of(as marvellous announcement of death)) death (—> death from love (out of--> remorse (for treatment of lover: for rejection

oflove)))

Child 85, "LADY ALICE" Lady Alice is watching a funeral procession through her window. When she leams that the dead man is her lover, she too dies. After the burial, roses grow out of the man's grave as far as that of his beloved, even though there is a considerable distance between the two graves. death (of lover) death (—> death from love (out of->

grief (at death of lover))

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Summaries ofballads

burial fidelity (to lover, to mistress —> fidelity in love (oflovers to each other; beyond the grave; symbolized by > rose and briar))

B: Here the pall-bearers teil Lady Alice that her lover died of longing for her. death ( - > death from love (out of--> longing (for mistress))

Child 86, "YOUNG BENJIE" After a quarrel with her lover, Young Benjie, Marjorie is determined to find another man, and so refuses to let him in when he Visits her. She soon regrets this however, and goes after her lover to ask forgiveness, but he throws her in a river where she drowns. Düring the wake Marjorie's brothers are told by the corpse that Young Benjie was her murderer. The men ask what is to be done, and the corpse decides on Young Benjie's punishment. quarrel (between lovers) reconciliation (with mistress; refused) punishment (of woman; for quarrel; by murder) / murder (of mistress; in ~ > revenge (for quarrel)', by drowning) exposure (of murderer; by —> otherworldly being (—> ghost (revenant; talking corpse))

B: The sister of the drowned woman teils her brothers to look for the body in the river. They find the woman's corpse, which then relates the circumstances of the murder. search (for dead body)

Child 87, "PRINCE ROBERT" As Prince Robert has married Fair Eleanor against his mother's wishes, he is poisoned by the latter in her rage. Before he dies he sends for his wife via a messenger, but by the time she arrives he is already dead. His mother teils Fair Eleanor that she will inherit nothing, even refusing to let her have Prince Robert's wedding ring, the only keepsake requested by Fair Eleanor. Fair Eleanor then dies of grief. The bushes that grow out of the dead lovers' graves and intertwine are a sign of their love. marriage love against family's wishes (because of different social Standing (?))

Summaries of ballads

123

anger (at son's love relationship) murder (of child ~ > infanticide (woman murders child)\ in —> revenge; by poisoning —> murder by poisoning) / woman, wicked (commits murder) / punishment (of man; for relationship with mistress unacceptable to family member; by murder) / death (through murder) commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of) death (—> death from love (out of --> grief(at death

oflover)))

burial fidelity (to lover, to mistress ~ > fidelity in love (oflovers rose and briar))

to each other; beyond the grave; symbolized

by >

Child 88, "YOUNG JOHNSTONE" A knight has killed his mistress's brother. He confesses to her, but she nevertheless hides him to save him from execution. Knights soon arrive looking for him, but the woman manages to put them off the scent. Her lover misunderstands the Situation however, and assumes that she has betrayed him. When she comes to him later he kills her with his sword. He then bitterly regrets his deed. [...] murder (of mistress's brother; motive unclear) / death (through murder) confession (of murder) fidelity (to lover —> fidelity in love (of woman to lover)) search (for criminal - murderer - by representatives of authority) help (—> rescue (oflover from pursuers; through --> trickery:

concealment))

accusation (of —> betrayal; false) punishment (of mistress; for supposed betrayal; by murder) / murder (of mistress; in - > revenge\

with

weapon) / death (through murder) remorse (for crime: murder)

B-E: Johnstone asks Young Colnel's permission to marry his sister, in retum for Johnstone's permission to marry his. When Colnel expresses his wish to keep Johnstone's sister as a mistress rather than marry her, Johnstone murders him. He goes to his sister, who teils him of a dream she has had in which Colnel is dead and Johnstone wanted for the murder. When Johnstone confesses to the murder, his sister wishes him dead on the gallows. Johnstone then goes to his mistress, who has also had a prophetic dream, and confesses. In contrast to his sister, his mistress is prepared to take Johnstone in and hide him from the knights who are pursuing him (B-E). [Continues as var. A] After Johnstone has killed his mistress he tries to flee but is felied by the knights' arrows (B) or takes his own life (C, D). In E Johnstone announces that he will commit suicide. punishment (of man; for refusal to marry sister; by murder) / murder (of sister's lover; in —> revenge) / death (through murder): B-E

124

Summaries of ballads

premonition, dreadful (through ~ > dream): B-E confession (of murder): B-E [see above] help (protection firom pursuers; refused by person asked for help): B-E confession (of murder): B-E [see above] help (protection from pursuers): B-E accusation (of betrayal; false) [see above] punishment (of mistress; by ~ > murder) [see above] flight (of criminal - murderer - firom representatives of authority; unsuccessful) / punishment (of man; for murder; by murder): B suicice (of man; out of —> remorse for murder): C, D (announced): E / death (through suicide) / punishment (of oneself; for murder; by suicide)

Child 89, "FAUSE FOODRAGE" A woman is courted by tliree kings, of whom the third succeeds in winning her band. His success is clearly resented, however, as tbe marriage is followed by a revolt of the nobles, and tlie lot falls on False Foodrage to kill the King. Foodrage first kills the gatekeeper and then, entering the castle unnoticed, he stabs the King to death. Evidently hoping to be crowned king himself, the murderer teils the pregnant queen that her child will have to die if it is a boy, and takes her prisoner. Before the birth she manages to make her guards drunk and escape, and her child - a son - is bom secretly in a stable. Dice are thrown to determine who should seek the Queen, and the lot falls on Wise William. He sends his wife to search for the Queen, and at the latter's request the woman exchanges her baby daughter for the prince. When Wise William later teils the boy of his true origin and the machinations of Fause Foodrage, the boy kills the latter. He then frees his mother, rewards Wise WilUam with half his lands and marries Wise William's daughter. bridal quest (of several, unwanted suitors) / love, rejected marriage pregnancy conspiracy (against icing) rivalry (between two men over a woman) murder (of king / rival lover (?); out of jealousy —> crime of passion; with weapon) / death (through murder) captivity (of woman: queen) trickery (making drunk; in order to escape captivity; in order to prevent son being murdered) birth drawing lots (for one who is to perform a task) search (for missing person; for queen by Citizens) trickery (exchange of children; in order to prevent son being murdered) identity, discovery of true (of seif) / origin, unknown help (—> rescue (of mother from captivity))

Summaries of ballads

125

punishment (of man; for murder; by murder) / murder (of father's murderer; in - > revenge) / death (through murder) reward (for child-rearing; of lands) marriage

B: Here it is one of the suitors who murders the King of Onorie and then abducts his wife. crime of passion (on rival) [see above] abduction (by unwanted lover)

Child 90, "JELLON GRAME" Jellon Grame sends a messenger to his mistress Lillie Flower, telling her to meet him in the forest secretly. Ahhough the woman is wamed by the messenger not to respond to the message, she rides out to see her lover. The latter has already dug her grave, and stabs her to death because he fears he will be killed by her father if he were to find out that she is pregnant by him. Jellon Grame brings up his son (who has in some way been saved), allowing him to think that he is the child of Jellon's sister. One day when his son asks why he has not been taken home by his mother, Jellon Grame teils him that he murdered her. At this the boy shoots him with his bow and arrow. commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) waming, disregarded meeting (of lovers; in - > greenwood', secret) love against family's wishes pregnancy (as indication of secret love) birth (?) murder (of mistress; in order to prevent discovery of relationship; with weapon) / death (through murder) identity, discovery of true (of seif) / origin, unknown confession (of murder) punishment (of man; for murder; by murder) / murder (of father - > parricide (man murders his father; in > revenge (for murder of mother}-, with weapon)

B-D: May Margerie (B, D; May-a-Roe, C) is expecting a child by Brown Robin. Hind Henry, who cannot endure the fact that she has had a liaison with another man (B-D; in C the liaison is with Hind Henry's brother), stabs her to death during a meeting in the forest. Hind Henry has the newbom baby fostered (B, C), but meets the boy by chance years later. During their conversation he teils him of the murder, and is then killed by the boy

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Summaries of ballads

(B, C). The King, Hearing of the boy's deed, summons him to court and makes him one of his noblest knights (C). rivalry (between two men over a woman): B-D punishment (of woman; for former relationship with lover; by murder) / murder (of mistress; in - > revenge; with weapon) / deatli (through murder): B-D confession (of murder) [see above] parricide [see above] reward (for punishing murderer; of aristocratic title): C

D: In this very fragmentary variant Henry appears also to kill the murdered woman's child [st.3]. Bad omens soon indicate to the woman's lover/husband (?) that something terrible must have happened. It seems that acting on these he rides out to see Henry, who murders him as he murdered his mistress [F.J. Child's reading]. murder (of child ~ > infanticide (man murders child; in order to prevent discovery of relationship) (?)) / death (through murder) (?) premonition, dreadful (through —> omen, bad(losing buttons; bleeding nose)) murder (of brother —> sibling murder (man murders his brother); out of -> jealousy -> crime ofpassion (on rival lover)) / death (through murder) / punishment (of man; for relationship with mistress - for rivalry)

Child 91, "FAIR MARY OF WALLINGTON" After five of her sisters have died in childbirth Mary resolves never to marry, as she is sure she would suffer the same fate. When the knight Sir William Fenwick proposes marriage to her she nevertheless accepts, though not without the melancholy conviction that she is soon to die. - Mary becomes pregnant. Shortly before the delivery she sends a messenger to her mother, who sets off at once to visit her. Mary gives her mother and her husband her rings as keepsakes. She then performs a caesarian operation on herseif, and dies. Her husband moums her death. premonition, dreadful bridal quest marriage commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of) ring (as keepsake) pregnancy birth (with fatal outcome for woman) / death (at birth) grief (at someone's death: at death of wife)

Summaries of ballads

127

Child 92, "BONNY BEE HOM" A man overhears his wife lamenting his imminent absence and swearing etemal loyalty to him, and assures her of the necessity of his joumey. As a token of her love she gives him a ring whose stone will indicate by its changing lustre if she has died or been unfaithful to him. She also gives him a chain which has healing powers. After a year has elapsed the stone loses its lustre, which the husband rightly interprets as a sign that his wife has died. He makes a will in which he directs that his riches be divided amongst the poor, and then dies himself. eavesdropping grief (at Separation from lover) Separation (of lovers) magic (—> object, marvellous (chain; possesses healing power)) magic (—> object, marvellous (-> fldelity)))

ring (as marvellous announcement of death; as marvellous token of

death ( - > death from love (out of—> longing (for lover)) inheritance, dividing up of (distributed amongst poor) / mercy (towards poor) death (—> death from love (out of --> grief (at death

ofmistress))

B: In this variant the man goes off to fight the Scots, this being the reason for his absence from his mistress. combat (clash of armies - > war (between English and Scots))

Child 93, "LAMKIN" Lamkin, Lord Wearie's mason, has not been paid for his work and plans revenge. When Lord Wearie has gone off to sea he conspires with the nurse to kill Lord Wearie's wife and child. On his retum Lord Wearie, desperate with grief at what has happened, has Lamkin and the nurse executed. Separation (of husband and wife) conspiracy (against unjust master) punishment (of child; for father's unjust treatment of servant; by murder) / murder (of child —> infanticide (manAvoman murder child)\ in - > revenge) punishment (of woman; for husband's unjust treatment of servant; by murder) / murder (of master's wife; in -> revenge-, with weapon) / death (through murder) grief (at someone's death: at death of wife and child) punishment (of man, of woman; for murder; by —> execution) / death (through execution)

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Summaries of ballads

B,D,E,H,Q: When the lord's rings break (B, H, Q) or he loses the buttons of his jacket (D, E, H), he suspects that something terrible has happened and sets off at once for home [...]. premonition, dreadful (through - > omen, bad (losing buttons: D, E, H; breaking rings: B, H, Q)) / magic (—> object, marvellous)

Child 94, "YOUNG WATERS" A queen, impressed by the handsome appearance of the knight Young Waters, is not afraid to express her opinion when asked by a knight which man she likes best. Her preference costs Young Waters his life: the jealous king has him thrown into a dungeon and finally executed, because he is (mistakenly) convinced that his wife prefers Young Waters to him. jealousy (unfounded) / infidelity (supposed) punishment (of man; for supposed relationship with wife; by —> captivity, innocent man: supposed rival lover) / death (through execution)

by execution) / execution (of

Chiid 95, "THE MAID FREED FROM THE GALLOWS" A condemned woman begs her parents, her brother and her sister to pay the ransom necessary to free her, but all refuse their help. Only her lover is prepared to part with his money to save her life. help ( ~ > rescue (ofdaughter

from execution)', refused by person asked for help)

rescue (of person from death: of mistress from execution; through ~ > ransom) / punishment (of woman; by -> execution; prevented)

Child 96, "THE GAY GOSHAWK" A man sends his talking bird to his mistress, to teil her that he will die if he does not receive some sign of love from her. She promises that she will come to him. This is only possible through subterfuge, however. She begs her father to bury her after her death in a churchyard in Scotiand which she describes. She then takes a sleeping draught in order to convince her family that she is dead. She is taken to the appointed church, where her lover asks to be allowed to see the "dead girl". In the meantime she has become conscious again, and so has managed successfully to deceive her family.

Summaries ofballads

129

longing (for mistress) commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of(->

otherworldly

being (-> animal, talking:

bird))

trickery (feigning death; in order to summon lover)

B-G: A witch (B, C) or the stepmother (G, H; in D-F it is not clear who it is) suggests dropping liquid lead or gold on the woman's body, to test whether she is really dead or merely using trickery in order to be with her lover (C). The test does not reveal the truth, however. truth, test of (suggested by —> stepmother, truth)

wicked: G, H / by —> magician (witch): B, C; does not reveal

E, G: When the woman's brothers discover that they have been tricked, they express their anger at the macabre practical joke. anger (at being outwitted by sister)

Child 97, "BROWN ROBIN" A king's daughter has enabled to her lover to enter her Chamber unnoticed, by making her father's porter drunk. After spending the night together they succeed in fleeing the court the next moming: she pretends to have drunk such strong wine that she needs a walk in the forest to clear her head. Having been allowed out for this purpose it is an easy matter to take Brown Robin with her disguised as a maid. love against family's wishes trickery (making drunk; in order to meet lover/mistress) meeting (of lovers; in —> greenwood;

secret)

trickery (in order to flee with lover; lie; - > disguise (ofman as woman; in order to avoid

capture))

flight (of lovers; successful)

B: The princess's lover suspects the worst, and the woman's wiles indeed fail here. The porter becomes suspicious and follows the lovers into the forest, where he shoots Robbie. When the father leams that his daughter is in the forest he goes to her, and promises the distraught woman that the porter will hang for the deed.

130

Summaries of ballads

premonition, dreadful flight (of lovers; unsuccessful) murder (of woman's lover by attendant; with weapon) / death (through murder) grief (at someone's death: at death of lover) punishment (of man; for murder; by ~ > execution\ threatened)

C: Here too the porter realizes that the princess's new maid is really her lover - Brown Robin - but does not betray her because she bribes him with money, so the lovers are able to flee. When her father offers a reward to anyone who finds her, the porter writes her a letter asking her to come home. The King swears before the porter that he will punish neither his daughter nor her lover, and they are given a friendly welcome. The princess marries Brown Robin and rewards the porter. murder (of woman's lover by attendant; prevented) reward (for concealing Information; of money) marriage

Child 98, "BROWN ADAM" Brown Adam has been banished, and has lived ever since in seclusion with his mistress in the forest. Retuming one day from hunting, he sees a knight courting his mistress. Despite all his offers of presents she will have nothing to do with him, and the knight fmally threatenes her with death if she continues to refuse him. Brown Adam now wastes no time in Coming to his mistress's aid, and drives the knight away. greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment) courtship (by unwanted lover) punishment (of woman; for rejection of love; by murder; threatened) / murder (in —> revengc, threatened) help (—> rescue (of mistress from unwanted lover))

C: Brown Adam, a good friend of the King's, is accused of high treason by someone who resents his favoured position. The King banishes Brown Adam, but one day he is reminded by his son of his friend, and has second thoughts. He sends a messenger to Brown Adam with a letter saying that he should retum from banishment. Brown Adam sets off, but it suddenly occurs to him that something might have happened to his mistress. He turns back, and on arriving home he first listens to the conversation between his mistress and the knight. But when the latter threatens to murder her, Brown Adam steps in and drives him away.

Summaries of ballads

131

accusation (false; of —> high treason) punishment (of man; for supposed high treason; by ~ > banishment) remorse (for treatment of friend) commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of) premonition, dreadful eavesdropping help (—> rescue (ofmistress from unwanted loverf) [see above]

Child 99, "JOHNIE SCOT" While the Scot Johney is serving at the English court, the King's daughter becomes pregnant by him and for this is thrown into prison. Johney manages to flee to Scotland, and soon sends a messenger to his mistress telling her to follow him. Since she cannot see any way of escaping, he resolves to free her. Accompanied by five hundred men he sets off for the King's palace. The King intends to hang his daughter's lover, and has no fear of Johney's men as he is convinced that one of his warriors is capable of dispatching them all. As it tums out, even this man cannot withstand Johney, and the King has no choice but to release his daughter. Johnie sends for a priest to marry them, refusing the King's offer of a dowry as his only wish was to gain the princess in marriage.

love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners of different nationality and social Standing) pregnancy (as indication of secret love) punishment (of woman; for relationship with lover unaccepted by family; by —> captivity) flight (of lover unaccepted by family; successful) / Separation (of lovers) commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of) combat (for mistress; successful) marriage

B-D, G, J: Johnie prociaims his victory with a hom signal. hörn Signal (prociaims victory in combat)

Chiid 100, "WILLIE O WINSBURY" A king retums from captivity in Spain to find his daughter looking pale and sickly. When he asks her what is wrong she replies that it is because of his long absence. He suspects that she is pregnant, however, which proves to be the case. Since her lover, Willie of

132

Summaries of ballads

Winsbury, is neither powerful nor famous, the King condemns him to death. When Willie is brought before the King, however, the latter is so moved by his beauty that he consents to the marriage. He even offers Willie material aid, but Willie refuses this as he is a wealthy man himself. captivity (of king) love against family's wishes (because of ~ > love between partners ofdijferent social

standing)

pregnancy (as indication of secret love) punishment (of man; for relationship with daughter; by ~ > execution; threatened) pardon (of lover unaccepted by family) marriage (prospect oO

Child 101, "WILLIE O DOUGLAS DALE" The Scot Willie o Douglas Dale, in Service at the English court, falls in love with the King's daughter. One day as he follows her into the forest he has the opportunity of declaring his love. She returns his affections, and they begin a relationship. Fearing the unfavourable reaction of the royal family they are forced to meet in secret, but when she becomes pregnant by him they decide to flee to Scotland. As the princess is about to give birth she asks her lover to summon her father with a hom signal, so that he can be with her in her need. Unable to understand the princess's love for her father, Willy refuses to grant her wish, and she has to give birth to the child alone. Soon afterwards Willie meets a girl who is Willing to be servant to his mistress, and they set sail for Scotland where Willie makes his mistress the Lady of Douglas Dale. greenwood (as secret meeting-place of lovers) bridal quest love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners of different nationality and social Standing) meeting (of lovers; secret) pregnancy (as indication of secret love) birth jealousy (of mistress's father) flight (of lovers; successful) marriage

B-D: Willie dreams that the King's daughter Dame Oliphant has fallen in love with him (B-D), whereupon he goes into service at the English court (C). One day he sees Dame Oliphant going into the forest and follows her. Finding her asleep, he lies down beside her. On

Summaries of ballads

133

waking she is outraged at his behaviour, but when he teils her his name she is reassured: Willie is the man she has often dreamt of and with whom she is in love (B). dream (awakens —> longing for lover/mistress): B-D identity, discovery of true (of lover): B

Child 102, "WILLIE AND EARL RICHARD'S DAUGHTER" Willie, in service at Barl Richard's court, falls in love with Richard's daughter. When she becomes pregnant she begs Willie to help her flee, for she fears her father's reaction. The earl, awakened by a bad dream, soon notices her absence and sets off with his men in search of his daughter. She is found in the forest, having given birth to a son. The earl's anger subsides when he sees her child, and though still intent on hanging the father he acknowledges the baby as his grandchild and names it "Robin Hood". love against family's wishes (because of ~> love between partners ofdifferent social standing) flight(of lovers) pregnancy (as indication of secret love) dream (as —> premonition, dreadful) search (for child by parents) greenwood (as scene of birth) birth (secret) punishment (of man; for relationship with daughter; by —> execution; threatened) reconciliation (between parents and child)

B: Archibald, retuming from the hunt, is distraught to find that his mistress has died in childbirth. Fortunately the child has survived, although the father is worried about how he should feed it. He suddenly sees the Earl of Huntingdon, his mistress's father, and his men approaching, and hides in order to overhear their conversation. The earl declares that the child shall be his heir, but that his daughter's lover will hang if his identity is discovered. This variant ends with the burial of the woman. pregnancy birth (with fatal outcome for woman) / death (at birth) grief (at someone's death: at death of mistress) eavesdropping burial

134

Summaries of ballads

Child 103, "ROSE THE RED AND WHITE LILY" Rose the Red and White Lily have a wicked stepmother. She has two sons, however, who love the girls: Brown Robin is in love with Lily, and Arthur with Rose. In order to separate the lovers the stepmother sends her sons away. Arthur goes to the court, and Brown Robin to the forest. Rose the Red and White Lily disguise themselves as men and assume male names in order to accompany their lovers and serve them without being recognized. Before they separate, the sisters agree on a hom signal to be used in emergency, swearing to come to each other's aid at the sound. One day White Lily (alias Roge the Roun) stops to rest, exhausted by her work in the forest, and Brown Robin realizes that Roge the Roun is really a woman. Some months later, having lived all this time with her lover. White Lily is about to give birth to her first child. She has a wish to see her sister, and as arranged she summons her with three blasts on the hom. Lily's wish is not appreciated by Brown Robin, however, for Lily has told him that only her brother (i.e. her disguised sister) can look after her at this time, and Brown Robin therefore deduces that she prefers her (supposed) brother to him. When Rose the Red (alias Sweet Willy) arrives, she has to fight with Brown Robin, for he will not let any "man" in to see Lily. Rose the Red is wounded, and reveals her identity as Lily's sister, whereupon Brown Robin is filled with self-reproach at having fought with a woman. When word reaches the court that one of Brown Robin's men has given birth to a child, the monarch decides to go into the forest to leam more about this miracle. Arthur rides with the King, hoping to find the servant (Rose the Red) who has abandoned him. Arriving in the forest Arthur sounds his hom, at which Sweet Willy appears, explaining that he went away because he had to find his brother. The King soon realizes that Roge the Roun is a woman, and so she relates the circumstances of the "miracle". Brown Robin retums from poaching the King's game, and on seeing the monarch is about to withdraw hastily in fear of reprisals, but the King teils him there is no need to be afraid. He furthermore invites him to leave the forest and come to the court as his bowman. The weddings of the two pairs of lovers take place shortly afterwards.

woman, wicked (treats stepchildren badly ~ > stepmother,

wicked (tries to destroy

daughters'

love

relationships)) love against family's wishes Separation (of lovers; due to love relationship unaccepted by family member) longing (for lover) trickery ( - > disguise (of woman as man; in order to accompany

lover))

greenwood (as scene of birth; as scene of combat) pregnancy birth help (midwifery; summoned by ~ > hom

signal)

jealousy (of (supposed) brother of mistress) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (between man and woman; as matter oflife and death)) identity, discovery of true (of opponent) remorse (for fighting a woman)

Summaries of ballads

135

reunion (of lovers) poaching pardon (of criminal - poacher - by representative of authority) marriage

B,C: In this variant it is not in Order to follow their lovers that the princesses leave home, but because of ill-treatment at the hands of their stepmother. The women assume the names Nicholas and Roger Brown (B) / Rogee Roun (C) and join Robin Hood's band (B, C). When Rogee sings a song one day lamenting her fate, it becomes clear who they really are. "Rogee" marries Robin Hood and "Nicholas" Little John (C). stepmother, wicked (ill-treats stepchildren): B, C flight (of women firom wicked stepmother): B, C grief(atfate):C

Child 104, "PRINCE HEATHEN" Prince Heathen, having raped Margery May, is intent on forcing her to love him. She remains implacable, however, even after she has been imprisoned. When he neglects the welfare of the child which she later gives birth to, she cries for the first time. For Prince Heathen this is a sign that he has finally broken her resistance, and he believes he can now really love her. courtship (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected humiliation (of woman by man; by —> rape) punishment (of woman; for rejection of love; by captivity) / captivity (of woman; in order to force love relationship) pregnancy birth grief (at ill-treatment by lover)

B: In this variant Prince Heathen teils the woman that he has killed her seven brothers, but even this does not make her weep. confession (of —> murder (ofmistress's brothers)) / death (through murder)

136

Summaries of ballads

Child 105, "THE BAILIFF'S DAUGHTER OF ISLINGTON" A man admires the daughter of the bailiff of Islington, and being repeatedly rebuffed by her he takes up an apprenticeship in London. After the elapse of seven years his beloved sets off to find him. He meets her as he is riding along, but at first she conceals her identity. When he asks whether she knows the bailiffs daughter, she replies that the girl has been dead a long time. At this he declares his intention of leaving the country, as there is no reason now for him to stay. Finally convinced by this of his love for her the woman reveals her identity, to the delight of her lover, and promises to marry him. bridal quest (of unwanted suitor) longing (for lover) truth, lest of (proves fidelity of lover - > love, lest of (woman puts fidelity of lover to the test; by -> trickery (by --> pretence (concealing true identity); by lying: saying mistress is dead))) fidelity (to mistress —> fidelity in love (ofman to mistress)) identity, discovery of true (of interlocutor) joy (of lovers at ~ > reunion) marriage (prospect of)

Child 106, "THE FAMOUS FLOWER OF SERVINGMEN" Fair Elise, a knight's wife, has suffered the fate of having her house pillaged and her husband murdered. Left to fend for herseif she disguises herseif as a man and presents herseif at court under the name of Sweet William, in order to gain employment. At her request she is given the position of chamber-attendant. One day when the King goes hunting and she finds herseif alone except for an old man, she sings a song in which she laments her fate. When the old man teils the King what he has heard, the latter does not hesitate to make Sweet William his wife and queen. murder (of husband by robbers; during —> robbery; with weapon) / robbery with murder / death (through murder) trickery (—> disguise (of woman as man); in order to earn living) grief (at fate) marriage

Child 107, "WILL STEWART AND JOHN" Will Stewart becomes sick with longing for his beloved, the Barl of Mar's daughter. His younger brother John resolves therefore to win the lady for his brother. Under the pretext of difficult family circumstances he succeeds in entering her Service as chamberattendant, and thus has the opportunity to teil her of his brother's love. The lady responds

Summaries of ballads

137

favourably, saying she will love him all the more if he and his men win the greater part of sixteen football matches. Hearing this news in a letter from his brother, Will recovers immediately. Will's team indeed wins most of the games, and Will is invited back by the earl, the father of his beloved. In his conversation with him, however, he leams that the earl is opposed to a marriage between him and his daughter. Even when the earl discovers, during a session of parliament which Will and John also attend, that Will is a count's son and a cousin of the King, he does not relent. As a consequence Will again becomes ill. John is concemed for his brother and once again decides to step in on Will's behalf. Disguised as a beggar he manages to speak to the earl's daughter, and reveals his identity. The woman arranges to meet Will in Martinsdale. There the pair send for a priest, and after the wedding ceremony Will takes her home with him. After a year John is sent to the earl to invite him to the christening of his daughter's child. In order to give the earl a fright John pretends that he can now have his daughter back. At this the earl changes his mind: he now consents to the marriage, and so a second ceremony is performed. sickness (due to ~ > longing for mistress) help (establishing contact with mistress) trickery (lie; in order to teil brother's mistress of his love for her) bridal quest task, setting of (winning football game; in order to test suitor) combat (sporting contest —> contest) task, solving of (proves man to be a 'suitable' lover) love against family's wishes sickness (due to —> longing for mistress) disguise (as —> beggar, in order to arrange lovers' meeting) identity, discovery of true (of interlocutor) meeting (of lovers; secret) marriage (2x)

Child 108, "CHRISTOPHER WHITE" A rieh merchant, hearing a woman lamenting the absence of her banished lover Christopher White, courts her and begs her to be his wife. Though refusing at first, the woman is eventually so seduced by the prospect of a life of luxury with him that she consents. She warns him against marrying her, however: if she cannot be faithful to Christopher White, she is unlikely to be faithful to the merchant. Three months after the marriage all merchants are required to fight in the war against Spain. The woman uses the opportunity of her husband's absence to write to her lover asking him to come to her. Having asked pardon of the English king. Christopher visits his mistress in Edinburgh. She is Willing to go to England with him, at which his anger at her marriage is mollified. Availing themselves of the merchant's riches. Christopher and his mistress leave Scotland

138

Summaries of ballads

a wealthy pair. On his return the merchant laments the loss of his wife, but has to admit that she had wamed him against marrying her. Moral: One should remain true to one's first love. eavesdropping grief (at —> Separation (from lover; due to --> banishment)) longing (for lover) bridal quest infidelity (of mistress) warning, disregarded marriage combat (clash of armies - > war (between English and Spanish}) Separation (of husband and wife; due to war) infidelity (to husband - > adultery (by wife)) pardon (of criminal - exile - by representative of authority) grief (at infidelity of mistress) reconciliation (between lovers) theft (of money, possessions) flight (of lovers)

Child 109, "TOM POTTS" Lady Rosamund, daughter of Lord Amdell, is courted by the wealthy Lord Phenix. She refuses him, saying her affections are already engaged elsewhere: she loves Thomas a Pott, a servant. Without considering his daughter's feehngs Lord Amdell sets a date for her wedding with Lord Phenix. Lady Rosamund has no intention of submitting to her father's will, and summoning a page she sends him to Thomas Pott in Strawberry Castle with a letter asking him to meet her in Guilford Greene. The messenger is to observe carefully the demeanour of her lover, for Lady Rosamund intends to act upon what the messenger reports. When Thomas has read his mistress's letter he cannot hide his grief. He bids the messenger teil Lady Rosamund that he will meet her at the appointed place and that she should have faith in him. On his retum the messenger has to swear on the Bible that he is speaking the truth, and when the woman is eventually convinced that he is not lying, she prays for her lover. Thomas Pott goes to his master Lord lockye, and upon being questioned he teils him what has happened. Lord lockye promises his servant material aid so that his poverty will not be an obstacle to the marriage, even offering him a large retinue of followers to accompany him to Lord Phenix's Castle. Thomas refuses this, however, preferring to stand alone. He then rides to Guilford Greene, where he meets Lord Phenix and challenges him to fight for Lady Rosamund. They arrange to meet at the same place in a week's time, and the wedding is therefore postponed. Thomas Pott retums to Strawberry Castle, where he falls sick with grief. Lord lockye Visits him to find out what has happened. Thomas admits to his fear that he will lose his mistress because of his poverty, and again Lord lockye offers him help. Thomas asks for a horse but refuses to

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139

accept the support of a troop of men, as he and Lord Phenix have agreed to meet in Single combat. In the fight Lord Phenix wounds Thomas Pott, who falls from his horse. He eventually remounts, however, and wounds his opponent so severely that he surrenders. Thomas feels pity for Lord Phenix and stops the flow of blood with a magic spell. As Thomas thinks it wrong that he should win his mistress in a duel, he proposes that she herseif should decide between the two rivals. When she chooses Thomas Pott, Lord Phenix still seems unwilling to give up, for he declares his wish to fight Thomas to the death behind a wall. This tums out to be merely a pretext: in reality he wishes to put the woman's fidelity to her lover to the test. After reconciling himself with Thomas and initiating him into his plan, he pretends to Lady Rosamund that he has slain Thomas. Having declared that she will have Lord Phenix executed, she falls in a faint. Convinced of her fidelity, Lord Phenix reveals the truth to her. Nothing now stands in the way of her marriage to her lover, and Thomas Pott becomes Lord AmdeH's heir. bridal quest (of unwanted suitor) / love, rejected love against family's wishes (because of - > love between partners ofdijferent

social

standing)

rivalry (between two men over a woman) commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of) grief (at imminent marriage between mistress and rival) help (assistance in combat for mistress; refused by person in need) sickness (due to grief at possibility of losing mistress to rival) help (assistance in combat for mistress; refused by person in need) combat (between two armies —> Single combat (with rival; as matter oflife and death; weaker

submits))

magic (magic spell: staunches bleeding) reconciliation (with former opponent / with rival) truth, test of (proves fidelity of mistress ~ > love, test of (man puts fidelity of mistress to the test; by --> trickery (lying: saying lover is dead))) fidelity (to lover —> fidelity in love (of woman to lover)) marriage

Child 110, "THE KNIGHT AND SHEPHERD'S DAUGHTER" A shepherd's daughter is raped by a knight. When she asks his name he teils her that at court he is known as Sweet William. He rides off, and the young woman follows him all the way on foot - he takes no notice of her, however. On arriving at the castle she complains about William's treatment of her to the King in person. The King decides that William must marry the shepherd's daughter, but William tries his best to pay her off with gold, as he is unwilling to enter an unequal marriage. But in the end everything tums out to his satisfaction, as it transpires at the wedding that his bride is in fact the daughter of a duke. She is thus superior to him in rank, as he is merely a squire's son. humiliation (of woman by man; by ~ > rape) fidelity (to lover - > fidelity in love (of woman to lover))

140

Sununaries of ballads

humiliation (of woman by man; by disrespect) / love, rejected marriage (forced) identity, discovery of true (of mistress) reconciliation (between husband and wife)

D, F, G, N: Here a helpful household spirit reveals the true identity of the "poor" woman. otherworldly being (household spirit; revelation by otherworldly being of human being's true identity)

F, N: When the violated woman has told the Queen (F) / King (N) what she has suffered, she is given the opportunity to decide what should happen to the man. She forgives him, seizing the ring rather than the sword. reconciliation (between woman and rapist)

Child III, "CROW AND PIE" A young woman is courted by a knight but vehemently refuses to be his mistress. Realizing that he cannot persuade her with words, he rapes her. She then demands that he marry her or at least pay her compensation. He not only refuses but will not teil her his name, at which the woman gives vent to her fury at the rapist. courtship (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected humiliation (of woman by man; by —> rape) anger (at unwanted lover)

Child 112, "THE BAFFLED KNIGHT" A knight courts a woman, begging her to sleep with him. Since no suitable place presents itself, she proposes riding to her father's Castle. There she succeeds in locking out the knight, who in his fury declares that all are cursed who believe what a woman says. Moral. Always take advantage of the first opportunity. courtship (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected trickery (practical joke; in order to preserve virginity) anger (at mistress's rejection; at being outwitted by mistress)

Summaries of ballads

141

Child 113, "THE GREAT SILKIE OF SULE SKERRY" A woman laments having bome a child to a creature that takes on the form of a seal in the water and a human being on land. Hardly has she expressed her grief when the Finn stands before her, pays her, and suggests that she hand over her son to him. She should then marry a gunner who will be able to shoot both him and his son. otherworldly being (human being / animal altemation; love relationship with -) pregnancy birth remorse (for entering love relationship) / grief (at fate) murder (plea to be murdered)

Child 114, "JOHNIE COCK" Johny's mother wams him not to go hunting in the forest, as the foresters would dearly love to kill him. Johny, undeterred by the waming, is intent on confronting the men. After eating the flesh of a deer he has shot, he falls asleep. A pilgrim comes upon him and informs the foresters at once of Johny's whereabouts, thus giving them the opportunity to ambush him. Johny is victor in the fight, however, killing all but one of the foresters. Although wounded he manages to send a boy, who happens to be in the forest, to go and fetch help. greenwood (as scene of —> poaching) warning, disregarded betrayal (of poacher; by pilgrim) combat (one against many - successful) / death (in combat) commission (to carry news - > messenger, sending of)

B,F: Johnie sends a bird to his mother asking her to come to him. commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of (-> animal, talking (?) (bird)) / otherworldly being (?)

Child 115, "ROBYN AND GANDELEYN" Robin Hood is suddenly Struck by an arrow while hunting, and is fatally wounded. His companion Gandeleyn vows not to leave the forest until he has killed Robin's murderer. When he discovers the culprit, a small boy called Wrennok of Donne, the boy threatens to shoot him too. They aim their arrows at each other, and Wrennok fatally wounds

142

Summaries of ballads

Gandeleyn. But Gandeleyn also manages to shoot his opponent, and thus is satisfied that Wrennok will never be able to boast of having killed Robin. greenwood (as place of —> banishment of —> outlaws; as scene of - > poaching) murder (of Robin Hood; motive unclear; in ambush; with weapon) / death (through murder) punishment (of man; for murder; by murder) / murder (of friend's murderer; in —> revenge (for murder of comrade^riendy, with weapon) / death (through murder)

Child 116, "ADAM BELL, CLIM OF THE CLOUGH, AND WILLIAM OF CLOUDESLY" Outlawed for poaching, Adam Bell, Clim of the Clough and William of Cloudesly swear blood brotherhood and seek refuge in Inglewood forest. One day William teils his brothers that he is going to Carlisle to visit his wife Alice and their children. Fearing his capture, Adam advises him not to go, but William will not be dissuaded. Arriving safely home he leams from his wife that the house has been watched for over six months. While William and his wife are celebrating their reunion, an old woman whom William has taken care of for seven years slips away to inform the authorities of William's presence in the town. Soon afterwards the judge and sheriff appear with a large number of men to arrest William. He and his wife put up a brave fight, but when their house is set alight William is felled by collapsing doors and windows. The sheriff Orders the gates of Carlisle to be closed, and builds a gallows for William. A boy who is well-disposed towards the family manages to creep through a gap in the city wall and teil Adam and Clim what has befallen William. The two men set off at once to rescue their comrade. Finding the gates shut, they have to resort to trickery to enter the town: a letter stamped with the King's seal is to deceive the porter as to their true purpose. The plan succeeds, and as messengers of the King they are admitted by the porter, whose credulity costs him his life. With bow and arrow at the ready Adam and Clim go to the market square, where they find William bound in chains and preparations being made for his execution. When Adam shoots the sheriff and Clim the judge, and both victims are fatally wounded, the Citizens flee the city and Adam and Clim release William from his chains. There is renewed and more intense fighting when the mayor of Carlisle and his men arrive, but the ouüaws manage to get to the town gates and escape to Inglewood. Alice, searching for Adam and Clim in the forest to teil them of the arrest of her husband, has been unable to find them as they are already elsewhere trying to rescue him. Arriving in the forest WiUiam hears a woman weeping, and upon investigating discovers Alice and her children, whose melancholy soon evaporates on his appearance. After feasting on venison the three outlaws decide to go to the King and make their peace with him. When they teil the King who they are, however, he is determined that they should be imprisoned and hanged, and is not even persuaded by their petitions for pardon. The Queen, however, reminds the King of his promise to grant her the first favour she asks, and when she requests the release of the three men he has no choice but to agree. Immediately afterwards messengers bring news that the judge, the sheriff and the mayor of Carlisle

Summaries of ballads

143

and all his officers have been slain by Robin's men. The King, although saddened at these events, is eager to see the shooting skills of the men who have caused all this bloodshed. The archers of the King and Queen go to the butts with the yeomen, and the three men hit every target. Cloudesly repeatedly proves his marksmanship, even insisting on shooting an arrow through an apple placed on his son's head, despite the King's threat to hang him if the boy is harmed. When Cloudesly does indeed perform the feat, the King is so impressed that he appoints him chief archer, promising him a fee of 18 pence a day. The Queen increases the fee by 12 pence, raises William of Cloudesly to the nobility, and takes his two brothers into her Service as chamber-attendants. William's son is given a place in the wine-cellar, and Alice is made chief gentlewoman to the Queen. The yeomen express their gratitude, and joumey to Rome where they receive absolution from their sins by a bishop. They spend the rest of their lives at the court of the King, and die good men. poaching greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment for —> outlaws) Separation (of husband and wife; due to banishment of husband) longing (for wife) warning, disregarded watching (of outlaw's family) joy (of husband and wife at ~ > reunion) betrayal (of outlaw; by old woman) / woman, wicked (betrays outlaw) combat (between outlaw and repräsentative of authority) help (summoning help) trickery (in order to rescue prisoner from death) combat (between outlaws and representatives of authority) flight (of Citizens from outlaws) punishment (of man; for disregarding banishment; by - > execution; prevented) / rescue (of person from death: of prisoner from execution) search (for husband) joy (of husband and wife at - > reunion) pardon (of criminal - outlaw - by representative of authority; because of fulfilment of promise) grief (at someone's death: at death of soldiers) combat (sporting contest - > contest (archery (shooting apple off someone's head))) / apple, shooting of reconciliation (between representatives of authority and outlaws; through money, aristocratic title, place at court) remorse (for crimes; and —> penance (by --> pilgrimage)) confession to priest

Child 117, "A GEST OF ROBYN KODE" (1) Robin teils three of his men to look out for a guest in the forest from whom they can extract ample payment after he has feasted. The men meet a knight and bring him to

144

Summaries of ballads

Robin, and they duly eat together. When it comes to paying for the meal, it transpires that the knight is deeply in debt. In order to stand bail for bis son, accused of murder, be bas bad to mortgage bis lands to tbe abbot of St Mary's for tbe sum of four bundred pounds. He teils Robin tbat be now bas to pay back tbe loan to save bis lands from falling into tbe bands of the abbot. He bas no money, and cannot expect beip from bis friends as they have all abandoned bim. Robin offers to lend bim tbe required sum, and altbougb tbe knigbt can only give tbe Virgin Mary as guarantor. Robin is satisfied. As tbe knigbt's clotbes are wom out be is given a new outfit by Robin, wbo tben rides off to London witb Little Jobn. greenwood (as place of —> banishment for —> outlaws) robbery (planned) grief (at fate) help (lending money) / mercy (towards poor)

(2) In St Mary's Abbey tbe prior is urging tbe abbot not to keep too strictly to tbe letter of tbe law, as tbe knigbt is probably not even in tbe country. The abbot, however, is intent on confiscating the knigbt's lands if tbe loan is not repaid. Arriving at the abbey, the knight at first pretends that he bas been unable to find the money and asks for more time. When tbe abbot refuses tbis request, to the astonishment of bis creditors tbe knight produces tbe money to pay bis debts. He retums bome, and saves until he bas enougb money to repay Robin's loan. He tben sets off for Bamsdale witb a large number of men. On bis way be watches a wrestling match, and fearing for the life of a yeoman wbo is ratber too successful, the knigbt comes to his aid, thereby delaying for a wbile bis visit to Robin. trickery (lie; in order to circumvent paying loan) mercilessness (towards debtors) combat (sporting contest - > contest (wrestling)) help (assistance in combat)

(3) Little John's expertise in an archery contest so impresses tbe sheriff of Nottingham that be determines to employ Little John himself. Despite the latter's protesting tbat be is already in Service to a knigbt, tbe sheriff manages to engage bim for a year. Little Jobn resolves to be far from ideal as a servant, and wbile his master is out hunting he fights witb tbe butler and tbe cook, by whom he feels ill-treated. Tbe cook tums out to be such a good fighter tbat Little John is reconciled witb bim, persuading bim to join Robin Hood's band. After stealing tbe sheriff s silverware and three hunded pounds from bis coffers, tbe two men set off for tbe forest. Little John, meeting tbe unsuspecting sheriff tbere, decoys bim to Robin's lair by pretending he wants to show bim a particularly fme deer. Brought

Summaries of ballads

145

before Robin, he is stripped of bis rieh clothes and forced to spend the night dressed as an outlaw. The next moming the sheriff swears that in retum for bis release he will in future leave Robin and bis men in peace. combat (sporting contest - > contest

(archery))

followers, recruitment of combat (between two enemies - > Single combat (with outlaw; as matter oflife and death and/or in order to test skill in combat)) reconciliation (with former opponent) followers, recruitment of theft (of money, possessions) greenwood (as place of - > banishment for —> outlaws) trickery (lie; in order to Iure sheriff into trap; in order to get the better of sheriff) humiliation (of representative of authority by outlaws; of outwitted opponent; by ~ > mockery)

(4) Unhappy at the fact that the Virgin Mary has not secured the repayment of bis loan, Robin sends Little John, Much and Scarlock once again to find a guest whom they can rob. This time the outlaws meet a monk on bis way to London on abbey business, accompanied by fifty-two men. It transpires that the monk is chief cellarer at St Mary's Abbey. Putting his men to flight, the outlaws bring the monk before Robin, and like the knight before him he is compelled to eat with Robin and his men and then pay handsomely. The monk protests that he only has twenty pounds, but on verifying this the outlaws find that he is carrying eight hundred pounds, of which they at once relieve him. When the knight eventually arrives in Bamsdale Robin teils him that the Virgin Mary has already come in the guise of the cellarer and paid him twice over. He therefore gives the knight half the stolen money so that he can buy a new horse and hamess. robbery (planned) combat (between outlaws and representatives of authority) flight (of representatives of authority from outlaws) robbery mercy (towards poor)

(5) Robin, his followers and a man called Gilbert surpass all others in an archery contest. Despite his promise not to barm the outiaws, the sheriff attacks them with his soldiers. In the ensuing fight Little John is badly wounded, and begs Robin to kill him so that the sheriff cannot take him alive. Robin refuses, and flees with John to Sir Richard's Castle where he and his men seek refuge. combat (sporting contest - > contest

(archery))

146

Summaries of ballads

combat (between - > outlaws and representatives of authority) flight (of criminals - outlaws - fron representatives of authority)

(6) The sheriff hurries to London to teil the King the news, and Robin retums to the forest. Here he leams that Sir Richard has been captured while hunting with his hawk. Robin and his men set off for Nottingham, and together they kill the sheriff and many of his men in battle. After freeing Sir Richard they all go into the forest to await the King's pardon. greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment for —> outlaws) punishment (of man; for —>poaching {?)•, by - > captivity) combat (between outlaws and representatives of authority) help (~> rescue (of prisoner from captivity))

(7) The King arrives in Nottingham on purpose to apprehend Sir Richard and Robin, but no-one can teil him the whereabouts of the outlaw. A forester advises the monarch to disguise himself as a monk and, together with five of his best knights, take a certain path which the forester will point out to him. As the man had predicted, Robin has been waiting there, and he asks the King how much money he is carrying. The outlaws share amongst themselves half of the forty pounds which the King has with him, giving the rest back. The "abbot" pretends to Robin that he bears a message for the King, which gives Robin the opportunity to declare his loyalty to the monarch. When Robin has summoned his men with a hom signal he invites the abbot to a lavish feast of the King's venison which they have previously poached. Afterwards they hold an archery contest, and when Robin misses the target the King punishes him with such a skilful blow that Robin realizes who his guest must be. Robin and his men then ask pardon of the King, which he grants on condition that the outlaws leave the forest and take service with him at court. Robin agrees to this. search (for criminals - - > outlaws - by representatives of authority) trickery (—> disguise (of representative of authority as priest) ', in order to meet Robin Hood) greenwood (as place of —> banishment for —> outlaws-, as scene of combat; as scene of —> poaching) robbery hom Signal (summons followers) poaching combat (sporting contest ~ > contest (archery)) identity, discovery of true (of interiocutor; of king by subject) pardon (of criminals - outlaws - by representative of authority) / reconciliation (between representative of authority and outlaws; through place at court)

Summaries of ballads

147

(8) The outlaws go back to Nottingham with the King, passing the time on the way with an archery contest. Their entry into the town causes uproar: the Citizens flee in fear of the outiaws, and the King has to assure them that everything is in order. After a year at court Robin no longer wishes to remain there, especially as apart from Little John and Will Scarlok all his men have gone back to the forest and his money has been spent. When Robin teils the King of his longing to retum to Bamsdale, the King allows him to leave the court for one week, but when this has elapsed Robin finds it impossible to go back and get used to another life again. As reported in the bailad. Robin lived for twenty-two years in the forest until he was murdered by his relative the prioress of Kirklees with the help of Sir Roger of Doncaster. The motives for the deed are unclear. combat (Spotting contest ~> contest (archery)) flight (of Citizens from outlaws) greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment for —> outlaws) conspiracy (against Robin Hood) murder (of Robin Hood; motive unclear; by blood-letting) / death (by murder)

Child 118, "ROBIN HOOD AND GUY OF GISBORNE" Troubled by a dream in which he was fighting two yeomen. Robin Hood decides to keep a lookout for the two men, together with Little John. When they see a yeoman in the forest, John is determined to confront him alone in order to protect his master. This infuriates Robin, who declares that he has never held back in fear of combat, and they part angrily. When Little John fmds two of his comrades slain in Barnsdale, and sees another fleeing from the sheriff and his men, he tries to kill the sheriff. His arrow strikes one of the sheriff s men instead, and so he is taken prisoner by the sheriff. John is to be executed.- In conversation with Guy of Gisbome Robin discovers that Guy has lost his way, and promises to be his guide. When Gisborne (not recognizing his companion) teils Robin that he has come in search of him. Robin pretends that the wanted man will soon be appearing. Meanwhile he suggests that they should pass the time in an archery contest. Robin Hood proves the better marksman and so Guy asks him his name. When Robin reveals his true identity a fight ensues. At first it seems Robin is the weaker, but having called upon the aid of the Virgin Mary he gains the upper hand and succeeds in killing Sir Guy. In order to conceal the deed, he disfigures the dead man's face and exchanges clothes with the corpse. Alias Sir Guy he rides off to the sheriff, having first blown Guy's hom to convince the sheriff that Robin Hood is slain. The sheriff wishes to pay "Sir Guy" a reward for his deed, but the latter declines, saying that he prefers the right to kill Robin Hood's servant Little John. The request is granted, and so Robin is given the opportunity to free his friend. Robin and John point their arrows at the sheriff and his men, who take flight. John nevertheless succeeds in killing the sheriff. dream (as —> premonition,

dreadfut)

148

Summaries of ballads

greenwood (as place of - > banishment for - > outlaws; as scene of combat) anger (at another's low regard) quarrel (between friends) captivity (of man: outlaw) combat (sporting contest - > contest

(archery))

identity, discovery of true (of opponent) combat (between two enemies - > Single combat {between outlaw and representative of authority)) help (from God —> rescue (through —> assistance, divine (assuring victory in Single combat))-, invoked) hörn Signal (proclaims victory in combat) trickery (—> disguise (as yeoman)\ in order to rescue prisoner from death) help (—> rescue (ofperson execution', prevented)

- prisoner - from death)) / punishment (of man; for attempt to kill sheriff; by —>

flight (of representatives of authority from outlaws) murder (of representative of authority by outlaw; with weapon) / death (through murder)

Child 119, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE MONK" At Whitsuntide Robin Hood decides to go to mass in Nottingham. Much advises him to take twelve of his men with him for protection, but Robin will only take Little John as companion. On their way through the forest the two men pass the time in an archery contest. Robin Hood bets five Shillings that he cannot be beaten, but Little John proves the superior shot and is therefore entitled to his master's stake. Robin is so furious at this that he strikes Little John, at which John is no longer prepared to serve Robin and leaves him. Robin goes on alone to Nottingham, at the same time regretting his treatment of Little John. In St Mary's Robin is recognized by a monk whom he once robbed and who therefore has no hesitation in informing the sheriff of Robin's presence in the town. The sheriff and his men go at once to arrest the outlaw. Robin kills and wounds many of his opponents, but his sword breaks on the sheriffs head. [...] When Robin's men learn of their master's capture they fall into despair, but Little John is convinced that Robin will be rescued through the assistance of the Virgin Mary. The next day John and Much lie in wait for the monk, who is carrying letters to the King informing him of Robin's capture. After gaining his confidence by concealing their connection with Robin they kill the monk and take the letters to the King themselves. The King pays them twenty pounds for bringing the news, and takes them into his Service. He then sends John with his private seal and orders to the sheriff that Robin should be brought to him alive. On seeing the seal the sheriff is quite unsuspicious and invites John to a meal. While the sheriff is sleeping it off, John and Much go to the prison. After killing the guard John takes the keys, frees Robin and escapes with him. Next moming the sheriff has the town searched for the escaped prisoner, but Robin is already safely back in the forest.- When John teils Robin that he wishes to leave him. Robin will not accept this, and is even determined to make him leader of the outlaws. John declines this offer and has a change of heart, deciding to continue in Robin's Service.- The outlaws celebrate their master's successful escape from

Summaries of ballads

149

capture. When the King later leams what has happened he has to admit that Little John in his loyalty to Robin Hood has managed to make fools of both him and the sheriff. warning, disregarded greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment for - > outlaws] as scene of combat) combat (sporting contest - > contest (archery)) wager (on skill in archery; on victory in contest) quarrel (between friends) remorse (for treatment of friend) betrayal (of outlaw; by monk) combat (between outlaws and representatives of authority; one against many - unsuccessful) trickery (concealing true identity; in order to free prisoner) commission (to carry news - > messenger, sending of) murder (of representative of authority by outlaw) / death (through murder) help (—> rescue (of prisoner front captivity)) flight (of criminal - outlaws - from representatives of authority; successful) search (for criminals - outlaws - by representatives of authority; unsuccessful) reconciliation (between friends/comrades-in-arms) joy (at rescue of prisoner) / festivity loyalty (to friend)

Child 120, "ROBIN HOOD'S DEATH" Robin is ill, and convinced that his cousin, an abess, can eure him he determines to go and see her at Kirkly Abbey. Will Scarlett wams him against setting out without an adequate number of followers, but Robin insists on taking only Little John as companion. On the way to the abbey they pass the time in an archery contest. [...] Once in the abbey the abess lets his blood, but does not stem the flow. Robin realizes too late that his cousin has murderous intentions. [...] As he tries to escape through the window Robin is attacked by Red Roger, but although badly wounded he manages to kill him. Little John is determined to burn down the abbey, but Robin prevents him, unwilling to abandon his principle of never harming a woman. Feeling that his end is near. Robin gives Little John Instructions as to his burial.

outlaw sickness warning, disregarded combat (sporting contest ~ > contest (archery)) murder (of Robin Hood; motive unclear; by blood-letting) flight (of Robin Hood from murderer; unsuccessful)

150

Summaries of ballads

combat (between two enemies ~ > Single combat (with murderer; as matter of life and death; with fatal outcome)) / death (in combat) punishment (of woman; for murder; by arson; prevented) / revenge (arson in revenge; for murder of comrade/friend; prevented by victim) wish, last

B: Robin summons Little John with a hom signal in order to give him instructions regarding his burial, which in this variant is described in detail.

horn Signal (summons follower) burial

Child 121, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE POTTER" Meeting a potter in the forest, Robin determines to exact a toll from him (i.e. rob him). He even lays a wager with the sceptical Little John (who remembers well the blows he once received from the potter) that he will succeed. The potter refuses to pay Robin, indeed he even starts a fight with him. Robin soon gets the worst of it, and realizing that Little John has won the wager he makes his peace with his opponent. The potter agrees to Robin's request that they should change clothes, and after promising to seil all his pots Robin sets off for Nottingham in disguise. There he hawks his wares outside the sheriff s house, and as he offers them at prices well below their value he has no difficulty in selling them. He gives what is left of the pots to the sheriff s wife, who shows her gratitude by inviting him in for a meal. The next day there is an archery contest, in which the sheriff s men miss the target and Robin's skill wins him the prize. In the ensuing conversation the "potter" teils the sheriff that he has a bow that formerly belonged to Robin Hood, with whom he has often contended in archery. As the sheriff is very eager to meet the outlaw. Robin invites him to go with him. Robin and the sheriff thus ride into the forest. At Robin's horn signal his men gather round - to the horror of the sheriff, who now regrets his eagemess to meet Robin. The outlaw robs the sheriff and gives the money to the potter, who is now fully compensated for the cheap sale of his wares, indeed he has even made a profit. greenwood (as place of - > banishment for ~ > outlaws', as scene of combat) robbery (planned) wager (on success of robbery) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with outlaw; for money; weaker

submits))

reconciliation (with former opponent) trickery ( - > disguise (as potter)-, in order to participate in archery contest; in order to outwit sheriff) combat (sporting contest —> contest

(archery))

Summaries of ballads

151

trickery (lie; concealing tnie identity; in order to Iure sheriff into trap) hom Signal (summons followers; summons - > help (assistance in theft)) robbery mercy (towards poor)

Child 122, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE BUTCHER" Robin Hood meets a butcher travelling through the forest with bis wares. When Robin is attacked by the man's dog he kills it, and a fight ensues with the butcher. [...] Robin, in his opponent's clothes, sells the meat in Nottingham at knock-down prices. This attracts the attention of the other butchers, who invite Robin for a drink as is customary in their trade and they arrange to meet at the sheriffs house. [...] The sheriff thinks he can do a good deal with Robin, who appears uninterested in money, and determines to buy the game which Robin apparently possesses. The next day he and his men accordingly set off for the forest with Robin as guide. He soon realizes that he has fallen into a trap: at Robin's hom Signal his men appear, and the sheriff is robbed. It is only for his wife's sake that he is not killed. The sheriff later admits to her that he has leamt from the experience, declaring that he will never again get involved with Robin Hood. greenwood (as place of ~> banishment for —> outlaws; as scene of combat) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (Citizen with outlaw; as matter oflife and death)) disguise (of outlaw; as butcher; in order to avoid capture) trickery (lie; in order to Iure sheriff into trap) horn Signal (summons followers; - > help (assistance in robbery)) identity, discovery of true (of companion) robbery

Child 123, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE CURTAL FRIAR" Robin hears of a monk at Fountains Abbey who is noted for his strength. Wishing to make the man's acquaintance Robin sets off for the Abbey. When he meets the monk he teils him to carry him across the river. On the other side Robin is threatened by his bearer, who now forces him to carry him back. It is then Robin who makes the monk carry him across again. [...] Robin asks if he may blow his hom, and at his signal fifty of his archers appear, at which the monk summons an equal number of dogs. When the monk proposes that each of the dogs should take on one of the archers, and that he and Robin should fight each other, Robin suggests a reconciliation and invites the monk to join his band. outlaws hom Signal (summons followers; summons ~> help (assistance in combat)) reconciliation (with former opponent)

152

Summaries of ballads

followers, recruitment of

B: Little John shoots a deer at five hundred feet during an archery contest in the forest. The delighted Robin declares that no-one is a match for John, but Will teils him of a monk at Fountains Abbey who could defeat them all. Robin therefore sets off to meet the man. After they have carried each other over the river once, (see var. A) the monk throws Robin into the water halfway across, at which a fight ensues. greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment for —> outlaws\ as scene of —> poaching) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (in order to test skill in combat))

Child 124, "THE JOLLY PINDER OF WAKEFIELD" When Robin Hood, Scarlet and John leave the king's highway they are accosted by a cattle-impounder authorized to demand a fme for such lawbreaking. He Orders them to tum back and a fight ensues. Although they are three against his one, he puts up a bold fight. Eventually Robin stops the fight and invites his opponent to join his band of followers. The man agrees, although he decides to wait until his wages have been paid. accusation (of lawbreaking) combat (between - > outlaws and representative of authority; one against many - successfui; weaicer submit) reconciliation (with former opponent) followers, recruitment of

Child 125, "ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN" On his way through the forest Robin Hood meets a stranger called John Little. The two stand face to face on a narrow bridge, and neither will give way. There is a fight, and the stranger manages to overcome Robin and throw him in the river. Impressed by the man's strength. Robin Hood summons his followers with a hom signal and invites the stranger to join his band. He agrees, and the new member is welcomed with a joyful feast. John Little is baptized and renamed "Little John" (although he is anything but little). Robin then gives him everything he could require for life in the forest. greenwood (as place of - > banishment for ~ > outlaws-, as scene of combat) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with outlaw; in order to test skill in combat; submits)) horn signal (summons followers)

weaker

Summaries of ballads

153

reconciliation (with former opponent) followers, recruitment of joy (at recruitment of new follower) / festivity

Child 126, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE TANNER" Robin meets Arthur a Bland, a strong man, in Sherwood Forest. Passing himself off as an official of the King, Robin accuses the man of poaching and orders him to desist. Arthur declares that he is a match for Robin, as the bow cannot compete with an oak staff. A fight ensues between the two men. Arthur is able to defend himself, and after the fight has continued for some time Robin calls a halt. Learning that his opponent is a tanner from Nottingham, Robin reveals his own identity and invites the tanner to join his band. Arthur a Bland agrees. He asks where Little John, a kinsman of his, can be found. Robin blows his hom, and John hurries to the scene fearing that his master is in danger. When he leams from Robin who the stranger is, he falls on his neck with joy at seeing him again. The three men then swear etemal loyalty and joyfully dance around an oak tree. greenwood (as place of - > banishment for —> outlaws-, as scene of combat) accusation (of poaching; false) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with outlaw; in order to lest skill in combat; as matter of life and death (?)); weaker submits)) identity, discovery of true (of opponent) followers, recruitment of reconciliation (with former opponent) horn Signal (summons followers) joy (of family members at - > reunion)

Child 127, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE TINKER" On his way to Nottingham incognito. Robin Hood meets a tinker who has a royal Warrant for the outlaw's arrest. The tinker refuses to show Robin the Warrant, so the latter devises a plan to get hold of it. He suggests that they go to Nottingham together and visit a tavem there. When the tinker has fallen asleep with the drink Robin slips away with the Warrant, leaving his companion to pay the bill. Informed by the landlord of Robin's identity and advised to seek him in the forest, the tinker sets off on his search. He soon meets up with him out hunting, and a fight ensues. On the verge of defeat. Robin asks if he may blow his hom, and although his opponent denies him this wish he manages to find an opportunity of doing so. Little John and Scadlock appear, and Little John is determined to take the tinker on. Robin intervenes however, suggesting a reconciliation and inviting the tinker to join his band. The latter, attracted by Robin's depiction of life in the greenwood, agrees henceforth to serve him.

154

Summaries of ballads

theft (of Warrant of arrest; through - > trickery (making drunk)) search (for criminal - - > outlaw - by representative of authority) greenwood (as place of - > banishment for outlaws; as scene of ~ > poaching; as scene of combat) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (between outlaw and representative of authority; as matter oflife and death; weaker submits)) hom Signal (summons followers, —> help (assistance in combat)) combat (between two enemies - > Single combat-, prevented) / reconciliation (with former opponent) followers, recruitment of

Chiid 128, "ROBIN HOOD NEWLY REVIVED" Robin meets a young man in the forest who felis a deer with his arrow at very long ränge. Impressed with the man's skill Robin invites him to join his band, but the man curtly rejects his offer. When the two men then aim their arrows at each other. Robin suggests that they should fight with swords instead so that neither is killed. Robin's opponent proves an excellent swordsman, at which Robin is very eager to know his name. He is called Young Gamwell, and teils Robin that having killed his father's Steward he has fled into the forest to meet his uncle, Robin Hood. When Robin also reveals his identity there is much joy at their reunion. Robin and Young Gamwell then meet Little John. On learning how Young Gamwell defeated Robin in combat, John is determined to take him on himself, but Robin intervenes, explaining who the stranger is. Young Gamwell will come next to Little John in rank, and is henceforth to be called "Scarlet". greenwood (as place of —> banishment for —> outlaws; as scene of hunting and —> poaching) followers, recruitment of combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with outlaw; as matter oflife and death)) identity, discovery of true (of opponent) joy (of family members (uncle, nephew) at —> reunion) reconciliation (with former opponent) followers, recruitment of combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (prevented by recognition

offriend))

Child 129, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE PRINCE OF ARAGON" After Robin Hood, Little John and Robin's nephew Will Scadlock have spent some time hunting in the forest, Robin summons his followers with a hom signal in order to present his nephew to them. Later Robin meets a young woman on horseback, who teils him that the Prince of Aragon and his army have laid siege to London. The Prince has swom to take the princess to wife unless he and his two giants are defeated by three Champions. She adds that she is one of the women who are to carry the news and who have been sent in search of men bold enough to fight the Prince. Robin Hood, Scadlock and John resolve to take the matter in hand, disguising themselves as pilgrims in order to pass unhindered

Summaries of ballads

155

along the road. Robin succeeds in killing the Prince, and John and Scadlock defeat the giants, thus assuring the gratitude of the King. Robin asks for and is granted a royal pardon for his men. The victor's prize is the princess, but since she cannot marry all three she is permitted to choose between them. Her choice falls on Will Scadlock, Robin Hood's nephew. At the sight of Will the Earl of Maxfield begins to weep bitterly, as he reminds him of his son Young Gamwell. As Scadlock and Gamwell are one and the same, Gamwell having assumed another name on joining Robin's band, he falls at his father's feet. There is great joy at the reunion, and Scadlock's wedding is later celebrated. greenwood (as place of - > banishment for - > outlaws\ as scene of - > poaching) horn Signal (summons followers) commission (to carry news - > messenger, sending of(female

messenger))

otherworldly being (giant; threat to city by -) trickery (—> disguise (as pilgrim)-, in order to avoid capture) combat (between two enemies ~ > Single combat (with otherworldly being; in order to win bride; as matter oflife and death)) pardon (of criminals - outlaws - by repräsentative of authority) reward (for victory over otherworldly being; of woman in marriage) identity, discovery of true (of interlocutor) joy (of family members at ~ > reunion (ofparents and child)) marriage

Child 130, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE SCOTCHMAN" Robin Hood has decided to go to Scotland to demand back his right (?). He meets a Scot who wishes to be his servant, but Robin will not employ him. [...] Robin Hood calls on his followers to fight on against the Scotsman and his men. It is not clear who are the Victors. combat (against ~ > outlaws; one against many; as matter of life and death)

B: Chancing to meet a Scotsman, Robin is determined to fight him before accepting him as a follower. The Scot soon proves the superior in combat, and Robin has to surrender. After a reconciliation with his opponent Robin invites him to join his band. Together they retum to the forest. combat (between two enemies ~ > Single combat (with outlaw; in order to test skill in combat; as matter of life and death; weaker submits)) reconciliation (with former opponent) followers, recruitment of greenwood (as place of —> banishment for —> outlaws; as scene of combat)

156

Summaries of ballads

Child 131, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE RANGER" While out hunting Robin meets a forester who Orders him to desist on the grounds that the forest belongs to the King. Robin is determined to protect bis "right", and so a fight ensues. Robin receives such a beating that he submits, declaring that he has never encountered such a worthy opponent. He then summons his men with a hom signal and persuades the forester to join his band. Overjoyed at the recruitment of a new follower, the outlaws celebrate with great festivity. greenwood (as place of - > banishment for - > outlaws; as scene of ~ > poaching) accusation (of poaching) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (between outlaw and representative ofauthority; oflife and death; weaker

as matter

submits))

horn Signal (summons followers) followers, recruitment of reconciliation (with former opponent) joy (at recruitment of new follower) / festivity

Child 132, "THE BOLD PEDLAR AND ROBIN HOOD" Robin Hood and Little John meet a pedlar. Little John Orders him to hand over half his wares, and the pedlar replies that he can have everything if he manages to beat him in a fight. They accordingly set to fight, but John is no match for his opponent, and Robin then takes a turn. He is equally unsuccessful and eventually submits. Robin is curious to know who his opponent is, and discovers that his name is Gamble Gold and that he is wanted for murder and therefore forced to flee the country. Robin then recognizes his own Cousin, and they celebrate their reunion in a tavem. robbery (planned) combat (between two enemies - > Single combat (with --> outlaw; for money, possessions; submits))

weaker

identity, discovery of true (of opponent) joy (of family members at ~ > reunion

(ofcousins))

reconciliation (with former opponent)

Child 133, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE BEGGAR", 1 While riding to Nottingham Robin meets a beggar who asks him for money. Robin replies that being a yeoman he has no money. He has a mind to fight him, however, even though the beggar predicts Robin's defeat and is already looking forward to thus gaining possession of his opponent's purse. When Robin is indeed beaten he calls a halt to the

Summaries of ballads

157

fight, and at the beggar's request he exchanges his coat and his horse for his opponent's clothes. Robin then sets off for Nottingham, where he leams of the imminent execution of three yeomen. Determined to save them from the gallows, Robin asks the sheriff to pardon them. His request is refused on the grounds that the men are poachers. Robin therefore chooses another method: after summoning his archers with a hom signal he Orders them to attack the sheriff s men and free the condemned prisoners. The latter enter Robin's Service and accompany him back to the forest. combat (between two enemies - > Single combat (with -> money; weaker submits))

outlaw; in order to test skill in combat; for

trickery (--> disguise (as --> beggar); in order to avoid capture) poaching / pardon (of criminals - poachers - representative of authority; refused) horn Signal (summons followers, —> help (assistance in combat)) combat (between outlaws and representatives of authority) rescue (of persons from death: of prisoners from execution) / punishment (of men; for poaching; by - > execution-, prevented) followers, recruitment of greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment for - > outlaws)

Child 134, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE BEGGAR", 2 Walking in the forest one day Robin Hood meets a beggar. He bars the beggar's way, demanding money from him. He even threatens to shoot him if he does not hand over his possessions. But the beggar only laughs at him. When Robin aims an arrow at him he smashes the outlaw's bow and arrow to pieces with his staff and beats him senseless. After roundly mocking him the beggar goes on his way in the belief that his opponent is dead. Robin is later found by three of his men, to whom he gives an account of the episode. He exhorts them to avenge his beating, advising them how to get the better of their opponent. Two of the men (one stays with Robin) lie in wait for the beggar. They manage to snatch his staff, his main weapon, thus rendering the beggar helpless. The latter then devises a plan to prevent the two men from taking him back to Robin Hood, who means to kill him. He asks them to let him go in return for a large sum of money, to which the men agree. The beggar's bag contains not money but flour, however, which he flings in the men's faces. Before they recover from their blindness he gives them a good hiding with his staff. The two men take flight and are forced to retum to their master empty-handed. greenwood (as place of —> banishment for —> outlaws-, as scene of combat) beggar (money demanded from-) robbery (planned) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with outlaw; for money, humiliation (of loser in combat; by —> mockery)

possessions))

158

Summaries of ballads

trickery (lie; in order to evade enemy) combat (between beggar and outlaws; one against many - successful) flight (of outlaws from beggar; of men from enemy in combat)

Child 135, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE SHEPHERD" Walking in the forest Robin Hood meets a shepherd and demands to see what the latter has in his bag. The shepherd refuses to comply, declaring that Robin will see nothing until he has proved his mettle in a fight. Robin wagers twenty pounds against the shepherd's possessions that he will win. After a lengthy bout Robin falls to the ground, at which the shepherd calls on him to yield. Hoping for assistance from his followers, Robin asks permission to blow his hom. This is granted, and at the signal Little John soon appears. John engages the shepherd in combat, but he too gets the worst of it and Robin is compelled to call a halt and admit he has lost the wager. greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment for —> outlaws; as scene of combat) robbery (planned) wager (on victory in Single combat) combat (between two enemies - > Single combat (with outlaw; in order to test skill in combat-, for money, possessions) hom Signal (summons followers, summons —> help (assistance in combat)) combat (between two enemies - > Single combat (with outlaw; in order to test skill in combat; weaker submits))

Child 136, "ROBIN HOOD'S DELIGHT" ("ROBIN HOOD, JOHN, SCARLOCK AND THREE KEEPERS") While Walking in the forest Robin Hood, Scarlock and John are stopped by three of King Henry's foresters and accused of poaching. A fight ensues, in which the outlaws are in danger of succumbing. Robin therefore asks the foresters if he may briefly Interrupt the fight to blow his hom. When permission is refused, as is his request to be told the foresters' names. Robin concedes that they are stout men of valour and suggests a reconciliation. They seal their friendship with a drinking bout in Nottingham. greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment for - > outlaws; as scene of combat) accusation (of —> poaching) combat (between outlaws and representatives of authority; weaker submit) horn Signal (summons followers, - > help; prevented by opponent) reconciliation (with former opponent; through drinking bout)

Summaries of ballads

159

Child 137, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE PEDLARS" While hunting in Sherwood Forest Robin Hood, Will Scarlett and Little John meet three pedlars on their way to Nottingham. They decide to rob them, but when Robin Orders them to halt the pedlars pay no attention. Robin then shoots an arrow through the bündle of one of the pedlars, at which a fight ensues. Robin's bow is smashed by an opponent's staff, and he has to call a halt until bis men have armed themselves with similar weapons. Even then the pedlars show their superiority, and Robin is finally knocked senseless. Before they leave, one of the pedlars gives Robin a potion purporting to ease his pain, but in fact it makes him vomit. Moral: Beware of challenging superior opponents. greenwood (as place of ~> banishment for —> outlaws-, as scene of —> poaching) robbery (planned) combat (against outlaws; for money / possessions) revenge (practica! joke in revenge; for attempted robbery)

Child 138, "ROBIN HOOD AND ALLEN A DALE" Robin Hood sees a young man Walking gaily along in the forest. When the outlaw sees him again the next moming however, the young man seems very down at heart. Robin has two of his men fetch him, and asks if he has any money "to spare" for him and his men. Allen teils Robin that he has but five shillings and a ring which he has kept for seven years to have at his wedding - but now his love is to marry an elderly knight against her will. Robin offers to bring his beloved to him, asking what Allen will give him in retum. As Allen has no money he offers to be Robin's loyal servant. Robin is then Willing to act on Allen's behalf, and hurries to the church where the wedding is to take place. When the bishop demands to know who he is. Robin says he is a harper come to play for the bride and bridegroom. When the latter arrive Robin voices his objection to their union and directs the bride to choose her own husband. He then summons twenty-four of his archers with a hom signal and Orders the bishop to marry Allen and his bride at once. The bishop protests that according to the law this can only happen when the banns have been read three times. At this Robin takes the bishop's robe and gives it to Little John, who puts it on and reads the banns seven times. Robin leads the bride to John who marries the pair, and after the wedding Robin and his men retum to the forest. greenwood (as place of - > banishment for - > outlaws) watching robbery (planned) grief (at fate) love against family's wishes help (assistance in combat for mistress)

160

Summaries of ballads

trickery ( - > disguise (as harper)-, in order to attend wedding) rivalry (between two men over a woman) marriage (with considerable age disparity; forced but prevented) horn Signal (summons followers) identity, discovery of true rescue (of mistress from unwanted lover) marriage

Child 139, "ROBIN HOOD'S PROGRESS TO NOTTINGHAM" On his way through Nottingham the fifteen-year-old Robin Hood meets a group of foresters who teil him that the King is holding an archery contest. As they are convinced that Robin cannot shoot, he lays a wager on his skill and proceeds to prove it by shooting a deer at long ränge. When the foresters refuse to pay Robin the wager, he kills them. After vigorously fending off the Citizens of Nottingham who try to apprehend him, Robin makes his way back to the forest. The dead foresters are buried in Nottingham. wager (on skill in archery) combat (sporting constest —> contest

(archery))

punishment (of men; for refusal to pay stakes in wager; by murder) / murder (of opponents in contest; in —> revenge\ with weapon) combat (between Citizens and —> outlaws-, one against many; successful) greenwood (as place of - > banishment for —> outlaws) burial

Chiid 140, "ROBIN HOOD RESCUING THREE SQUIRES" Robin has planned the rescue of three squires from execution. Changing clothes with a beggar, he enters the town incognito. Having instructed his men to wait concealed in the forest. Robin summons them with a horn signal and casts off his beggar's clothing. When he Orders his men to storm the gallows and shoot the sheriff, the latter is so overcome with fear that he offers Robin land and property to deflect him from his plan. Robin refuses, demanding the release of the prisoners. The sheriff protests that the squires are traitors to the King and must therefore die, but Robin insists that the sheriff should do his bidding or die on the gallows himself. [...] In variants B and C this is followed by the rescue of the prisoners. trickery (—> disguise (as —> beggar), in Order to rescue prisoners from death) greenwood horn Signal (summons followers, - > help (assistance in combat))

Summaries of ballads

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identity, discovery of true (of beggar) combat (between ~ > outlaws and representatives of authority) pardon (of criminal - traitor - by representatives of authority; refused) / high treason rescue (of persons from death: of prisoners from execution): B, C

Child 141, "ROBIN HOOD RESCUING WILL STUTLEY" Robin Hood, living in the greenwood with bis followers, learns tbat Will Stutley has been captured and is soon to be executed. He and bis men set off for the Castle where Will is being held prisoner. Robin sends one of bis men to ask a pilgrim for news of tbe Situation, and the outlaws leam that Will is to die that very day. Robin's man has scarcely left the pilgrim when the Castle gates are opened and Will is led out. Will asks the sheriff for a sword so that he may fight against bim and bis men until he is slain, for not one of Robin's men has ever been executed. The sheriff refuses to grant this request, and when he adds that Robin Hood will also die on the gallows Will is filled with rage and declares that Robin will have bis revenge. Little John then appears, and asks the sheriff to release Will so that he can take leave of bis friends. As the sheriff will not allow this either, John cuts Will's bonds and gives bim a sword which he has snatched from one of the sheriffs men. Robin Hood and bis archers soon appear, at which the sheriff and bis men take flight. Will Stutley, now a free man, expresses bis gratitude to Robin. greenwood (as place of —> banishment for —> outlaws) captivity (of man: outlaw) commission (to report on Situation of prisoner) pardon (of criminal - outlaw - by representatives of authority; refused) help ( ~ > rescue (of person from death: of prisoner from execution)) / execution (of comrade/friend; prevented) combat (between outlaws and representatives of authority) flight (of representatives of authority from outiaws)

Child 142, "LITTLE JOHN A BEGGING" Little John decides to go begging, and persuades an old beggar to change clothes with bim for the purpose. When he attempts to join up with three pilgrims he is given anything but a friendly reception: one of them even strikes bim a violent blow on the head. [...] trickery (--> disguise (as --> beggar)- in order to go begging) combat (against —> outlaw, one against many)

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Summaries of ballads

B: Robin decides that Little John should go begging, for the outlaws are in need of money. Linie John eventually meets four beggars on his joumey and expresses a wish to join them. When they try to drive him off he stands his ground, and although he is one to their four he emerges victor and takes possession of the money they have amassed with their begging. Little John retums to his master six hundred pounds richer, and both celebrate this stroke of good fortune. combat ([as above]; for money) theft / robbery (?) greenwood (as place of - > banishment for ~ > outlaws) joy (at successful theft)

Child 143, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE BISHOP" One day, seeing the bishop and his retinae in the forest evidently out to apprehend him, Robin Hood asks an old woman to help him. She agrees, remembering that Robin once bought her some clothes. Robin exchanges clothes with her and sets off back to join his men. Thinking that he has captured the wanted man, the bishop takes the old woman with him. On their ride through the forest they meet a hundred archers, and the woman reveals her true identity to the bishop, telling him that the archers are Robin Hood's men. The bishop is about to take flight, but Robin Orders him to stay where he is. When he has robbed the bishop of five hundred pounds he prepares to let him go, but Littie John insists that he should first say mass. The bishop is forced to do so, after which he is set on his horse and released. greenwood (as place of —> banishment for —> outlaws) search (for criminal - outlaw - by representative of authority) help (exchanging clothes; protection from pursuers) trickery (~> disguise (ofman as woman; of woman as man); in order to avoid capture) identity, discovery of true (of captive) robbery humiliation (of representative of authority by outlaws; by ~ > mockery)

Child 144, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE BISHOP OF HEREFORD" Robin knows that the bishop and his retinue will soon be passing through Bamsdale, and plans to rob him. He and six of his men disguise themselves as shepherds, and when the bishop appears they attract his notice. The bishop asks what is going on, and Robin

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163

explains that they mean to have a merry time with the King's venison which they have just shot. The bishop then Orders Robin and bis men to accompany him to the King, but Robin summons his followers with a hom signal. It is now the bishop's tum to beg for mercy: he realizes too late with whom he is dealing. Robin takes him to Bamsdale, where the bishop has to dine with Robin and his men and is relieved of thirty-three pounds in payment for the privilege. Later he is even forced to dance before the outlaws. greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment for - > outlaws) robbery (planned) poaching trickery (—> disguise (as shepherds)', in order to outwit sheriff) hom Signal (summons followers, - > help) identity, discovery of true (of opponent) robbery humiliation (of representative of authority by outlaws; by —> mockery)

Child 145, "ROBIN HOOD AND QUEEN KATHERINE" [...] Robin Hood has won the friendship of Queen Katherine by giving her a sum of money which he has taken from the King's harbingers [implied in st. 2 of variant A; described in B and C]. [...] The King lays a heavy wager that his archers cannot be excelled in the contest that is soon to take place. The Queen, confident of Robin Hood's prowess, sends her page to ask him and his men to enter the field under false names. The Queen's ring, which the page produces as a token of her loyalty, convinces Robin that she indeed needs him. He agrees to her request and rides to London with his men. [...] Robin Hood alias Loxley wagers five hundred pounds with the bishop that he will win the contest [...], which he does [apparent from st. 30 after the omission]. The bishop later angrily declares that he would not have bet a penny if he had known Loxley's true identity. Indeed he recalls being robbed by Robin and forced against his will to say a mass for him and his men. The King however is not minded to punish Robin despite the latter's treatment of the bishop, and teils him to keep the money. He goes as far as inviting Robin to remain at court, but Robin declines the offer saying he does not wish to desert his men, though adding that he will always be ready to fight for the Queen as her archer. robbery (by - > outlaws) wager (on victory in contest) commission (to carry news - > messenger, sending of) ring (as token of fidelity) trickery (~> pretence (changing name)\ in order to participate incognito in contest) contest (sporting contest ~ > contest (archery)) identity, discovery of true (of opponent) anger (at being outwitted by opponent)

164

Summaries of ballads

accusation (of robbery) pardon (of criminal - outlaw - by representative of authority)

Child 146, "ROBIN HOOD'S CHASE" Queen Katherine holds an archery contest and chooses Robin Hood to be her archer. Robin's victory in the contest incurs the anger of King Henry, who sets off at once in pursuit of the outlaw. Robin leaves the forest and flees to various towns one after the other, until he finally considers it best to retum to London to talk to the King. When Queen Katherine teils Robin that King Henry is searching for him in Sherwood, the outlaw decides to follow the King. While Robin is on his way back the King retums home in high dudgeon at failing to track him down. The chase ends when the Queen begs the King to pardon the outlaw. combat (sporting contest - > contest

(archery))

anger (at opponent's victory in contest) greenwood (as place of - > banishment for ~ > outlaws) flight (of criminal - outlaw - from representative(s) of authority) search (for criminal - outlaw - by representatives of authority) anger (at vain search for outlaw) pardon (of criminal - outlaw - by representative of authority)

Child 147, "ROBIN HOOD'S GOLDEN PRIZE" Walking in the forest disguised as a monk, Robin meets two priests riding along. He asks them for alms, but the men say they have been robbed and therefore have no money to give. When Robin accuses them of lying the priests attempt to flee, but Robin catches them up and pulls them from their horses, forcing them to pray for money. After they have been praying for an hour Robin Orders them to search their pockets to see how much money heaven has sent them. The priests apparently fmding nothing on their person. Robin comes to their aid and discovers five hundred gold pieces. Because they prayed so assiduously he allows them fifty pounds of the money, keeping the rest for himself. Before he lets the men go he makes them swear never to lie again, never to seduce other men's wives, and always to be merciful to the poor. greenwood (as place of —> banishment for —> outlaws) trickery (~> disguise (as priest)', in order to avoid capture) robbery (planned) flight (of Citizens from outlaw; unsuccessful) / pursuit (of Citizens by outlaws)

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help (from God ~ > assistance, divine', invoked) robbery

Child 148, "THE NOBLE FISHERMAN, OR ROBIN HOOD'S PREFERMENT" One day, dring of life in the greenwood, Robin Hood decides to go to sea. In Scarborough he passes himself off as the fisherman Simon over the Lee. A widow with whom he stays the night finds him employment as a member of her ship's crew. In the fishing-boat Robin does not exactly cover himself with glory (initially at least), throwing bare lines into the sea instead of baited hooks and thus inviting the scom of the other sailors. When a French warship is sighted bearing down on them, the captain gives all up for lost, dismissing as vain boasting Simon's assurance that he will dispatch the Frenchmen. Furious at the captain's lack of faith in him Simon has himself tied to a mast, from where, as he predicted, he manages to slay all the French sailors with his arrows. Boarding the French ship the English find a booty of twelve thousand pounds. Simon declares that half the enemy ship should be given to the widow and half to his fellow crew-members, but the captain insists that the ship belongs to Simon. The latter will not be deflected from his charitable purpose, and announces his Intention of building a refuge for the needy. greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment for —> outlaws) trickery (—> pretence (changing name); in order to lead new life) humiliation (of Robin Hood; by ~> mockery) anger (at another's low regard) combat (clash of armies ~ > war (between English and French; at sea)) mercy (towards poor)

Child 149, "ROBIN HOOD'S BIRTH, BREEDING, VALOR AND MARRIAGE' On Christmas Eve Robin and his mother ride to see Gamwell, Robin's uncle, in order to celebrate Christmas with him. There Little John, a member of Gamwell's household, performs tricks for the Company, in which he is surpassed by Robin. Gamwell is so impressed by Robin that he offers to make him his heir, inviting him to stay and live with him. Robin agrees on condition that Little John can be his page, to which his uncle consents. Robin goes into Sherwood Forest and summons the men who have been waiting there with a horn signal. Clorinda, queen of the shepherds, passes by and excites Robin's attention. She even enhances the good Impression she has already made on him, by shooting a deer with great skill. Robin takes her to his dwelling for a meal, where he later asks her to be his bride. Clorinda consents, and Robin suggests that they send for a priest immediately. As Clorinda wishes first to go with Robin to see the entertainments at

166

Summaries of ballads

Titbury, the wedding is postponed for the time being. On the way to Titbury Robin becomes involved in a fight with eight yeomen who demand that he hand over the deer which Clorinda has shot. With the aid of Little John five of the men are killed, and at John's request Robin spares the rest. Robin and Clorinda go to a bull-fight in Nottingham, and when they have dined they summon a priest who marries them. Their marriage is then celebrated in Sherwood Forest. festivity followers, recruitment of greenwood (as place of - > banishment for - > outlaws', as scene of hunting (and poaching (?) [see below]); as scene of combat [see below]) hörn Signal (summons followers) poaching (?) bridal quest combat (between criminals - outlaws - and representatives of authority) marriage festivity

Child 150, "ROBIN HOOD AND MAID MARIAN" Robin Hood and Maid Marian, a noble lady, are in love. By a stroke of ill fortune Robin is soon forced to leave his beloved and retum to the greenwood. Longing to see her lover again, Marian sets out in search of him dressed as a page. When she meets her lover, who is also in disguise, each suspects an enemy in the other and they Start fighting. Both are badly wounded, and Robin eventually calls a halt. Recognizing her lover's voice, Marian reveals her own identity. They fall into each other's arms, and together with Robin's men they celebrate their reunion with great festivity. Separation (of lovers)

greenwood (as place of - > banishment for ~ > outlaws; as scene of combat [see below]) longing (for lover) trickery (—> disguise (ofwoman as man), in order to meet lover) search (for lover) combat (between two enemies - > Single combat (between man and woman; as matter oflife and death) identity, discovery of true (of opponent) joy (of lovers at - > reunion)

Child 151, "THE KING'S DISGUISE, AND FRIENDSHIP WITH ROBIN HOOD" King Richard and his nobles, disguised as monks, are riding in the forest looking for Robin Hood. Robin takes the King for a rieh abbot, and plans to rob him. The "abbot"

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167

teils Robin they are messengers sent by the King who is waiting nearby to talk to the outlaw. Robin declares his loyalty to the King, cursing those who do not honour him. The abbot replies that Robin is thereby cursing himself as he is a traitor. Robin denies this, accusing the abbot in tum of being a liar: it is Robin's belief that he is in fact no messenger of the King. Robin determines nevertheless to invite the abbot to a meal, and when he has taken the strangers to his dwelling he summons his men with a hom signal. The King is impressed with the men's demeanour as they bend the knee before their master, and declares that he has never been better feasted. Robin directs that the King's health be drunk, and orders his men to give their guest a display of their skills in archery. The King is so delighted with this that he asks Robin if he will enter the King's Service. Robin agrees, swearing to serve the monarch loyally. The King then reveals his identity and pardons Robin, after which they all go to Nottingham. When the townspeople flee at the sight of Robin's men, the King allays their fears by saying that he has pardoned the outlaw. The sheriff, angry at this tum of events, is reconciled with Robin when the latter repays the money that he once stole from him. He feels duped, however, when he has no altemative but to agree to Robin's suggestion that he invite the King to a meal, an expense which he greatly resents. search (for criminal - - > outlaw - by representatives of authority) greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment trickery ( - > disguise

for outlaws; as scene of combat)

(of representatives

of authority;

as priests;

in order to meet Robin

Hood))

robbery (planned) quairel (between Robin Hood and king) horn Signal (summons followers) combat (sporting contest ~ > contest

(archery))

identity, discovery of true (of king by subject) pardon (of criminal - outlaw - by repräsentative of authority) followers, recruitment of flight (of Citizens from outlaws) reconciliation (with former opponent) trickery (practical joke; in order to get the better of sheriff)

Child 152, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE GOLDEN ARROW" The sheriff of Nottingham goes to the King to complain about the thief Robin Hood, but is told that as guardian of the law he must devise a way himself of dealing with the outlaw. In Order to entice Robin and his men the sheriff decides to hold an archery contest with a costly arrow as the prize. When the outlaws in Sherwood Forest hear of the contest they cannot resist trying their luck. Robin and his men win the prize, and being in disguise they are not recognized. Determined to let the sheriff know of the deception, the outlaws fire an arrow with a letter proclaimimg their victory from the forest into the town. Discovering that he has been outwitted, the sheriff has reason enough to be enraged.

168

Summaries of ballads

accusation (of theft) trickery (invitation to contest; in order to catch criminal; unsuccessful) greenwood (as place of —> banishment for ~ > outlaws-, as scene of combat) combat (sporting contest —> contest (archery)) trickery (—> disguise (of outlaws), in order to participate incognito in contest) humiliation (of representatives of authority by outlaws; of outwitted opponents; by ~ > mockery) anger (at being outwitted by outlaws)

Child 153, "ROBIN HOOD AND THE VALIANT KNIGHT" The King leams that Robin has been treating his bishops and peers improperly. After Consulting with his nobles the King instructs Sir William to go to Robin Hood and demand his surrender if he is to avoid a worse fate. Determined to apprehend Robin, Sir William sets off on his way into the forest accompanied by a hundred archers. When he eventually meets the outlaw he gives him a letter from the King, but Robin refuses to do the King's bidding. Both men summon their troops with a hom signal, and a battle ensues in which Robin is wounded. He is later murdered by a monk, who bleeds him to death. search (for criminals - —> outlaws - by representatives of authority) greenwood (as place of ~ > banishment for outlaws; as scene of combat) horn Signal (summons followers, - > help (assistance in combat)) combat (between outlaws and representatives of authority) murder (of Robin Hood; motive unclear; by blood-letting) / death (through murder)

Child 154, "A TRUE TALE OF ROBIN HOOD" The Barl of Huntingdon, who has frittered away all his wealth, has been declared an outlaw and now lives in hiding in the forest. Under the name "Robin Hood" he gathers round him a group of men with whom he robs the rieh but helps the poor and needy. In revenge for what was done to him he even robs the abbot of St Mary's, forcing him to say a mass for him and his men before he is allowed on his way. The abbot goes to the King to inform him of what has happened, demanding the execution of Robin and his men. The King agrees to this, but before he can send men to apprehend him the outlaw robs the royal rent-collectors. Much offended by this the King proclaims that anyone who brings Robin Hood to him dead or alive will receive a reward of one thousand pounds. The men who set out to take Robin are either beaten by him in a fight or so impressed by him that they abandon their purpose. Determined to apprehend the outlaw by any means possible the abbot sends five hundred armed men into the forest, but half of them are slain by the outlaws and the other half take flight. One day when the bishop of Ely, viceroy in the

Summaries of ballads

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King's absence, is riding through the forest with bis retinue he comes upon the outlaws. A fight ensues in which many of the bishop's retinue are slain. Robin even takes some of the men prisoner, demanding a large ransom for their release. Since the bishop has been unable to put a stop to the outlaws' activities, the King on bis retum proclaims that anyone who captures Robin Hood will be raised to the nobility (or given a place at court (?)). Hearing of this, Robin determines to surrender and throw himself on the King's mercy, but dies before the King can pardon him. It is said that it was a monk that killed him by letting his blood, and that he was buried by a prioress. Only bis gravestone and its epitaph describing Robin's life, are now left to remind us of him. inheritance, frittering away of (through —> addiction to gambling) banishment (of ~ > outlaw) greenwood (as place of —> banishment for —> outlaws-, as scene of combat) robbery mercy (towards poor) accusation (of robbery) combat (between outlaws and representatives of authority) flight (of representatives of authority from outlaws; from enemy in combat) help (—> rescue (of persans from death: ofprisoners from execution; through ••> ransom)) murder (of Robin Hood; motive unclear; by blood-letting) / death (through murder) burial

Child 155, "SIR HUGH AND THE JEWS DAUGHTER" Düring a game of football Sir Hugh kicks the ball through a Jew's window. The Jew's daughter finds the ball, and although she could easily throw it back to him she tries to entice Sir Hugh into the house. Fearing that he will suffer at her hands as did his father before him, Sir Hugh nevertheless does her bidding. His fate is thereby sealed: he is brutally murdered by the Jew's daughter. When her son does not retum home Lady Maisry sets off in search of him and fmds his body in the Jew's well. The dead boy's ghost speaks to her, telling her to go home and prepare his winding sheet. He promises to appear to her once more before his burial, and at their meeting all the bells of Lincoln ring of their own accord. premonition, dreadfül murder (of child —> infanticide (woman murders child) —> woman, wicked; motive unclear - out of racial hatred (?); with weapon) search (for missing person; for child by parent) otherworldly being, encounter with (~> ghost (revenant; corpse, talking; takes leave

ofbereaved))

magic (—> object, marvellous (bells) —> bells, marvellous ringing of (at encounter with being))

otherworldly

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Summaries of ballads

C: After the bloody deed the murderess joumeys to another country to do penance for her sins. remorse (for crime: murder; and ~> penance (by ->

pilgrimage))

C, N, T: The ghost of the murdered man reveals the identity of his murderer. otherworldly being, encounter with (—> ghost (revenant; exposes murder)) / exposure (of murderess)

Chiid 156, "QUEEN ELEANOR'S CONFESSION" Queen Eleanor is on her deathbed, and wishing to confess her sins she sends for two friars. Hearing of his wife's intention, the King is curious to know what she has to say and decides to dress as a friar so that he himself can hear her confession. He takes Earl Martial into his confidence, instructing him to play the part of the second friar. The Queen confesses that she has had a Haison with Earl Martial and that he is the father of one of her two sons. She goes on to confess that she poisoned a woman called Fair Rosamond (it is not clear who this is) and even tried to murder her own husband. Enraged at what he has heard, the King throws off his disguise, declaring that he would hang Earl Martial if he had not swom beforehand that no harm should come to him. sickness trickery (—> disguise (as monk)\ in order to hear wife's confession) confession to priest (of - > infidelity (to husband); of - > murder --> murder by poisoning)-, motive unclear) / adultery (by wife; confessed) identity, discovery of true (of interlocutor) anger (at infidelity of wife)

Child 157, "GUDE WALLACE" The Scot Wallace has killed an English captain, and meeting a woman washing at a well he asks if she has heard any news. He is told that a group of Englishmen sent to apprehend him are at present drinking in the tavem. Wallace decides to go there, and as he has no money the woman gives him twenty shillings. Pretending to be an old man bent Over his stick, he enters the tavem. The Englishmen's leader offers him twenty shillings if he can take him to Wallace. The "old man" takes the money, then reveals who he is and

Summaries of ballads

171

sets about the Englishmen whom he makes short work of. Later while dining he is attacked by another search party, which he also speedily dispatches. search (for criminal - murderer ( ~ > murder) - by representatives of authority) trickery (~> pretence (pretending to be old man)-, in order to avoid capture) identity, discovery of tnie (of interlocutor) combat (between murderer and representatives of authority; one against many - successfui)

G, H: Wallace's enemies promise his mistress that they will many her to a lord if she will deliver Wallace to them. She agrees to this, but when Wallace Visits her at night she confesses that she has betrayed him. Because she shows remorse, her lover forgives her. Wallace then dresses as a woman so that he can escape unnoticed, but four of the soldiers become suspicious and follow him. He manages to kill them all (G). In variant H Wallace escapes entirely unnoticed. [Continuation as in A or F.] betrayal (of murderer; of lover) remorse (for betrayal of lover) reconciliation (between lovers) disguise (of man as woman; in order to avoid capture) pursuit (of murderer) combat [see var. A] flight (of murderer; successfui)

F: After his conversation with the woman at the well, Wallace meets a beggar. He changes clothes with him and enters the tavem unrecognized. trickery ( - > disguise (as -> beggar}-, in order to avoid capture)

Child 158, "HUGH SPENCER'S FEATS IN FRANCE" The King of England sends Hugh Spencer as an ambassador to France to sound out the possibility of a peace settlement. There Spencer leams that King Charles of France intends to continue the war against England. The Queen of France, enraged at her husband's agreeing to see Hugh Spencer, whom she considers to be a traitor, challenges the latter to engage in Single combat with one of her knights in order to prove his honour. Hugh Spencer wins, but when he kills a large number of King Charles's soldiers the King threatens to have him executed. At this Spencer (with only four comrades) continues the

172

Summaries of ballads

fight against the royal guard, and when he again kills many of his opponents the King calls a halt to the fighting, promising never to wage war with England again. combat (clash of armies ~ > war (between English and French)) investigation (of Situation in war) commission (to report on course of war ~ > messenger, sending of) anger (at husband's meeting with unaccepted person) accusation (of high treason) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (for honour; as matter oflife and death)) punishment (of man; for killing soldiers in war; by ~ > execution-, threatened) combat (one against many; successfiil) peace offer

Child 159, "DURHAM FIELD" When the King of Scotland leams that Edward III of England has gone to war against the King of France, he seizes the opportunity to invade England. So convinced is he of victory that he even stabs his squire for waming him not to be too confident as combat with the English yeomanry would be no easy matter. Having nominated the Commanders of his army, the Scottish king sends the vanguard against the English, under the leadership of James Douglas. The Scots are defeated, but when a scout brings the Scottish king the news that the English are outnumbered a second attack is launched, even though Douglas has wamed the King of the prowess of the English. The latter win the day, and the Scottish king is captured and taken to London, where he meets the King of France who has also been taken prisoner. pride (injured) waming, disregarded punishment (of man; for criticism; by murder) / murder (of critic; in —> revenge-, with weapon) messenger, sending of (messenger reports on course of war) combat (clash of armies - > war (between English and Scots)) captivity (of king; in combat) pride, punished

Child 160, "THE KNIGHT OF LIDDERSDALE" The Countess of Douglas laments the death of Lord Liddersdale. grief (at someone's death: at ~ > death of lover (?))

Summaries of ballads

173

Child 161, "THE BATTLE OF OTTERBURN" Düring a raid the Scot Sir Douglas sets Northumberland on fire, the inheritance of his enemy Sir Percy. When Douglas challenges Percy to do battle the latter, enraged at the injustice done to him by his enemy, swears that Douglas will pay for it and agrees to meet him at Otterbum. As the opposing armies line up a knight appears, bringing Percy the news that his father, Baron Graystoke, intends to fight in the battle (to assist his son (?)) and suggesting that the battle should therefore be delayed. Despite the enemy's superior strength (40,000 Scots to only 9,000 English) Percy, unwilling to appear cowardly, commences battle with Douglas. The two Commanders eventually come face to face in Single combat, and Percy succeeds in killing his rival. The Scots win the batüe, however, and Percy is taken prisoner. There is much lamenting over the death of such a large number of brave knights. robbery arson commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) help (assistance in war; rejected by person in need) combat (clash of armies —> war (between English and Scots)) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (between army Commanders; as matter oflife and death; with fatal outcome)) captivity (of soldier; in war) grief (at someone's death: at death of warriors)

C: Douglas has a dream in which he dies in battle. The dream comes true. dream (as —> premonition, dreadful)

Child 162, "THE HUNTING OF THE CHEVIOT" Percy of Northumberland swears before God that he will hunt in the Cheviot hüls, even if the Scot Douglas tries to stop him. When Percy eventually meets Douglas out hunting, the latter challenges him to Single combat, but Richard Witherington, one of the Northumberland squires, objects to this as he wants to fight alongside his leader. Eventually there is a battle between the armies of Percy and Douglas, and the two Commanders are soon facing each other in combat. When Douglas realizes how proficient his opponent is with the sword he calls a halt, suggesting that as a reward for his skills in battle Percy should accompany him to Scotland, where he could become as rieh as a duke at the court of King James. Percy declines, saying that he does not wish to be bound to anyone. When Douglas is suddenly hit by an arrow and dies from the wound Percy

174

Summaries of ballads

mourns his death, declaring that such men as Douglas were rare and that he would have done anything to prevent his death. When the Scot Sir Hugh Montgomery then kills Lord Percy and is in tum murdered by a Northumberland archer, both armies again join batüe with only a few surviving. The Scottish king, hearing news of this, laments the death of his conraiander, Douglas. The English king, who also held the noble Percy in high regard, swears to avenge his death and to this end goes into battle at Humbledown. poaching combat (clash of armies —> war {between Engtish and Scots)) combat (between two enemies - > Single combat (between army Commanders; as matter oflife and death; weaker submits)) reconciliation (with former opponent) murder (of army Commander) / death (through murder) grief (at someone's death: at death of warrior) punishment (of man; for murder; by murder) / murder (of army Commander; in - > revenge\ with weapon) / death (through murder) punishment (of man; for murder; by murder) / murder (of army commander's murderer; in ~ > revenge; with weapon) / death (through murder) combat (clash of armies —> war (between English and Scots)) grief (at someone's death: at death of warrior) combat (clash of armies —> war (between English and Scots))

Child 163, "THE BATTLE OF HARLAW" A highlander is asked for Information by Sir James the Rose and Sir John the Gryme about Macdonell, leader of the highlanders. Sir James and Sir John then attack Macdonell with their followers (even though they know that their enemy has a large army). The highlander has been able to observe the battle, and reports the defeat of Macdonell. investigation (of Situation in war) combat (clash of armies ~> war (between highlanders and lowlanders))

Child 164, "KING HENRY FIFTH'S CONQUEST OF FRANCE" King Henry V sends an envoy to the King of France, to remind the latter to pay the tribute due to him. The French king is not prepared to pay his debt to a king whom he regards as too young and inexperienced for the office. When the English king hears this he raises an army and invades France. As the war progresses it becomes obvious that the French are outnumbered and will be routed by the English. Realizing that he has underestimated his enemies the French king now agrees to pay the tribute.

Summaries of ballads

175

commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) humliation (of one king by another; by - > mockery) combat (clash of armies - > war (between English and French)) flight (of army from enemy in combat) pride, punished

Child 165, "SIR JOHN BUTLER" Led by William Savage, a group of men force their way into the property of Sir John Butler. From his daughter Ellen Sir John leams with horror that his uncle Stanley (one of the men) is in the Castle. To protect her father Ellen says that he has ridden to London, but the men do not believe her. After a search they find her father and demand his surrender. He is prepared to give himself up, but only to his uncle, not to Peter Legh (?). At this William Savage kills Sir John with his sword. Lady Butier, who is in London at the time, dreams that her husband is lying in a pool of blood and inmiediately sets off for home. Hearing a short while later that he has been murdered, she returns to London and demands the execution of her brother Stanley, Peter Legh and William Savage. The King however, not wishing that three people should pay for the murder of one, offers her the hand of Lord Gray in compensation. raid (?) family feud (?) murder (motive unclear; with weapon) / death (through murder) dream (as —> premonition,

dreadful)

accusation (of murder) marriage (prospect of)

Child 166, "THE ROSE OF ENGLAND" The subject of this bailad is the seizure of the English crown by Henry VII, who thereby succeeded Richard III as king. The followers of the two different houses are for the most part referred to by their coats of arms. Richard III (the "white boar"), who is also regarded as the murderer of Henry VI and his son Edward, has overthrown the House of Lancaster (the "red rose"). The young Earl of Richmond ("red rose") is under the protection of his stepfather Lord Stanley until his uncle, the Earl of Pembroke, takes him to Brittany. Years later the Earl of Richmond plans to demand back his rights. Lord Stanley, leaming from a messenger of Richmond's arrival in England, expresses the hope that the rose might now blossom again. As Richmond is about to enter Shrewsbury together with a large army of Welsh soldiers under the command of Rice ap Thomas, the bailiff, Master Mitton, refuses

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Summaries of ballads

at first to let them in. But on the Orders of Sir William Stanley he finally opens the gates, and when the Earl of Oxford is about to kill Mitton Richmond stops him, asking Mitton why he behaved as he did. Mitton declares that he has until now shown allegiance to Richard but would be loyal to Richmond if he were crowned King. Richmond then pardons Mitton, in gratitude for his loyalty. Richmond meets Lord Stanley in Atherstone, where the latter laments the fact that his eldest son, Lord Strange (the "young eagle"), has been captured by the King. In the battle between the opposing parties Richard's army is repulsed, he himself is killed, and Lord Stanley freed. Richmond is crowned King and thus the "red rose" again blossoms in its rightful place. combat (clash of armies —> war (between two houses; for crownj) commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) loyalty.(to king) pardon (of disrespectful subject by king) help ( - > rescue (ofprisonerfrom

captivity))

murder (of king; in —> revenge (for seizing crown)) / death (through murder)

Child 167, "SIR ANDREW BARTON" Henry VIII leams from merchants that their voyage is in danger from the Scot Sir Andrew Barton, who would not be deterred from attacking even if outnumbered by his enemies. When Lord Charles Howard offers to take on the Scots the King gives him an army of six hundred soldiers, and Lord Howard puts Peter Simon in command of the artillery and William Horsly in conmiand of the archers. Sir Howard puts to sea with his men, determined to overcome Sir Andrew Barton. They soon encounter another ship, captained by Henry Hunt, whom Lord Howard asks for news about the pirate. Henry Hunt had been Barton's captive the day before and so can fumish Sir Howard with important information: Barton has a pinnace with thirty cannon, which it would be prudent to sink first. Hunt then guides Sir Howard to Barton's ship. The English pretend to be merchants, and sail past Barton's ship without hoisting the topsail. Barton, who had long experience as an admiral, sees this as lack of respect on the part of the English and gives Orders for the "merchant ship" to be seized. The pirates fire on Lord Howard's ship, but Simon succeeds in sinking the enemy's pinnace. The English then reveal their true identity, and in the ensuing battle Simon's son and Henry Hunt kill many of Barton's men. When Barton is wounded by one of Sir Howard's archers he is forced to withdraw from the battle, but teils his men to continue fighting for Scotland as long as they hear his pipe playing. The pipe soon falls silent, however, a sign that Sir Barton is dead, and the English now venture to board the Scottish ship. Sir Howard beheads Sir Barton and throws his corpse overboard, the Scots looking on with much lamentation. Lord Howard then sails back to England where he is given a joyful reception, especially as England is now in possession of another warship (Sir Barton's). Hunt, Horsley and Simon are handsomely rewarded and Sir Howard is made Earl of Nottingham.

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war (between English and Scots; with pirates; at sea) / piracy trickery (~> pretence\ in order to Iure enemy in war) identity, discovery of true (of opponent) reward (for victory in war; of money; of aristocratic title)

Child 168, "FLODDEN FIELD" King James of Scotland is resolved to declare war on England. He refuses to abandon bis Intention even when bis wife Queen Margaret begs bim not to go to war with ber brother Henry as tbe latter may well prove tbe victor. Angry at tbis lack of faitb in bis military prowess, King James wams bis wife tbat as soon as be retums from tbe war sbe will pay for ber words witb her life. Lord Thomas Howard takes tbe part of tbe Queen, thereby also incurring tbe wrath of tbe King who determines to bave bim executed too. Tbe King does not bave tbe chance to carry out bis threats as he dies on tbe battlefield, together witb tbousands of bis men. Many Scotswomen lament over tbe death of their menfolk. waming, disregarded quarrel (between husband and wife) pride, injured punishment (of woman; for criticism; by ~> execution-, threatened) combat (clash of armies ~> war (between English and Scots)) pride, punished death (of king; soldiers; husbands/lovers; in war) grief (at someone's death: at death of husbands/lovers)

Child 169, "JOHNIE ARMSTRONG" Tbe King of Scotland, leaming tbat a certain lonne Armstrong and bis men are carrying out a raid tbe north of tbe country, sends lonne a letter requesting bim to come to court and promising tbat no barm will come to bim. Proud to bave been summoned by tbe King, lonne sets out immediately for tbe court witb bis men. When be asks pardon from tbe King tbe latter refuses, bowever, declaring instead tbat lonne and bis men are to be executed. lonne kills tbe King witb bis sword and rallies bis men to battle. The King's troops are victorious, and lonne dies in tbe fight. When lonne's son learns of bis fatber's death he swears vengeance. robbery trickery (lie; in order to catch criminal) pardon (of criminal - robber - by representative of authority; refused) / punishment (of men; for robbery; by ~> execution-, threatened)

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Summaries of ballads

murder (of king; in - > revenge (for refusal of pardon); with weapon) / death (through murder) / punishment (of man; for refusal of pardon; by murder) combat (between criminals and representatives of authority) revenge (threatened)

B: A messenger teils John Armstrong's wife that her husband has been killed. commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of)

C: Johnie offers the King twenty-four horses laden with gold, twenty-four com mills, and other valuable goods in retum for a pardon. The King declares that he has never spared the life of a traitor and does not intend to make an exception now. Despite Johnie's protestations that he is not a traitor, the King is not prepared to change his mind. When Johnie has said farewell to his family, he and his followers are executed. ransom (refused) / pardon (of criminal - robber - by representative of authority; refused [see var. A]) leave-taking (from family, before imminent death) punishment (by of men; for robbery; by ~ > execution) / death (through execution)

Child 170, "THE DEATH OF QUEEN JANE" Queen Jane has been in labour for a long time, unable to give birth to her child. She begs to be operated on, but her wish is refused for fear that she might die. When Queen Jane finally loses consciousness the caesarian operation is carried out, but she does not survive it. Her death is moumed by many. pregnancy birth (with fatal outcome for woman) grief (at someone's death: at - > death of queen)

Child 171, "THOMAS CROMWELL" [...] A woman (according to Child, Lady Katherine Howard) informs the King of Thomas Cromwell's high treason and demands his execution. The King has Cromwell brought

Summaries ofballads

179

before him in order to hear his reaction to the accusation. Cromwell neither begs for mercy nor confesses, seeming instead to accept the King's sentence.

accusation (of - > high treason) punishment (of man; for treason; by —> execution; threatened)

Child 172, "MUSSELBURGH FIELD" The subject of this ballad is the battle between the English and Scots under Edward VI. The Scots are routed, although they had initially been so sure of victory that in the night before the battle they had been casting lots for the clothes of the English.

combat (clash of armies - > war (between English and Scots)) flight (of army from enemy in combat) pride, punished

Child 173, "MARY HAMILTON" Mary Hamilton, a servant at the royal palace, has been courted by the King and is now expecting his child. Wishing to prevent discovery of her liaison, she drowns the newbom baby. Realizing what has happened the Queen teils Mary to dress herseif and accompany her to Edinburgh, where Mary's execution is to take place. Before the sentence is carried out Mary declares that she deserves to die for her deed. She proposes a toast to those that wish her well and to all sailors, begging them not to teil her parents of her execution. The ballad ends with Mary's lament at her fate.

courtship love against family's wishes (because of - > love between partners ofdifferent social standing) infidelity (to wife —> adultery (by husband)) pregnancy (as indication of secret love) birth (secret) murder (woman murders child ~> infanticide (in order to prevent discovery of love relationship-, by drowning) / death (through murder) punishment (of woman; for murder; by - > execution) leave-taking (from family, friends; before imminent death) remorse (for crime: murder) grief (at fate)

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Summaries of ballads

C, D, N, I: Mary first tries to abort her child, but fails. abortion (unsuccessful)

E, F, H , J , L , M : Having heard the baby crying, the queen searches for it and fmds it lying in its blood. search (for child)

B, D: The King (B) or Queen (D) are Willing to dispense with the execution, but Mary, after her public disgrace, prefers to accept her sentence. pardon (of criminal - murderess - by representatives of authority; declined by condemned person)

E,F: When Mary is sentenced to death she asks her parents to buy her freedom. They refuse, but her lover does his utmost to find the ransom which saves his beloved from the gallows. help ( - > rescue (of person from death: of mistress from execution); through --> ransom) / punishment (of woman; for murder; prevented)

Child 174, "EARL BOTHWELL" The French queen, residing at the time at the Scottish court, sends for Lord David promising to marry him and make him King. The King of Scotland is jealous of Lord David and has him murdered. A number of Scottish noblemen swear to kill the King in revenge, and set fire to his Chamber. The King manages to jump out of the window, but meets Lord Bodwell who shows no mercy and has him executed. When the Govemor of Scotland leams of this he banishes the French queen, but the English queen allows her to remain in England. marriage (prospect of) rivalry (between two men over a woman) murder (out of jealousy ~ > crime of passion (on rival lover)) / punishment (of man; for relationship with mistress (?); by murder) conspiracy (against king)

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murder (of king; in - > revenge\ by - > arson\ planned) / punishment (of man; for execution of nobleman; by murder) pardon (of criminal: murderer; of king; refused) execution (of king) / punishment (of man; for murder; by execution) / death (through execution) banishment (of queen)

Child 175, "THE RISING IN THE NORTH" Earl Percy of Westmoreland and Master Norton, Earl of Northumberland, have comniitted high treason against the English crown. There are now only two possibilities open to Earl Percy: either to flee or to fight. His wife teils him to give himself up to the Queen, but he refuses to follow her advice knowing that it would mean his execution. He decides to fight, and sends a messenger to Master Norton with a letter asking him to join him. The latter consults with his sons before making a decision. One of them, Kester, insists that his father keep his promise to stand by Earl Percy, while the other tries to dissuade him from rebelling against the crown. Master Norton follows Kester's advice and joins up with the Earl of Westmoreland's army. Together they Start a rebellion in the north of the country, which is put down by the Queen's army. high treason warning, disregarded commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending o f ) consultation (over necessity of Waging war) help (assistance in war) combat (clash of armies - > war (with rebets against the English

crown))

Child 176, "NORTHUMBERLAND BETRAYED BY DOUGLAS" One evening William Douglas teils Earl Percy of Northumberland of a shooting match which is to take place the following day in Scotland, inviting him to take part. Percy agrees, but Mary Douglas, William's sister, warns Percy (who - F. J. Child's explanation must have committed high treason against the English crown) not to go as her brother is a traitor who has received money to hand him over to the English. Percy does not believe this, so Mary decides to prove it to him through magic. But the earl thinks little of magic, and so she tries to win over one of his servants in the hope that he will persuade his master to change his mind. Through the opening of a ring, she shows him that English soldiers are already at the spot where the shooting match is supposed to take place, waiting to take Percy captive. The servant goes back to his master to beg him to reconsider his decision, but Percy is determined to go with Douglas, setting off with him the next day. The boat joumey lasts an unusually long time, and after a while Earl Percy becomes anxious. Finally he has to admit that Mary had spoken the truth: in Berwick Douglas hands him over to the English.

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Summaries of ballads

trickery (lie; in order to hand over traitor) warning, disregarded higli treason magic ( - > object, marvellous (--> ring; foretells

future))

commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) betrayal (of traitor)

Child 177, "THE EARL OF WESTMORELAND" After his flight from Bramham Moor arid his banishment by the English queen, Charles Neville - the Earl of Westmoreland - seeks refuge with Jock Armstrong on the western border. Neville thinks the spot unsafe, however, and goes to Scotland where the exiles find protection in Lord Hume's Castle. Lord Hume, leaming that the Regent is about to send troops to apprehend them, has them move to Camelye Castle. But Neville, feeling that anywhere in Scotland is unsafe, sets out to sea with his comrades. After three months they sight a large ship. Neville leams from Markenfield, who knows every flag and even has second sight, that it must be the ship of Don John of Austria. Markenfield advises Neville to flee, but Neville ignores this advice and Orders his Standard to be hoisted. At this Don John sends a herald in a pinnace to the strangers' ship, asking for the captain's name. The herald reports back to Don John, and is sent back again to Neville with an invitation to come aboard Don John's ship. Neville is given a friendly reception, for Don John has read about him in the "Book of Mable", a book of prophecy. They decide that both ships should sail together to Seville. Don John advises the Queen to take Neville into her Service, and she gives him a large army, ordering him to defend Seville from attack. When the heathen Soldan leams of the presence of a bold warrior in Seville he challenges him to Single combat, stipulating that he shall have dominion over all Spain if he wins. The Queen is unwilling to agree to such a fight under these conditions, but when Don John teils her that he has read in the "Book of Mable" that Neville will prove a fme warrior she decides that it should go ahead. After an hour of fighting, with neither giving way, the Soldan declares that only Charles Neville can vanquish him. On hearing this Neville fights on with renewed vigour, without revealing his identity. He finally succeeds in beheading the Soldan, and the Queen offers Neville the throne. He declines, however, saying that he wishes to retum to his wife in England. Neville is rewarded with a hundred pounds a day, and expressing his thanks he assures the Queen that he will be at her Service whenever she needs his help. banishment flight (of exile from punishment; successfui) / punishment (of man; for ~ > high treason (?)•, prevented) help (protection from pursuers) commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) magic (--> object, marvellous (book; foretells future)) / prophecy (by magic book) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with foreigner threatening to usurp kingdom; as matter of life and death; with fatal outcome)) / death (in combat)

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rescue (of kingdom from usurpation by foreign ruler) reward (for rescue of kingdom from usurpation by foreign ruler; of money)

Child 178, "CAPTAIN CAR, OR, EDOM O GORDON" Captain Car decides to raid Lord Hamleton's castie, as the lord is absent at the time. Arriving at the Castle he Orders Lady Hamleton to surrender her property and become his mistress. She refuses, defiantly shooting at him and his men, at which Captain Car has the Castle set on fire. When Lady Hamleton begs him to spare her eldest son he pretends to agree, but when she has let her son down the Castle wall on a rope the Captain kills him. She and her children die in the fire. Lord Hamleton dreams that his Castle is in flames and that something has happened to his wife, and sets off at once for home. He summons his men with a hom signal, but makes the devastating discovery that any attempt at rescue has come too late. love, rejected combat (between victim/woman and robber; between woman and unwanted lover; for money, possessions; one against many - unsuccessful) robbery arson murder (of mother and children —> infanticide (man murders child)-, by arson) / death (through murder) dream (as —> premonition,

dreadful)

horn Signal (summons followers) help (—> rescue (of family from robbers)\ unsuccessful) grief (at someone's death: at death of wife; at death of children)

G: Lord Hamleton has Gordon executed. punishment (of man; for murder; for robbery; by - > execution)

Child 179, "ROOKHOPE RYDE" The general turmoil after a rebellion in the north, and consequent absence of a large proportion of able-bodied men, provide the robbers of Thirlwall and Williehaver with an opportunity to carry out a raid on Rookhope, where they steal a considerable number of working animals. The thieves' activities do not go unobserved, however, and when the Steward of Rookhope hears of it he and his neighbours take arms against the thieves. Although the latter are superior in numbers they are overcome by the men of Weardale.

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Summaries of ballads

robbery theft(ofcattle) combat (between victims and robbers)

Child 180, "KING JAMES AND BROWN" A minstrel meets the Prince of Scotland, who laments the fact that his enemy, the Scot Douglas, is on his way towards him. When Douglas arrives he declares openly that he is a traitor to the crown and intends to kill the Prince. [...] Douglas offers the Englishman Browne the hand of his daughter if he will betray the King, but Browne refuses, takes Douglas prisoner and hands him over to the King. When Douglas begs for pardon the King objects that Douglas has always tried to kill him, but after the prisoner has swom henceforth to be loyal to him the King relents and pardons him. Hardly has the King spoken when Douglas plans to bum Edinburgh and murder the monarch. Douglas is refused entrance at the gates of Edinburgh, however, and is once more taken prisoner by Browne. When the King leams of this he promises Browne a reward of a thousand pounds a year in gratitude for his many services, and gives him an earldom. He even swears loyalty to the English queen on the strength of Browne's deeds. grief (at fate) confession (of - > high treason) murder (of king; threatened) disloyalty (to king) punishment (of man; for high treason; by - > captivity) / loyalty (to king) loyalty (to king, feigned) pardon (of criminal - traitor - by representative of authority) high treason captivity [see above] arson (prevented) murder (of king; prevented) reward (for loyalty to king; of money; of aristocratic title) loyalty (to king)

Child 181, "THE BONNY EARL OF MURRAY" Despite the King's Orders that the Earl of Murray should be brought to him alive, Murray has been killed. His death is especially regrettable because the Earl was a brave warrior and the favourite (lover?) of the Queen.

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commission (to apprehend someone; ignored) death (through —> murder (motive unclear)) grief (at someone's death: at death of lover (?))

Child 182, "THE LAIRD O LOGIE" May Margaret laments the fate of her lover Young Logie, who has been captured by the King and condemned to death. When the King rejects her pleas on behalf of her lover, she steals the King's comb and the Queen's knife in Order to convince Young Logie's guard, Charmichael, that the prisoner is to be released. As a sign that the plan has been successful, Young Logie is to fire two pistols as soon as he is at liberty. But the King hears the shots and recognizes from the particular sound that they must have been fired by his prisoner. Charmichael, having allowed Young Logie to escape, must now hang in his place. The prison guard determines to have it out with Logie, but Margaret and her lover manage to leave the country unmolested and marry later on. grief (over lover condemned to death) captivity pardon (refused) theft (of personal Utensils) trickery (showing stolen object to 'prove' supposed legitimacy of action; in order to rescue lover from death) help (—> rescue (ofperson from death: of lover from execution; through trickery)) flight (of lovers; successful) marriage

B-D: In these variants the Queen, in order to help Mary, begs that Logie should be spared. When the King remains impervious to her pleas she steals the key to the prison and sets Ochiltrie free. The action continues as in A. help (plea for mercy; - > rescue (of prisoner from captivity))

D: When the Queen confesses to her husband what she has done, he forgives her and frees Glenlogie. confession (of rescue of prisoner) pardon (of prisoner by representative of authority)

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Summaries of ballads

Child 183, "WILLIE MACINTOSH" Because of a family feud Willie Macintosh sets fire to Auchindown Castle, although he is wamed of the consequences of his action. He seems therefore not to fear execution. family feud warning (disregarded) arson (because of family feud)

Child 184, "THE LAOS OF WAMPHRAY" The "Galliard", a bandit, steals a horse from the stables of the Crichtons in Nithside. Realizing too late that the horse is blind, he has no choice but to hide from the pursuing Crichtons behind a bush, where he is soon discovered. It is poinüess to resist, as the Galliard is alone with his nephew Will of Kirkhill. The Galliard pays for the theft with his life: he is hanged. Will of Kirkhill swears to avenge the death of his uncle, and with the help of others he steals the Crichtons' cattle. The Crichtons attack, but succumb to the enemy in battle. theft (--> horse theft) flight (of thief from pursuers) pursuit (of thief) punishment (of man; for theft; by ~> execution) help (assistance in combat, - in theft) theft (of cattle; in —> revenge (for execution of family member)) combat (between victims and robbers)

Child 185, "DICK O THE COW" Whilst on a raid Johnie Armstrong and his brother Willie steal three cows from Dick o the Cows. Dick assures his wife that he will avenge the injustice and bring her back more than the three cows, i.e. he in tum is going to rob the Armstrongs. He meets up with them in Puddingbum, and complains to their leader Laird's Jock about his treatment at the hands of Johnie and Willie. Later, taking the opportunity to look around in Laird's Jock's house, Dick chances upon the key to the stables and makes use of it to steal thirty of the Armstrongs' horses. Discovering the theft next moming. Fair Johnie borrows Laird's Jock's horse which Dick had left behind and rides after the thief. In the fighting Dick overcomes his pursuer and retums to his master richer by yet another horse. At first his master reprimands Dick for the theft, but upon Dick's convincing him that he has only paid the Armstrongs back in kind he gives Dick money and one of his best cows in exchange for Laird's Jock's horse. After negotiating a similar deal with his master's

Summaries ofballads

187

brother, Dick retums home in the knowledge that he has profited from the whole episode. He can no longer live in his old home, however, without fear of reprisals from the Armstrongs, and so he moves away.

theft(ofcattle) horse theft (in - > revenge (for thefl)) pursuit (of thief) combat (between two enemies - > Single combat (between thief and victim; as matter oflife and death; with fatal outcome (?))) / death (in combat) (?) flight (of man from enemy; in combat)

Child 186, "KINMONT WILLIE" The Scot Kinmont Willie, who makes his living as a robber, has been captured by the Englishmen Sakelde and Lord Scroop and taken to Carlisle Castle. When Buccleuch leams of this he summons his men and sets out to rescue Willie. After meeting up with Sakelde on the way to Carlisle they kill him, and Willie is rescued. As they ride back to Scotland they are pursued by Lord Scroop and his men, but unlike the English the Scots are not afraid to cross Eden Water, a fast-flowing river bordering the two countries, and so manage to escape. robbery punishment (of man; for robbery; by ~ > captivity) help (~> rescue (of prisonerfrom

captivity))

pursuit (of robbers) flight (of criminals - robbers - from representatives of authority; successful)

Child 187, "JOCK O THE SIDE" [...] lohn a Side has been arrested for murder and taken to Newcastle. His friends are told of this by his mother, and offer to seil her cattle to raise the ransom money for John's release. Hobby Noble declares that he will fetch John back with the aid of five men, which with luck, courage and Imagination he succeeds in doing. In order to conceal their identity, for instance, they disguise themselves as com merchants. murder (motive unclear) punishment (of man; for murder; by - > captivity) trickery (--> disguise (as com merchants)-, in order to rescue prisoner from death) help (~> rescue (of prisoner from captivity))

188

Summaries of ballads

B,C: lohn's rescue is celebrated round a punch-bowl. joy (at rescue of prisoner) / festivity

Child 188, "ARCHIE O CAWFIELD" Archie, who has been captured and condemned to death for killing someone while defending the property of bis master, is rescued by his brothers. They shake off their pursuers, as the latter have not the courage to cross a fast-flowing river. murder (of robber; in self-defence) captivity (of murderer) help (~> rescue (ofperson from death: of prisoner from execution)) pursuit (of murderer) flight (of murderer from representatives of authority; successful) / punishment (of man; for murder; by execution; prevented)

Child 189, "HOBIE NOBLE" Sim o the Mains intends to betray Hobie Noble to an English officer whose brother's death was caused in some way by Hobie. Hobie keeps an appointment at Kershopefoot, where he finds five men (Sim amongst them) who ask him to be their leader on a raiding foray to London. They decide to wait tili next moming, as Hobie does not want to risk capture. When the men stop for the night in Foulbogshiel Sim has an opportunity to teil the officer of Hobie's whereabouts. Hobie wakes his men after a dream he has had and they try to flee, but the sergeant's men catch up with him, take him prisoner and escort him to Carlisle. The women whom he meets in Rickergate, recognizing him as the man who freed Jock o the Side, press him to admit to the theft of a lord's horses. Hobie, condemned to death, swears he is innocent of the theft he is accused of. He says farewell to Mangerton, declaring that he would rather be executed than be such a traitor as Mains. murder betrayal (of murderer) dream (as ~ > premonition, dreadful) captivity (of robber; of murderer (?)) leave-taking (from friend; before imminent death) punishment (of man; for robbery; for murder (?); by execution) / death (through execution)

Summaries of ballads

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Child 190, "JAMIE TELFER OF THE FAIR DODHEAD" The Captain of Bewcastle plunders Fair Dodhead on one of his raids, stealing valuables and cattle. Jaimie Telfer swears vengeance, but is only mocked by the robber. Jaimie asks the Elliots of Stobs Hall for help, but is told to apply to the Scotts in Branksome for Support. He decides to go to Coultart Cleugh and explain his Situation to William's Wat, from whom he manages to get some assistance. William's Wat and his two sons fall in with Jaimie, and in Branksome he is joined by a group of men led by Willie Scott. Together they catch up with the thieves. When their leader refuses to give back what he has Stolen, Willie orders his men to begin fighting. Willie is killed, but the robbers are overcome. The Captain of Bewcastle is captured and Jaimie Telfer compensated by the theft of the Captain's cows by the Scotts. Jaimie thus fmishes up with three times the number of cattle he had previously. There is much lamentation at Willie Scott's funeral. robbery / theft (of money, possessions and cattle) punishment (of man; for theft; threatened) / revenge (threatened) mockery (of victim by robber) help (assistance in combat; refused by person asked for help [later: given]) combat (between victims and robbers; for money, possessions) / death (in combat) punishment (of man; for robbery; by - >

captivity)

theft (of cattle; in ~ > revenge) burial grief (at someone's death)

Child 191, "HUGHIE GRAME" Hugh of the Crime, who is falsely accused by Lord Screw of stealing the bishop's horse, is determined that Lord Screw will learn to regret his accusation in battle, but Hugh has to surrender when ten yeomen come to the aid of his enemy. Hugh is found guilty and sentenced to death, and even Lord Boles and Lady Ward are unable to buy his freedom. In prison Hugh asks his mother to remind his wife that as the bishop's mistress she is responsible for his death, since after Hugh's execution the bishop will no longer have a rival. accusation (of theft; false) combat (against slanderer; one against many) help ( ~ > rescue (of person from death: of prisoner from execution)', unsuccessful) / ransom (refused) wish, last accusation (of - > infidelity to husband) / adultery (by wife; supposed) conspiracy (against husband) rivalry (between two men over a woman) punishment (of man; for supposed theft; by - > execution) / death (through execution)

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Summaries of ballads

E: After his father's sentence Sir Hugh's young son swears that he will one day avenge him when he is grown up. Things take a tum for the better, however, for Sir Hugh manages to escape through the prison window. He is pursued by Lord Hume and ten of his men, but in the fighting Sir Hugh and his four brothers overcome their opponents. Sir Hugh is now quite out of danger and flees the country by ship.

punishment (of man; for unjust treatment of father; thieatened) / revenge (threatened) flight (of innocent man from ~ > captivity, successfui) pursuit (of escaped prisoners) combat (against pursuers) flight (successfui) [see above]

Chlld 192, "THE LOCHMABEN HARPER" A harper from Lochmaben decides to steal Wanton Brown, one of the King's horses, and consuhs with his wife on the matter. At the court he is asked by the King to play his harp, and the harper agrees to do so on condition that his horse is put in the King's stable. The harper's (magic (?)) music lulls the whole Company to sleep, and the harper uses the opportunity to tie the reins of the King's horse to the tail of his own mare, sending them both on their way. The mare, whose foal the harper has wisely left in Lochmaben, easily fmds her way back to it, taking the stolen "appendage" with her. When the theft of the two horses is discovered the next day, the harper affects regret that he has already been robbed of a foal in Scotland and now has no horse either. The King takes pity on him and gives him money for the "stolen" foal, and a new horse into the bargain.

consultation (over perpetration of theft) magic (—> object, marvellous (harp --> musical instmment, marvellous; with soporific effect)) trickery ( - > harp-playing-, in order to commit theft) horse theft trickery (lie; in order to arouse pity)

D, E: The harper has a wager with noblemen for money (and land: E) that he can steal the King's horse. wager (on success of theft)

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191

Child 193, "THE DEATH OF PARCY REED" Parcy Reed goes hunting with three men, the Halls of Gironsfield. Later, while enjoying a rest, he is awoken from sleep by his companions who teil him that the five "Crosiers" robbers seeking revenge for the capture of a comrade - are on the way to get even with him. Parcy's men, who have conspired with the Crosiers, are not Willing to support him and remain impervious to his promise to make up for their help. Parcy fmally realizes that the Situation is hopeless and has no choice but to take leave of family and friends. greenwood (as scene of hunting; as scene of combat) revenge (for arrest of friend) [see below] conspiracy (against representative of authority) help (assistance in combat; refused by person asked for help) combat (between criminals and representative of authority; one against many) murder (of representative of authority; in ~ > revenge) / death (through murder) / punishment (of man; for arrest of friend; by murder) leave-taking (from family, friends; before imminent death)

B: The dying man asks a shepherd to teil his family what has occurred and say his last farewells for him. messenger, sending of

Child 194, "THE LAIRD OF WARISTON" Düring a quarrel Lord Wariston has used violence and injured his mistress. At the devil's bebest she decides to take revenge on Lord Wariston and kill him (he is hanged). [...] The murderess is later executed. With her last words she wams women not to marry for money alone, as she did. quarrel (between lovers) conspiracy (with devil ~ > devil, pact with; against husband) punishment (of man; for ~> humiliation of woman; for physical injury; for quarrel; by murder) / murder (of husband; in - > revenge)', by hanging) / death (through murder) punishment (of woman; for murder; by - > execution) / death (through execution) remorse (for entering love relationship)

C: The woman has hardly been married a month when her husband goes to sea. Retuming after some time he fmds that she has had a child, and accuses her of having been

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unfaithful. His wife swears vengeance for this lack of trust, and together with her father's chamberlain devises a plan to murder her husband. After the deed has been done she is thrown into prison and condemned to death. Her parents and brother, who visit her, are Willing to buy her freedom, but she prefers to accept her sentence as she repents of her crime. She thus rejects the King's offer to release her from her sentence. She only asks to be executed at night, when no-one will see her. When the execution has been carried out the King expresses his regret that such a woman as she should have to die when in fact it was her husband who was to blame. marriage Separation (of husband and wife) accusation (of - > infidelity to husband; false) / adultery (of wife; supposed) punishment (of man; for false accusation; by murder) / murder (of husband; in —> revenge) / death (through murder) captivity (of woman: murderess) pardon (of criminal - murderess - by representative of authority; declined by condemned person) / remorse (for crime: murder)) punishment / execution [see A] grief (at someone's death: at execution of murderess)

Child 195, "LORD MAXWELL'S LAST GOODNIGHT" Lord Maxwell's mistress asks him to stay with her, but he is determined to leave the country. He has no other choice, for he has killed Johnstone. As a parting gift he gives his mistress a ring in remembrance of him, begging her to remain faithful. flight (of murderer) murder (motive unclear) Separation (of lovers; due to hope to evade arrest of lover) ring (as keepsake)

Child 196, "THE FIRE OF FRENDRAUGHT" Lady Frendraught urges her guests Lord John and Rothiemay, who are about to set off for home, to stay ovemight. At first they hesitate, but eventually they agree as they are ill prepared for the ride back. They are soon awoken by a fire which has been started in their room. Since they are unable to flee, Lord John begs Lady Frendraught through the window to come to their aid. But she declares that there is no escape for them: Rothiemay will have to die, though she regrets that Sir John must perish also. Gordon, Lord John's servant, who managed to get to safety in time, teils his master to jump out of the window and not concem himself with Rothiemay, but Lord John will not abandon his friend. The fate of the men thus sealed, Lord John throws down his rings to his servant as keepsakes

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193

for his wife (in C he also throws down his purse, for the contents to be distributed among the poor). When Gordon gives these to Lord John's wife she reproaches him for not helping her husband, and falls to wailing and lamentation. family feud murder (of acquaintance; because of family feud (?); by - > arson) / death (through murder) help (~> rescue (ofperson from death: ofmanfrom

murder); refused by person asked for help)

loyalty (to friend) ring (as keepsake) mercy (towards poor): C grief (at someone's death: at —> death of husband)

Child 197, "JAMES GRANT" There is an implacable feud between the Grants and the Baddindallochs. When Baddindalloch and his men arrive one day to take revenge, Grant manages to escape his pursuers. family feud pursuit (of member of hostile family) flight (of man from members of hostile family; successful)

Child 198, "BONNY JOHN SETON" The Scot Bonny John Seton, leader of the highlanders, having made his will is determined to go to war with the lowlanders. Even the anxious entreaties of his wife have no effect. But the enemy is victorious, for Seton's men cannot withstand their weaponry. Seton himself is killed in battle. inheritance, dividing up of warning, disregarded combat (clash of armies - > war (between highlanders and lowlanders)) death (of soldier; of husband; in combat)

Child 199, "THE BONNIE HOUSE O AIRLIE" Argyle and his men set off to plunder the property of Airlie, an enemy of his. Lady Ogilvie, alone at the time, is ordered by Argyle to kiss him. If she does not agree, he will

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Summaries of ballads

destroy everything. Despite his threats she refuses to do his bidding, and Argyle's men plunder the Castle and later set it alight. Lady Ogilvie laments the absence of her husband, who would have intervened had he been at home.

family feud courtship (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected robbery arson grief (at fate)

D: Lady Ogilvie begs Argyle to throw her over the Castle wall so that she will not see the pillage. He does so. murder (of enemy's wife; in ~ > revenge (for rejection

oflove))

Child 200, "THE GYPSY LÄDDIE" A Lady is so enchanted by the singing of gypsies that she follows their leader, Johny Faa. When her husband retums home and leams what has happened he rides off to fetch her back. In his fury at her unfaithfulness he kills fifteen gypsies (?) (or has them executed (?)).

courtship (by singing) flight (of woman from husband) infidelity (to husband ~ > adultery (by wife)) search (for wife) punishment (of men; for relationship with wife; by murder (?); by execution (?)) / murder (of rival lovers; out of —> jealousy —> crime ofpassion) (?) / execution (of rival lovers (?)) [execution clear in C, G] / death (through murder (?); through execution (?))

E: The husband accedes to his wife's request that he should pardon the gypsies. pardon (of rival lover)

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195

J: Some time after his wife's abscondment, the lord marries again. marriage

Child 201, "BESSY BELL AND MARY GRAY" The friends Bessy Bell and Mary Gray retire into a remote house to escape the plague, but nevertheless eventually contract it and die. death (due to —> sickness)

Child 202, "THE BATTLE OF PHILIPHAUGH" Montrose, an Englishman, wages war against the Scots led by Sir David Lesly. Sir David asks an old man about Montrose's army, and leams that they are far superior in number. Sir David gains victory in the end, however, using a trick suggested by the old man. combat (clash of armies - > war (between English and Scots)) investigation (of Situation in war) help (advice) trickery (in order to gain victory in war)

Child 203, "THE BARON OF BRACKLEY" Invery challenges the Baron of Brackley to do battle with him. Lady Brackley urges her husband to take up the challenge, as according to her he has nothing to fear from Invery's men. When Brackley voices the fear that his enemies are superior in number, his wife (seemingly) is determined to take the initiative and fight Invery with her maids. At this Brackley decides to engage, even though he can foresee his downfall. With only three other men he is powerless against Invery's army of four hundred. When he and his men have perished, his wife welcomes Invery in and celebrates with him. Brackley's son swears that he will one day take revenge for what has happened. family feud (?) premonition, dreadful combat (against hostile family (?)) death (of husband; in combat; through murder) / murder (of husband by hired men) conspiracy (against husband) infidelity (to husband - > adultery (by wife)) joy (at death of husband) / festivity

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Summaries of ballads

punishment (of man; for murder; by murder; threatened) / murder (of mother's lover, in - > revenge murder offather)', threatened)

(for

Child 204, "JAMIE DOUGLAS" Lady Douglas lives happily with her husband until Blackwood suggests to him that she has been unfaithful. Since she is unable to convince her husband of her innocence, her marriage is now destroyed. Lady Douglas laments her fate, gives vent to her anger at Blackwood's slander, and having said farewell to her husband and children retums home to her father. accusation (of —> infidelity to husband; false) / adultery (supposed) quarrel (between husband and wife) grief (at fate) anger (at slander) leave-taking (from family) Separation (of husband and wife; acrimonious)

J, L: Here Lord Douglas is told by a bird that his wife has committed adultery. otherworldy being ( ~ > animal, talking (bird; falsely accuses wife of

adultery))

D, N: James Douglas and his three children go to his father-in-law's house, where his wife is living. He asks her to come back with him (D, N), telling her that he has hanged Blackwood (N). Lady Douglas agrees, but as her husband is about to drink her health and she takes up the goblet, she dies (D). reconciliation (between husband and wife) death (because of slander) (?)

L,M: In these variants Lady Douglas asks her page to go to her husband in order to offer conciliation, but he refuses. messenger, sending of reconciliation (with wife; refused)

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Child 205, "LOUDON HILL, OR, DRUMCLOG" In this bailad the fight is described between the "Gospel-lads", a Presbyterian group from Scotland who actively opposed the social structure in England, and the English king's army led by Claverhouse. The King's army is defeated. combat (clash of armies —> war (between English and Scots))

Child 206, "BOTHWELL BRIDGE" Having said farewell to his family, Earlstoun rides to Bothwell Hill to join the Scottish army. He is received there by their Commander, the Duke of Monmouth. In the battle the Scots are defeated. Claverhouse avenges the death of his standard-bearer on Monmouth (apparently the murderer): he kills the Scotsman in spite of the latter's pleas for mercy. leave-taking (from family) combat (clash of armies —> war (between English and Scots)) death (of soldier; in combat) pardon (of criminal - murderer - by representative of authority; refused) murder (of enemy in war; in —> revenge (for murder of comrade, friend (?)); with weapon) / punishment (of man; for murder; by murder) / death (through murder)

Child 207, "LORD DELAMERE" Düring a parliamentary session devoted to tax increases, Lord Delamere teils the King that it would be better for the poor to be hanged than to starve to death. A French nobleman takes offence, declaring that Delamere should die for this affront to the King. A duel ensues in which the Duke of Devonshire fights the Frenchman on behalf of Lord Delamere. Eventually the Duke of Devonshire succeeds in killing his opponent, despite the fact that, as he later leamed, the Frenchman was well protected by the King's armour from sword thrusts. The Duke has good reason to accuse the King of wanting him killed, and declares that if the King wishes to wear his armour again he will have to win it back himself (in combat (?)). quarret (between king and subject) / anger (at lese majeste) conspiracy (against critics of king) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with critic of king; as matter oflife and death; with fatal outcome)) / death (in combat) accusation (of intention to commit murder; of foul play in combat)

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Summaries of ballads

Child 208, "LORD DERWENTWATER" The King sends a knight to Lord Dunwaters with a letter requesting his presence in London. Lord Dunwaters feels a certain foreboding, and his wife too seems to fear the worst, as she begs her husband to make his will before he sets off. Their premonitions and also a bad omen (Lord Dunwaters's horse stumbles) are proved right: in London Lord Dunwaters is accused of high treason and condemned to death. Before his execution Dunwaters asks his accusers to be kind to his wife and distribute the money he is carrying among the poor. commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) Separation (of husband and wife; due to request by representative of authority) premonition, dreadfui magic (—> omen, bad (stumbling

horse))

accusation (of high treason) inheritance, dividing up of (distributed amongst poor) / mercy (towards poor) punishment (of man; for treason; by - > execution) / death (through execution)

Child 209, "GEORDIE" Geordie is (falsely (?)) accused of the murder of Charlie Hay and sentenced to death. When his wife is told of this in a letter she wastes no time in riding to him, and begs the King for mercy. The King is only persuaded to change his niind by a nobleman's suggesting that Geordie should be freed for a ransom. Many of the Citizens gathered to watch the execution contribute money, and the prisoner's freedom is soon paid for. accusation (of murder; false (?)) help ( - > rescue (of person from death: ofprisoner from execution; through --> ransom)) / punishment (of man; for murder; by execution; prevented) / execution (of murderer (?) / innocent man (?); prevented)

B-D, F-J: A messenger brings Geordie's wife the news that her husband has been condemned to death. commission (to carry news - > messenger, sending of): B-D, F-J

F-H, J: Geordie is arrested for horse stealing (F, G, J (in F and J it is the King's horses)) or poaching (H).

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theft (--> horse theft): F, G, J poaching: H

I,J: Geordie has a liaison with Bignet's wife, for which Bignet sentences him to death. infidelity (to wife —> adultery (by husband))

J: Here Geordie confesses that he has ill-treated (raped (?)) a woman and killed five orphans for their money. Riding away with his wife after his release, he suddenly teils her that he does not care for her but for Bignet's wife. In the ensuing quarrel Geordie stabs his wife and kills her, flees and is never seen again. There is much lamenting over the death of his wife. confession (of —> humiliation (of woman by physical injury, by -> rape (?)); ofmurder —> infanticide (out ofgreed)) quarrel (between husband and wife) death (through murder) / murder (of wife; with weapon) flight (of criminal - murderer - from punishment; successful) grief (at someone's death: for dead woman)

Child 210, "BONNIE JAMES CAMPBELL" James Campbell does not retum from his ride into the highlands. His sisters and his wife lament over his death. grief (at someone's death: at - > death of husband)

Child 211, "BEWICK AND GRAHAM" Graham suggests to Bewick that they drink a toast to their sons, but Bewick says Christy (Graham's son) cannot be compared to his own son, Young Bewick. The latter is not only educated, Claims the father, but also proficient with the sword, and therefore superior to Christy. Graham retums home in fury, teils his son Christy what Bewick has been saying about him, and Orders him to prove his skill with the sword by fighting Young Bewick. When Christy refuses to fight his friend, his father gives him the choice of either fighting

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Summaries of ballads

his friend or him. Christy decides to fight his friend, for a possible victory over his father seems to him the greater evil. But he swears he will take his own life if he is the cause of his friend's death in combat.- Young Bewick also refuses to fight at first, but eventually gives in upon Christy's insistence. Like his friend, Young Bewick intends to kill himself in the event of Christy's death at his hand. After a long fight Christy fmally strikes a mortal blow. He then kills himself, dying before Young Bewick, whose father can congratulate him on his "victory". Young Bewick asks his father to dig them a conmion grave and give his friend the better position as he was in fact the victor. After the deaths of their two sons, Graham and Bewick are füll of remorse for having urged them to fight, and break out in lamentations. quarrel (between friends) pride (injured) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with friend; in order to test skill in combat; with fatal outcome)) death (of friend; in combat) suicide (of man; out of —> remorse (for crime: murder); --> grief at death of friend) / death (through suicide) wish, last grief (at someone's death: at - > death of children)

Child 212, "THE DUKE OF ATHOLE'S NURSE" A woman arranges a meeting with her lover, but does not keep the appointment, sending instead three armed men whom she has hired to kill him. murder (of lover by hired men; motive unclear; with weapon) / death (through murder)

B-F: A nurse longs for her lover (C-F), but when he comes he teils her that he loves another woman (B-F). In order to take revenge she arranges to meet him at a tavem and sends a band of men (her brothers in F) there to kill him. Her lover sees them Coming, and has time to ask the landlady for help. She disguises him as a woman, pretending to his assailants that he is her baker (B-F). The men are taken in by this ruse and search the tavem in vain (B-D, F). longing (for lover): C-F infidelity (of lover): B-F murder (of lover by hired men [see above]; in ~ > revenge-, prevented): B-F help (protection from pursuers): B-F / rescue (of person from death: of man from murder): B-D, F trickery (—> disguise (ofman as woman)', in order to evade enemy): B-F

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Child 213, "SIR JAMES THE ROSE" Sir James is wanted for the murder of a squire. When he goes to his mistress in the hope of finding refuge she advises him to spend the night at a tavem, where she will meet him the following moraing. He decides to spend the night in the open, however. The search party soon arrives, and his mistress is asked for Sir James's whereabouts. First sending them on a false trail, she eventually betrays him. Sir James is discovered and killed, despite his pleas for mercy. When the men bring his mistress his heart, she shows remorse for her deed, leaves the country (?) and is never seen again. murder (motive unclear) search (for criminal - murderer - by representatives of authority) betrayal (of murderer; of lover (by mistress)) pardon (of criminal - murderer - by representatives of authority; refused) punishment (of man; for murder; by —> execution) / death (through execution) remorse (for crime (murder)) remorse (for betrayal of lover; and - > penance (by->

pilgrirmge

(?)))

Child 214, "THE BRAES O YARROW" A woman implores her husband to stay at home on account of a dream she has had which foretold his death. Unconcemed by this he decides to go and meet her brother regardless. On the bank of the Yarrow he is met by her brother and nine armed men, who start a fight with him because they do not deem him a fit partner for their sister. Although he defends himself with vigour, one of them manages to murder him from behind. When his wife hears of his death she goes to the place where his body lies, expresses her grief and takes her own life. dream (as —> premonition,

dreadful)

warning, disregarded love against family's wishes combat (against wife's brothers; for wife; one against many; unsuccessful) grief (for dead: at death of husband) punishment (of man; for relationship with sister; by murder) / murder (of sister's husband; in —> revenge (for relationship with sister)-, with weapon) / death (through murder) suicide (of woman; out of --> grief ai death of husband) / death (through suicide; from love - > death from love)

B-F, H, I: A group of men who have met for a drinking bout fall to quarrelling (in B-D over whose wife is the most beautiful). They resolve that the dispute should be decided by combat the next day.

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Summaries of ballads

quarrel (between fnends)

J-L, S: A woman is courted by many suitors (nine in K, L and S) but refuses all of them, infuriating her father. The reason is that she is in love with another man, a servant. bridal quest (of several suitors) love, rejected love against family's wishes (because of - > love between partners of dijferent social Standing)

J-L: A woman sends her lover letters via a messenger (J), but when her father leams of it he Orders the lover to fight against nine men (J; in K and L they are the suitors rejected by the woman). The lover manages to kill or severely wound his opponents, thus gaining the woman, but he is then killed by her father (J, K) or brother (L). commission (to carry news --> messenger, sending of): J punishment (of man; for relationship with daughter (J, K); for relationship with sister (L) [compare var. A]; by murder) / murder (of daughter's lover (J, K); of sister's lover (L) [compare A]

M,N: Annie and Sir James have arranged a meeting (in the forest: N), as Annie's family objects to the liaison. Instead of his mistress, James finds nine (M) or fifteen (N) men waiting to attack him at the appointed spot. He is powerless, and is eventually murdered by his mistress's brother. When his mistress dreams that something terrible has happened she sets off for Yarrow where the fight took place. Finding her lover dead, she breaks out in lamentations (M, N) and begs for forgiveness (N). (It can be assumed that Annie betrayed the secret meeting-place.) meeting (of lovers; secret; planned): M, N greenwood (as scene of combat): N betrayal (of lover): M, N murder (of sister's lover) / punishment: [see above] dream (as —> premonition, dreadful)'. [see above] grief (at someone's death: at death of husband): [see above] remorse (for betrayal of lover)

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Child 215, "RARE WILLIE DROWNED IN YARROW, OR, THE WATER O GAMRIE" A woman waits in vain for her lover to retum home. She sets off in search of him and eventually finds his body in a river. search (for lover) death (of lover; by drowning)

D-G: Objecting to the marriage which her son is contemplating, Willie's mother curses him (or wams him against leaving, as he has not had her blessing (G)), after which he drowns in a river. love against family's wishes: D-G magic (~> cursing (woman curses son; leads to death: drowning in river)) / woman, wicked (curses son) / punishment (of man; for relationship unaccepted by family member; by cursing): D-F warning, disregarded: G death (of son; as result of cursing; by drowning): D-F

D-H: When Meggie, Willie's mistress, leams of his death she is füll of despair and declares that now she will die too. grief (at someone's death: at death of lover)

H: In this variant Willie's mother does not object to his marriage. When his horse retums home without him she fears the worst. premonition, dreadful

C: Meggie has had a dream which fills her with foreboding, and she sets off in search of her lover. When she fmds him dead she swears to be faithful to him for ever.

204 dream (as —> premonition,

Summaries of ballads dreadful)

fidelity (to lover —> fidelity in love (ofwoman to lover; beyond the grave))

Child 216, "THE MOTHER'S MALISON, OR, CLYDE'S WATER" Willie resolves to ride to his mistress, Meggie, undeterred by his mother's curse that he should drown in the Clyde if he goes against her will. Arriving at Margaret's house he begs for adniittance, but a voice he presumes to be Margaret's but which is in fact her mother's, refuses him entry. He is even refused a place to sleep for the night, and so is forced to tum back. Meggie, waking from a dream in which Willie appears, leams from her mother that Willie has indeed been begging for admittance only a short while before. She at once goes after him, trying to call him back, but the wind is so strong that he does not hear her cries. As she follows her lover Meggie drowns, like him, in the raging river. love against family's wishes longing (for mistress) waming, disregarded magic (—> cursing (ofman by his mother; leads to death: drowning in river)) / woman, wicked (curses son; destroys daughter's love relationship) / punishment (of man; for relationship with mistress unaccepted by family member; by cursing) trickery (—> pretence (disguising voice; woman impersonating her daughter)-, in order to destroy daughter's love relationship) dream (as ~> premonition,

dreadful)

search (for lover) death (of lover; as result of cursing) death (of lovers; by drowning)

Child 217, "THE BROOM OF COWDENKNOWS" A milkmaid is seduced/raped (?) by a landed gentleman. Having paid her he leaves her, saying that if he does not retum within six months she should forget him. In answer to her father's questions the girl denies having slept with a man, but after a few weeks the first signs of pregnancy become obvious. Her child does not remain fatherless, however: her lover comes back to take her away with him. In variant M he even intends to marry her and make her a rieh woman. humiliation (of woman by man; by - > rape) (?) pregnancy (as indication of secret love) Separation (of lovers) infidelity (of lover; temporary) birth help ( - > rescue (of mistress from disgrace))

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marriage (prospect of): M love between partners of different social Standing

N: The gentleman's rings, which he had given the giri, later serve as identification when he retums. rings (as identification)

Child 218, "THE FALSE LOVER WON BACK" A young man intends to leave his mistress for another woman, and sets off to see the latter. But his former mistress follows him on the long journey, continually assuring him of her love. At first he rejects her out of hand, even buying her presents in the hope of persuading her to go home. But eventually she manages to win him back, and he buys her a wedding gown and marries her. infidelity (of lover) fidelity (to lover ~ > fidelity in love (of woman to lover)) love, rejected love, rekindled marriage

Child 219, "THE GARDENER" A gardener promises to clothe his mistress in flowers from head to foot if she will agree to marry him. But as he has also mentioned a weed she refuses him, furthermore offering to provide him in tum with a wintry garb of snow and rain. bridal quest love, rejected

Child 220, "THE BONNY LASS OF ANGLESEY" A king promises a young woman material gain and the fmest of his men in marriage if she will dance in competition with his knights. She has no difficulty in winning the contest.

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Sumtnaries of ballads

reward (for victory in contest; of man in marriage) contest (dancing)

Child 221, "KATHARINE JAFFRAY" The Laird of Lauderdale, a Scot, courts and wins the affections of Katharine Jaffray. The Laird of Lochinton, an Englishman, is also interested in her however, and although she herseif is not Willing her family look favourably on marriage with him. Her first suitor appears on the wedding day, and when asked his reason for the visit answers that he just wants to see the bride. Through this device he is able to gain access to her and take her away with him. A bloody batüe ensues (presumably with the men Laird Lauderdale has had in reserve), but Lochinton fails to win back his bride. Moral. Englishmen should not court Scottish women. bridal quest rivalry (between two men over a woman) love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners ofdifferent

nationalities)

love, rejected / marriage (forced but prevented) combat (for mistress; successful) help (~> rescue (of mistress from unwanted lover)) / flight (of lovers; successful)

B, D, F, K: Katharine sends a messenger to her first lover with the news that she is to be married to another man. commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of)

E: Here the woman is abducted by her first lover without her consent, abduction (by unwanted lover)

Child 222, "BONNY BABY LIVINGSTON" Glenlion carries off Baby Livingston against her will to his home in the highlands. She begs him to take her back to Dundee, but he declares that he will only grant her wish

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when they are married. Glenlion's three sisters give Baby Livingston a friendly reception, and at the request of the youngest, Jean, she teils her of her grief. Jean enables her to write a letter to her lover Jony Hay, and send it via a messenger. On receiving the news Johny Hay at once rides to Glenlion's castle with a band of armed men. He succeeds in rescuing his mistress, for Glenlion's men are no match for Johny Hay's fighters. abduction (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected grief (at fate) help (summoning help) commission (to carry news - > messenger, sending of) combat (for mistress; against mistress's abductor) help (~> rescue (of mistress from unwanted lover))

B: Bonny Barbara Livingston is raped by Glenlyon. humiliation (of woman by man; by —> rape)

B-D: In this variant the woman's lover (B, C) or brother (D) does not arrive in time to rescue her: she has already died. Her lover now wishes to die too. death (—> death from love (out of--> longing (for lover))) death ( - > death from love (out of->

grief (at death of mistress)))

Child 223, "EPPIE MORRIE" Willie and his men abduct Eppie Morrie, as she has refused to marry him. The men take the woman to a priest and order him to marry her and Willie. The priest refuses, as Eppie's unwillingness is patent. Willie now sees a sexual association as the only possibility of binding him to her, but Eppie defends herseif effectively against his attempts to rape her. Soon her lover, John Forsyth, comes to her aid, frees her, and promises to marry her. abduction (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected marriage (forced but prevented)

208

Summaries of ballads

combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (between man and woman; in order to preserve / humiliation (of woman by man; by —> rape help ( - > rescue (ofmistress from mwanted

virginity))

(attempted)) lover))

marriage (prospect of)

Child 224, "THE LADY OF ARNGOSK" The Lady of Amgosk is carried off by a highlander against her will. abduction (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected

Child 225, "ROB ROY" Rob Roy abducts a woman and compels her under threats of violence to marry him. Through her and her money he has now become a "real man". abduction (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected marriage (forced)

J,L: Although the woman defends herseif against Rob Oig, he eventually succeeds in having his way and raping her. combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (between man and woman; in order to preserve unsuccessful))

virginity;

humiliation (of woman by man; by —> rape)

Child 226, "LIZIE LINDSAY" Lizie Linzee decides, though with mixed feelings, to go with Donald to his home in the highlands. She regrets her decision, however, as Donald appears to live in poverty (?) and she has to do the housework. love between partners of different social Standing

B-H: Dressed as a poor man and pretending to be the son of a shepherd, Donald MacDonald Courts Lizie Lindsay (who has already been much sought after: D, E). Undeterred by her

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209

parents' threats that he will be hanged if he takes their daughter away, having secured her consent he goes off (flees (?)) with her to the highlands. (D: When Lizie's absence is discovered a search is mounted, but to no avail.) They finally reach a shepherd's hut, where Donald is welcomed by a woman. He asks her to call him her "son" and give them a simple meal and a rush mat for the night. The next moming Lizie regrets leaving home, but then discovers that her lover is in fact a wealthy nobleman who intends to marry her and make her a rieh woman. bridal quest (of several suitors: D, E) love against family's wishes (because of - > love between partners ofdifferent

social standing:

B-H)

flight (of lovers) tnith, test of (proves/disproves (?) fidelity of mistress —> love, test of(man puts fidelity of mistress to the test; using -> trickery: -> disguise (as -> beggar))): B-H search (for child by parents): D remorse (for entering love relationship): B-H identity, discovery of true (of lover): B-H misalliance, supposed: B-H marriage (prospect of): B-H

Child 227, "BONNIE LIZIE BAILLIE" Lizie Baillie, a lowlander, combines a visit to her sister with a joumey to Inchmahome. Here she is courted by the highlander Duncan Graham, who convinces her that he is the only man for her. Despite the objections of her parents who were hoping for a better match for their daughter, she remains firm in her Intention to go away / flee (?) with him and marry him. bridal quest flight (of lovers) (?) marriage love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners ofdifferent Standing)

regional origin and social

Child 228, "GLASGOW PEGGIE" A man has fallen in love with Peggie and wants to take her away with him. Peggie agrees and rides off with him, despite her parents' objection (he is a highlander, she a lowlander). When Peggie becomes anxious about her unaccustomed lack of comfort, he reassures her that as the Barl of Skye he is actually a wealthy man. love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners of different regional origin and social Standing)

210

Summaries of ballads

flight (of lovers) remorse (for entering love relationship) identity, discovery of true (of lover) misalliance, supposed

Child 229, "EARL CRAWFORD" Lady Lillie, wife of Earl Crawford, accuses him one day of treating his son better than he treats her. There is a quarrel, and Barl Crawford sends her back to her father who advises his daughter to find another husband. She badly wants a reconciliation, however. She sends a messenger to her husband to find out whether he is Willing to make up, but leams later that he has not forgiven her and does not want to see her again. Lady Lillie dies of a broken heart. When her father rides to Earl Crawford to teil him of Lady Lillie's death, he fmds him about to set off to effect a reconciliation. When Earl Crawford hears of his wife's death he too no longer wishes to live. Moral. Don't show too much pride. quarrel (between husband and wife) Separation (of husband and wife; acrimonious) commission (to cany news - > messenger, sending of) pride, injured reconciliation (with wife; refused) death (~> death from love (out of--> love, rejected)) death (—> death from love (out of --> grief(at death ofmistress); out of--> remorse (for treatment ofwife: for rejection of love)))

B: This variant ends with the burial of the lovers. burial

Child 230, "THE SLAUGHTER OF THE LORD OF MELLERSTAIN' John Hatley has been killed by two men. His wife laments his death. murder (motive unclear) / deaüi (through murder) grief (at someone's death: at death of husband)

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211

Child 231, "THE EARL OF ERROL" The Earl of Errol has married Kate, one of Lord Camegie's daughters, but she soon teils her father that her husband is impotent. The earl can prove the contrary: his iiaison with another woman, who bears him a son for a reward of 100 pounds, demonstrates that it is not he who is at fault. He can therefore teil his father-in-law to take Kate back home with him, as no man can please her. marriage accusation (of impotence; false) reward (for bearing of son; of money) pregnancy birth exposure (of liar)

E,F: In these variants Lady Errol, after her exposure as a liar, tries to poison her husband. In E a messenger reveals her plan, and in F the Lord gives the poisoned drink to one of his dogs, which dies. punishment (of man; for exposure as liar; by murder; prevented) / murder (by poison —> murder by poisoning (of husband; in —> revenge; prevented): E, F betrayai (of murder plan; by messenger): E

Child 232, "RICHIE STORY" Earl Wigton's eldest daughter has fallen in love with her servant, Ritchie. Even when Ritchie brings her a letter from the Earl of Hume containing a proposal of marriage she remains faithful to her resolve to marry no-one but her servant, despite the poverty this entails. love between partners of different social Standing bridal quest (of unwanted suitor) / love, rejected fidelity (to lover —>fidelity in love (of woman to lover))

F, G: Here Ritchie reveals at the wedding that he is a nobleman. (In F the wedding is announced, in G it takes place).

212

Summaries of ballads

truth, test of (proves fidelity of mistress ~ > love, fest of (man puts fidelity of mistress to the fest; by --> trickery: -> pretence (concealing true identity); lie, simulating poverty; by --> (?) disguise (as poor man))) marriage: G (prospect of: F) misalliance, supposed

Child 233, "ANDREW LAMMIE" Annie Tifty, daughter of a wealthy milier, has fallen in love with Andrew Lammie, a poor trumpeter in the Service of Lord Fyvie. Since her family objects to her choice Annie has to meet her lover in the forest secretly. She is even subjected to mockery and contempt because of her love for Andrew, as her family wants to prevent an alliance with him at all costs. One day Andrew has to go to Edinburgh for a time, but he promises to be faithful to Annie. Lord Fyvie advises Annie's father to agree to the marriage, but the latter refuses. Finally Annie dies of a broken heart, and when her lover leams of this he dies too. love against family's wishes (because of ~ > love between partners ofdifferent social Standing) meeting (of lovers; in ~ > greenwood; secret) punishment (of woman; for relationship with lover unaccepted by family members; by ~ > humiliation —> mockery; by physical

(by

injury))

Separation (of lovers) death (—> deathfrom

love (out of --> longingfor

death (—> deathfrom

love (out of -> griefat death of mistress))

lover))

B,C: In these variants Annie's father shows remorse for his actions, wishing in retrospect that he had agreed to the marriage between Annie and her lover. remorse (for treatment of daughter)

Child 234, "CHARLIE MacPHERSON" Charlie MacPherson has resolved to go to Kinaldie with a band of men to fetch Helen whom he has long and unsuccessfully courted. But when he asks for her he leams from her mother that Helen has gone away and married Auld Gaim [...]. bridal quest love, rejected marriage

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213

B: Charlie MacPherson laments the fact that his mistress has married another man. grief (at marriage between mistress and rival)

Child 235, "THE BARL OF ABOYNE" The Earl of Aboyne has gone to London without his wife, where he stays longer than planned. When his wife sees his grooms one day in the distance she Orders her servants to prepare to receive her husband. He has hardly arrived, when he teils her that the next day should have been his wedding day had he remained in London. When his wife reacts angrily to this he Orders his men to ride back to London with him. His wife teils a servant to ask her husband if she may accompany him, but her request is refused. After this she falls ill and dies of a broken heart. When her husband is told by letter of her death, he breaks out in lamentation and remorse for his actions. A funeral procession accompanies him to his wife's burial. Separation (of husband and wife) reunion (of husband and wife) infidelity (to wife ~ > adultery (of husband)) rivalry (between two women over a man) quarrel (between husband and wife) / anger (at infidelity of husband) sickness (due to - > grief ai infidehty of husband) death (—> death front love (out of->

grief (at infidelity of husband)))

grief (at someone's death: at death of wife) / remorse (for treatment of wife: for infidelity to wife) burial

B: Messengers bring the wife news of her husband's marriage in London, commission (to carry news - > messenger, sending of)

Child 236, "THE LAIRD O DRUM" The Laird of Drum, a landed gentleman, courts the shepherdess Peggy Coutts. At first she refuses him, saying that she is too low-born to marry him, but when her father has no objection she goes off with the Laird and becomes his wife. His family is horrified at the alliance, but he himself is happy to have found for his second wife a woman who is not too refined to serve him and make every sacrifice for him.

214

Summaries of ballads

bridal quest love between partners of different social Standing marriage love against family's wishes (because of - > love between partners of different social

standing)

D-F: After her marriage Peggy asserts that she is now of equal standing with her husband, so that he regrets having entered the alliance. remorse (for entering love relationship)

Child 237, "THE DUKE OF GORDON'S DAUGHTER" Jean, the Duke of Gordon's daughter, has fallen in love with Captain Ogilvie. Her father threatens to have her lover hanged, but the King refuses the Duke's request to have him condemned although he does agree to expropriate him. After their marriage Captain Ogilvie and Jean lead a wandering life for three years, and during this time Jean has three children. Unable to bear the harshness and poverty of her existence, Jean finally returns to her father's house and begs for admittance. She is made welcome, but her father refuses to receive her lover, and so Ogilvie resolves to go to the wars. Soon he has word that he is his brother's heir, and becomes Earl of Northumberland. Jean's father now has no objection to welcomimg him into his house, but Ogilvie only wants Jean Gordon, whom he then takes with him to Northumberland. love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners of different social

standing)

marriage banishment (of lovers for relationship unaccepted by family) pregnancy birth beggary, life of (after banishment by family) reunion (of family members: parents and child; of husband and wife) reconciliation (with daughter's lover)

Chiid 238, "GLENLOGIE, OR, JEAN O BETHELNIE" Jeanie falls in love with Glenlogie at first sight, but when she reveals her love to him he teils her that he is promised to another. Jeanie is unconsoled by her parents' assurances that she could make a better match. She would rather die if she cannot become Glenlogie's mistress. Therupon, her father's chaplain sends a letter to Glenlogie describing

Summaries of ballads

215

Jeanie's desperate State. Glenlogie is so affected by this that he immediately rides to see her, confesses his love and marries her. courtship (by unwanted mistress) / love, rejected fidelity (to lover ~ > fidelity in love (ofwoman to lover)) sickness (due to —> longing for lover) remorse (for treatment of mistress: for rejection of love) love, rekindled marriage

I: Here Jeanie sends a messenger to Glenlogie begging him to come to her. commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of)

Child 239, "LORD SEATON AND AUCHANACHIE" Jeanie Gordon loves Auchanachie, but when her lover has to leave her one day to go to sea she is compelled by her father to marry the crippled (and/or old [?]) Saltoun for his riches. When an attempt is made to force her to sleep with him, she falls in a swoon and dies. When Auchanachie leams on his retum what has happened, he too dies. love against family's wishes Separation (of lovers) marriage (with considerable age disparity (?); forced) / love, rejected death (—> deathfrom love (outof-> death ( - > death from love (out of->

longing for lover)) grief (at death of mistress)))

Child 240, "THE RANTIN LADDIE" A young woman has had an illegitimate child after a liaison with the Earl of Aboyne. Despised by friends and family, she sends a messenger with a letter to her "rantin laddie" telling him of her plight. Dismayed and angered by the treatment meted out to his mistress he at once sets out with a large band of men to fetch her away and marry her. pregnancy (as indication of secret love) / birth love against family's wishes (because of premarital pregnancy) punishment (of woman; for relationship with lover unaccepted by family; by ~ > humiliation (contempt)) grief (at fate) commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of)

216

Summaries of ballads

anger / grief (at ill-treatment of mistress by her family) help (—> rescue (of mistress from disgrace)) marriage (prospect of)

Child 241, "THE BARON O LEYS" A woman is expecting a child from a "rantin laddie". When she asks his name he teils her, though unwillingly, that he is the Baron of Leys, for his appearance in beggar's clothes was intended to conceal his true identity. From his name she realizes that her relationship has been with a married man, and she gives him the choice of either marrying her, being sentenced to death, or paying her off with ten thousand crowns. In order to stand by her husband in his precarious position, the nobleman's wife is prepared to seil everything she possesses to raise the ransom money. pregnancy (as indication of secret love) trickery ( - > disguise (as --> beggar); in Order to prevent recognition as married man) identity, discovery of true (of lover) infidelity (to wife; —> adultery (by husband)) help (—> rescue (person from death: of husband from execution; through --> ransom))

Child 242, "THE COBLE O CARGILL" David Drummond has a mistress in Kercock as well as one in Belathy. His mistress in Belathy takes revenge on him for his liaison with another woman by boring holes in his boat so that he drowns. In penance, or because she does not want to be seen as responsible for his death, his murderess resolves to live in obscurity and poverty. Many people attend his funeral. infidelity (of lover) rivalry (between two women over a man) punishment (of man; for infidelity; by murder) / murder (of lover; out of ~ > jealousy —> crime by drowning) / death (through murder) remorse (for crime: murder; and —> penance) burial

ofpassion;

Child 243, "JAMES HARRIS" ("THE DAEMON LOVER") Jane Reynolds and James Harris have vowed to marry. James has to go to sea, however, and three years later Jean hears of his death. After a long period of mouming a ship's carpenter courts her. Jane marries him, and with him she spends four happy years. One

Summaries of ballads

217

day when her husband is away from home a ghost appears, revealing himself as James Harris and demanding that she keep her troth-plight. Jane teils him that she is married already, but impressed by bis riches she fmally goes with him. When her husband later realizes what has happened, he kills himself. Separation (of lovers) grief (at someone's death: at ~ > death of lover) bridal quest marriage otherworldly being, encounter with ( - > ghost (revenant; demands keeping of infidelity (to husband - > adultery (by wife; with --> otherworldly

troth-plight))

being))

suicide (of man; out of ~ > longing for wife) / death (through suicide; from love - > death from love (out of longingfor wife))

B-E, G: Soon after her abscondment the wife regrets having left her husband and/or children. remorse (for treatment of husband: infidelity to husband)

E-G: She soon realizes that she has followed the devil. otherworldly being, encounter with (devil) / devil, pact with

B-G: The "Deamon Lover" causes the ship to go down in the waves (B-G). In variant D the woman is thrown overboard by her former lover, who evidently cannot forgive her for marrying another man. magic (—> voyage, marvellous death (in —> shipwreck):

(ship led by otherworldly

being)): B-G

B-G

punishment (of woman; for infidelity; by murder) / murder (of mistress; in - > revenge (for --> by drowning) / death (through murder): D

C: When he retums home and discovers what has happened, the carpenter goes mad. madness (due to wife's infidelity)

infidelity)-,

218

Summaries of ballads

Child 244, "JAMES HATLEY" Sir Fenwick has stolen the King's jewels, but accuses James Hatley of the crime so that the latter is condemned to death. The King's daughter steals the keys to the prison, and after her conversation with Hatley, her lover (?), is convinced of his innocence. She therefore begs her father not to hang him but instead to have him fight a duel with Fenwick. The King agrees. Despite his extreme youth Hatley is victorious in the fight, and Sir Fenwick finally admits to the theft. The King's daughter now declares that she will marry no other but Hatley. theft (of crown jewels) accusation (of theft; false) punishment (of man; for supposed theft; by - > execution-, threatened) captivity (of innocent man: supposed thief) theft (of prison keys) help (pleading for innocent) Single combat (with supposed thief; as matter of life and death; for honour; weaker submits) / punishment (of man; by execution; prevented) confession (of false accusation; of theft) marriage (prospect of)

B: The page Hatiey, falsely accused by Fenwick of having stolen the King's jewels, goes to the prince to ask for help. When the King refuses to show mercy to Hatley despite his son's pleas, and Fenwick again imputes the theft to the page, the prince gives the liar three mortal wounds with his sword. As he lies dying Fenwick confesses his guilt, and the King gives Hatley Fenwick's estates in compensation. accusation (false; of theft) [see above] help (pleading for innocent person) [see above] pardon (of criminal - slanderer; thief - by representative of authority; refused) punishment (of man; for slander; by murder) / murder (of slanderer; in —> revenge) confession (of theft) [see above]

Child 245, "YOUNG ALLAN" Young Allan boasts to the sailors of Lothain that his ship could easily win in a race with the "Burges Black", the "Log of Domisdale" and the "Small Cordvine", but a boy contradicts him asserting that his master's little boat is faster than Young Allan's ship. A wager is laid, and the race conraiences. When the three opposing ships are destroyed in the rising storm, Allan fears that his own ship will go down. He promises a portion of his

Summaries of ballads

219

money and his lands, and the hand of his daughter, to anyone who can bring the ship safely to shore. A young man declares himself ready to take the heim and assume responsibility for the ship's safety. When he commands the ship to glide over the waves it obeys and so finally reaches the shore intact. The man has thus eamed his reward, but demands in retum only the hand of Allan's daughter. wager (on victory in sailing contest) contest (sailing) shipwreck magic (—> voyage, marvellous (ship obeys help ( - > rescue (of ship from

commands))

shipwreck))

reward (for rescue of ship from shipwreck; of woman in marriage) marriage (prospect of)

Child 246, "REDESDALE AND WISE WILLIAM" Redesdale boasts to William that he can win any woman just by winking at her. William maintains that Redesdale would not succeed with his sister, and so they lay a wager on it. William, who has no doubt he will win, declares that he will die if he loses, and Redesdale resolves to give William his lands if he is the loser. William is locked up in Order to prevent his sister's leaming of the wager, but he manages to send a bird to her as a messenger so that she is aware of the Situation. Redesdale's attempts to win her being thus frustrated, he sets the woman's house on fire, but she manages to save herseif in time. William has won the wager and can therefore claim Redesdale's lands as forfeit. wager (on success of courtship) captivity (of man; in order to prevent betrayal of plan) trickery (cheating in wager; in order to win wager) commission (to carry news —> messenger, otherworldly being (?)

sending of (—> animal, talking (?); bird; bears message)) /

courtship (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected arson (in —> revenge (for rejection of love))

Child 247, "LADY ELSPAT" Sweet William arranges a secret meeting with Lady Elspat, his mistress. A page overhears the conversation and reports it to her mother, who has William bound and brought before the Lord Justice. In order to prevent a marriage between her daughter and William, who is of lower social Standing, she falsely accuses him of having stolen her jewels, but Lady Elspat successfully defends her lover. The judge sees no reason to

220

Summaries of ballads

convict William, whom he recognizes as his sister's son, and so wishes him and Lady Elspat future happiness and promises them material support. meeting (of lovers; planned; secret) eavesdropping betrayal (of secret meeting between lovers; by messenger) punishment (of man; for relationship with daughter; by —> captivity) love against family's wishes (because of ~ > love between partners ofdijferent social

standing)

accusation (of theft; false) pardon (of lover unacceptable to family)

Child 248, "THE GREY COCK, OR, SAW YOU MY FATHER?" A woman asks a man if he has seen her lover, Johnie, and is told that he will soon be Coming to visit her. When Johnie arrives they retire to be alone. She asks her cock to crow at daybreak, but the bird wakes the lovers too early so that Johnie leaves his mistress before it is necessary. meeting (of lovers; secret) Separation (of lovers; premature; due to - > cock's crow)

Child 249, "AULD MATRONS" Willie Visits his mistress, Annie, and they decide to spend the night together. Willie feels uneasy at the presence of an old woman, but Annie is convinced that she cannot harm them as she has not been out of bed for years. The old woman does indeed creep out of the house, however, and goes off to teil the sheriff that his daughter is in bed with Willie. The sheriff and his men attack Willie, and when he can no longer defend himself alone he summons his brother John with a hom signal. John succeeds in wounding so many of his opponents that the sheriff fmally calls off the attack. In revenge for his defeat he threatens to have the old woman executed. meeting (of lovers; secret) premonition, dreadful betrayal (of secret meeting between lovers; by old woman) / woman, wicked (betrays secret meeting of lovers) love against family's wishes combat (for mistress; to the end; one against many; successful) help (assistance in combat; summoned by --> hom Signal) execution (of traitress; threatened)

Summaries of ballads

221

Child 250, "HENRY MARTYN" Three Scottish brothers draw lots to see which of them is to lead a raid at sea, for this is how they make their living. The lot falls on Henry Martyn. On the very first day he encounters an English merchant ship, which the pirates sink after a fight. Henry Martyn is also badly wounded, perhaps killed (?). drawing lots (for one who is to perform a task) combat (clash of armies ~ > war(with pirates; at sea)) death (in combat)

E: When the King learns that Andrew Bartin has plundered one of the English merchant ships, he goes into battle with the pirate. The English can however do nothing against the pirates' steel-lined ship. piracy war (at sea; with pirates) [see above]

Child 251, "LANG JOHNNY MORE" The giant Johnny More, a Scot, goes to London to enter the service of the King. Johnny and the King's daughter fall in love, but the King objects to their relationship and locks his daughter in her Chamber, swearing to hang Johnny More. Johnny is convinced that he is unassailable, but the King's men bind him in fetters after drugging him. Johnny sends a messenger to his uncle with a letter asking him to come to his aid together with Jock o North, another giant. The two men have no difficulty in forcing their way through to Johnny despite the locked city gates. When they leam that Johnny is to be executed for his love of a woman, they go to the King and demand that he hand over his daughter. The King, doubtless out of fear, permits them to take the princess away. He declares that he will hang the messenger boy, but when the giants threaten him with retaliation he refrains from that too. Johnny sends for a priest to marry him and the King's daughter, but declines the King's offer of a dowry as he is wealthy in his own right. otherworldly being (giant; love relationship with -) love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners Standing)

of different nationality

and

social

punishment (of woman: for relationship with lover unaccepted by family members; of man: for relationship with daughter; by ~ > captivity) commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of)

222

Summaries ofballads

help ( - > rescue (of person from death: from execution; of pnsoner from captivity)) / punishment (of woman, of man) [see above]; by ~> execution; prevented) marriage (to otherworldly being)

Child 252, "THE KITCHIE-BOY" A noblewoman has fallen in love with her father's kitchen-boy, Willie, but can only meet him secretly in the forest because her family would object to the liaison. In Order to Protect Willie from danger (or [C] so that he can retum as a nobleman able to marry her) she has a richly decorated ship built for him in which he travels to London. There he is courted by a woman, but he rejects her love for he is promised to another. He will not accept the ring which she gives him as a keepsake, as the one given him by his mistress at their parting is far more precious to him. When Willie later retums home, his mistress's father, impressed by the magnificence of his ship, invites him in with the intention of marrying him off to his daughter. Willie courts her but without at first revealing his identity (blackens or covers his face and/or wears a mask (B-E)), so that she declares she is promised to another. Only when Willie shows her the ring does she realize who is Standing before her. Her father sends for a priest to marry his daughter and the "nobleman", little knowing that the latter is his own kitchen-boy. meeting (of lovers; in - > greenwood-, secret) love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners of dijferent social Standing) flight (of lover unaccepted by family) / Separation (of lovers; because of love relationship unaccepted by family members) courtship (by unwanted mistress) / love, rejected fidelity (to mistress ->fidelity

in love (ofman to mistress))

ring (as keepsake) truth, test of (proves fidelity of mistress ~ > love, test of (man puts fidelity of mistress to the test); by > trickery —> disguise (with mask): B-E) ring (as Identification) identity, discovery of true (of lover) / reunion (of lovers) marriage

C, E: The woman begs her lover to retum as soon as possible from his travels, as she is expecting his child. pregnancy (as indication of secret love)

Summaries ofballads

223

E: When the woman who courted Willie in London is rejected by him, she kills herseif, suicide (of woman; because of rejected love) / death (through suicide)

Child 253, "THOMAS O YONDERDALE" Lady Maisry is courted by many suitors, but falls in love with Thomas of Yonderdale. He soon loses interest in her, however, even though she has bome him a son. Overhearing the woman's laments one day, he promises to marry her as soon as he has retumed from a joumey he is about to make. Arrived at his destination he courts another woman, however. After dreaming one night of his former mistress Standing at his bedside reproaching him for inconstancy, he sends a messenger to fetch her so that she can attend his wedding. When Thomas's bride questions him about his feelings towards Lady Maisry, he declares his wish to marry her, his former mistress. The rejected bride now demands that as compensation a portion of Thomas's lands be given to his brother, who should be persuaded to marry her. Thomas refuses.

bridal quest (of several suitors) infidelity (of lover) eavesdropping grief (at fate) Separation (of lovers) infidelity (of lover) bridal quest rivalry (between two women over a man) dream (awakens - > longing for mistress, —> remorse for infidelity to mistress) commission (to carry news —> messenger, sending of) love, rekindled marriage (prospect of)

Child 254, "LORD WILLIAM, OR, LORD LUNDY" Sweet William and the daughter of a bailiff have been living and woridng abroad, but when the woman's father discovers who she has been living with he fetches her back to England, for she is to marry a nobleman against her will. In the hope of frustrating her father's Intention she communicates his plan to Willie in a letter carried by her talking bird. The priest has just begun the marriage ceremony when Sweet William enters the church and carries off his mistress, at which her father vents his anger.

224

Summaries ofballads

love against family's wishes Separation (of lovers) commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of (--> animal, talking (bird)) / otherworldly being (message delivered by-) love, rejected / marriage (forced but prevented) / help (~> rescue (of mistress from unwanted lover)) anger (at daughter's love relationship)

B: William disguises himself as a woman in order to go abroad with his mistress. disguise (of man as woman; in order to accompany mistress)

Child 255, "WILLIE'S FATAL VISIT" At Meggie's invitation to choose between "cards", "wine" er "bed", Willie, her lover, chooses the last. Although Meggie Orders the cock not to crow before daybreak the bird wakes the lovers an hour early. Soon after leaving his mistress Willie meets a ghost who accuses him of sinful ways and tears him in pieces. In her despair Meggie goes mad. meeting (of lovers; secret (?)) Separation (of lovers; premature; due to —> cock's crow) punishment (of man; for meeting mistress at night; by —> muräer, by ~ > otherworldly being (—> ghost)) / death (through murder) madness (due to ~> grief(at someone's death: at death of lover))

Child 256, "ALISON AND WILLIE" Alison invites Willie to her wedding, but he will only come on condition that he is the bridegroom. Alison refuses, saying he will forget her as soon as he has gone. Willie rides off, and soon afterwards dies of a broken heart. When a letter presumably containing the news of his death reaches Alison, she too dies. marriage love, rejected death (--> death from love (out of->

longingfor mistress; out of rejected love))

death ( - > death from love (out of -> grief (at death of lover)/out for rejection of love)))

of -> remorse (for treatment of lover:

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Child 257, "BURD ISABEL AND EARL PATRICK" Burd Isabel, who has a liaison with Earl Patrick, has become pregnant and bome a son. Her lover had promised to marry her if she had a son, but when bis mother objects to the marriage he decides not to fetch Burd Isabel until his parents are dead. Even after their death he does not keep his promise but nevertheless swears he would sooner die than marry another woman. The curse that he thereby places on himself seems not to concem him unduly, for he soon afterwards marries the daughter of a duke. When Earl Patrick later sends for his son and Burd Isabel refuses to hand him over, Earl Patrick goes to her himself. But as his former mistress reminds him he has been doomed by his own curse, and his death follows soon afterwards. pregnancy (as indication of secret love) birth love against family's wishes magic ( - > cursing (of seif)) infidelity (of lover) marriage death (as result of cursing)

Child 258, "BROUGHTY WA S" A young woman is carried off into the highlands by a band of armed men. Her lover is either taken along with her or follows her, for one day the pair find an opportunity to escape. When they come to a river only the woman can save herseif. Her lover cannot swim, and drowns.

abduction (by unwanted lover) flight (of woman firom abductors; successful) death (of lover; by drowning)

Child 259, "LORD THOMAS STUART" Lord Stuart has courted a countess and given her two towns as a wedding present (marriage implied). As the lady has a desire to see her possessions she rides there with her husband. He is soon beset with such pain that he has to tum back, though urging his wife to ride on. When Lord Thomas realizes that the doctors can do nothing and he must die, he begs his father to see that his wife gets what he has given her. She soon has a dream indicating that something terrible has happened, and sets off for home. Discovering on her retum that her husband is already dead, she breaks out in lamentation.

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Summaries of ballads

bridal quest marriage (?) sickness wish, last dream (as - > premonition,

dreadful)

death (of husband; due to sickness) grief (at someone's death: at - > death of husband/lover (?))

Child 260, "LORD THOMAS AND LADY MARGARET" Lord Thomas goes hunting. When he realizes that Lady Margaret has followed him he Orders his servants to chase her away. Later Lady Margaret meets a man whom she begs forjielp, but he will only help her if she agrees to become his wife. Lady Margaret evidently consents, for the two ride off together. One day she is visited by Lord Thomas, now a beggar, who asks her for help, but she refuses. She invites him in for a glass of wine, however, and uses the opportunity to poison him and thus have her revenge. love, rejected humiliation (of woman by man; by chasing away; by disowning) help (—> rescue (ofmistress from disgrace; through -->

marriage))

life of beggary murder (—> murder by poisoning (of lover; in ~ > revenge (for rejection of love; for humiliation)) (through murder) / punishment (of man; for humiliation of woman; by murder)

/ death

Child 261, "LADY ISABEL" Lady Isabel is accused by her stepmother of being her father's mistress, for it is Isabel who is given the fmer presents. The latter declares that her stepmother has no reason to be jealous since she does not have a relationship with her father, but the stepmother accepts none of her assurances and resolves to poison her. Invited to drink wine with her stepmother, Isabel suspects foul play and begs to be allowed to go to church first. There her own mother appears and advises her to take the poison, as she will then go to a better World. Lady Isabel follows her mother's advice: after sharing out her jewellery among her maids (giving none to her stepmother), she drinks the poison. Before she dies she teils her stepmother that the latter is assured of a place in hell. The murderess goes mad. woman, wicked (falsely accuses stepdaughter of —> murder; —> stepmother, incesf, false) otherworldly being, encounter with (—> ghost (revenant; gives inheritance, dividing up of (as implicit accusation)

advice))

wicked) / accusation (of >

Summaries ofballads murder ( ~ > murder by poisoning (of stepdaughter; out of - > jealousy

227 --> crime of passion) / woman,

wicked (murders stepdaughter - > stepmother, wicked) / death (through murder) prophecy (by murdered woman about murderess's future) madness (due to committing murder)

Child 262, "LORD LIVINGSTON" Livingston and Seaton play each other at some game in the hope that the winner will gain the favour of a woman whom they both admire. Later they go to Edinburgh Castle, and during the dancing the woman in question chooses Livingston as her partner. Seaton is so enraged by this that he challenges Livingston to a duel the next day. The latter marries his histress that same night, and the next moming Lord Livingston meets an old woman who teils him of a bad dream waming him against the duel. Livingston is indeed mortally wounded by his opponent, but before he dies he is able to communicate to his wife his last wishes conceming his wealth, which is to be distributed among the poor. Lady Livingston now reveals that she already knew from a magic book that she would lose her husband the day after the wedding. She is so devastated by his death that she remains alone for seven years, after which she dies of a broken heart. bridal quest (of several suitors) rivalry (between two men over a woman) marriage dream (as —> premonition,

dreadful)

warning, disregarded combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with rival lover; for mistress; as matter of life and death; with fatal outcome)) inheritance, dividing up of (wealth distributed amongst poor) / mercy (towards poor) magic (—> object, marvellous (book; foretells future)', --> prophecy (by magic book)) death (—> death from love (out of--> grief(at death of lover)))

Chlld 263, "THE NEW SLAIN KNIGHT" A knight wishes to put his mistress's fidelity to the test. Wearing a mask, he teils his mistress that he has seen a dead knight, and his description convinces the woman that the dead man must be her lover. Upon her lamenting he offers himself as a husband, but the woman's response shows that she is interested in no other but her (supposedly) dead lover. Thus the knight has proof of her fidelity and can reveal his identity. truth, test of (proves fidelity of mistress - > love. test of (man puts fidelity of mistress to the test; by --> trickery (lying: saying lover is dead; by -> disguise (with mask))) fidelity (to lover —> fidelity in love (of woman to lover)) identity, discovery of true (of interlocutor)

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Summaries of ballads

Child 264, "THE WHITE FISHER" Willie asks his wife who it is that got her pregnant, and she pretends that a priest is the father. When the child is bom Willie's wife teils him to drown it in the sea, but Willie takes it to his mother, explaining that he is the father and a princess its mother. Under these circumstances Willie's mother, who had little regard for his wife, is prepared to look after the baby. When Willie retums home to his wife she regrets having asked him to kill the child, but Willie reassures her that her child is safe with his mother. She now declares that Willie is the father of the child. pregnancy birth paternity, in question remorse (for ordering infanticide) murder (—> infanticide; prevented) fidelity (to mistress —> fidelity in love (ofman to mistress)) love against family's wishes

Child 265, "THE KNIGHT'S GHOST" A woman is waiting on the seashore for the retum of her husband, but when his men arrive they teil her that her husband has been slain. The woman invites the sailors into her home, plies them with drink, and locks them in the cellar as a punishment for bringing the bad news. Then she throws the cellar keys into the sea: there they shall lie until her husband returns. Her husband's ghost appears to her with the keys, telling her to set his men free as they did everything they could to help him. She asks him when she will die, and although he cannot answer that question he does teil her that she will marry again and have nine children. death (of husband; in - > combat (?)) / murder (?) trickery (making drunk; in order to take men captive) / captivity (of men; as - > punishment for bringing bad news) otherworldy being, encounter with ( ~ > ghost (revenant; takes leave of bereaved; foretells

future))

prophecy (by ghost (revenant); about wife's future)

Child 266, "JOHN THOMSON AND THE TÜRK" As Commander of the Scottish army John Thomson has been fighting the Türks for more than three years, when one day he is surprised by a visit from his wife, who has made the journey out of longing for him. When after a few days she wishes to retum home, he shows her a route whereby she can avoid meeting the enemy. His wife however goes on

Summaries of ballads

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purpose to the Turkish Commander, Violentrie, and becomes bis mistress. Wben John Thomson leams after a year that bis wife bas not arrived back in Scotland, he disguises bimself as a pilgrim and sets off in search of her. He finds her in Violentrie's castle, and leams from bis conversation witb her (sbe does not recognize him) that sbe is living with Violentrie of her own free will and bas no Intention of retuming to Scotland. At this her busband reveals bis identity, and asks her to conceal him from bis rival. Wben tbe latter retums and declares to bis wife that be would give a fortune to see tbe Scottish Commander face to face, sbe grants his wish and brings John Thomson to him. Violentrie takes him to the forest, presumably to figbt a duel witb bim, but Thomson gives a hom Signal summoning three tbousand soldiers, who demand the retum of their Commander. Violentrie begs for mercy, but to no avail. He is bumt in his own castle, and bis mistress hanged. combat (clash of armies ~ > war (between Scots and Türks)) Separation (of husband and wife; due to war) longing (for husband) reunion (of husband and wife) infidelity (to husband - > adultery (by wife)) tricicery ( - > disguise (as pilgrim); in Order to avoid capture) search (for wife) identity, discovery of true (of interlocutor) rivalry (between two men over a woman) betrayal (of husband; of enemy's / rival's presence) greenwood (as scene of combat) help (assistance in combat; summoned by - > hom signal) help ( - > rescue (ofarmy Commander from death)) pardon (of rival lover; refused) punishment (of woman: for adultery, by execution; of man: for relationship with wife, by burning alive) / execution (of wife for adultery) / death (through execution)

Child 267, "THE HEIR OF LINNE" In Order to indulge his passion for gambling the Lord of Linne sells bis lands to John of the Scales. For some months be lives a life of dissipation, which impoverisbes bim so that be is forced to go begging. He then remembers that bis fatber left bim a document to be read if he were ever in distress. He leams from it that there are three chests of gold in one of tbe Castle walls. He fills three bags witb gold and goes to the bouse of John of Scales to buy back his lands. The Lord of Linne vows never to put his possessions at stake again. addiction to gambling inheritance, frittering away of life of beggary (because of addiction to gambling) help ( - > rescue (from poverty, through --> treasure ehest))

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Summaries of ballads

Child 268, "THE TWA KNIGHTS" A knight and his friend, a squire, are discussing women. The knight believes that his wife is one of the few who are constant, but his friend is convinced that he can seduce even her away from her husband. A wager is laid: within nine months, during which the knight will be away in another country, the squire will succeed in winning the affections of his friend's wife - if not, he will die. When the offer of money fails to persuade the lady, the squire seeks help from his foster mother (who is also that of the lady). Affecting concem for the knight's wife, she lulls her to sleep so that the squire can approach her again. When he wakes her declaring she is now in his power, she has the presence of mind to save herseif with a clever reply: since it is a sin to defile her husband's bed, she will come at night to the squire's. Offering a reward to her niece Maisry, she persuades the latter to take her place. Maisry pays a heavy price, for the squire cuts off one of her fmgers as evidence that he has seduced his friend's wife. Thus the latter is able to prove that she has been faithful, for she still has all her fmgers. As compensation Lady Maisry is allowed to decide the fate of the squire: she has the choice of either killing him or marrying him, and although she seems at first to choose the sword, she fmally decides to marry him.

wager (on ability to persuade someone to commit adultery) truth, lest of (proves fidelity of wife; —> love, lest of (man puts fidelity of wife to the test; through by another man))

counship

Separation (of husband and wife; due to test of love) courtship (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected trickery (lulling to sleep; in order to win wager) trickery (—> mistress, substitution of, in order to fend off unwanted lover) reconciliation (between woman and man who has caused her physical injury) marriage (prospect of)

Child 269, "LADY DIAMOND" The King's daughter Lady Diamond is expecting a child by a kitchen-boy. The latter is executed by order of the King for his liaison with her. When Lady Diamond is brought her lover's heart, she dies of grief. The King is now füll of self-reproach for his impetuous action, as in retrospect he can see how his daughter could have fallen in love with such a handsome youth.

pregnancy (as indication of secret love) love (against family's wishes; because of —> love between partners ofdifferent punishment (of man; for relationship with daughter; by —> execution) death ( - > deathfrom

love (out of->

grief (at death of lover)))

remorse (for execution of daughter's lover)

social

Standing)

Summaries of ballads

231

Child 270, "THE EARL OF MAR'S DAUGHTER" The Earl of Mar's daughter promises a dove a golden cage if it will fly down to her. The bird allows itself to be taken to her room, and at night it changes into a young man. He explains that his mother, a queen, has cast a spell on him so that he is able to captivate women, as at night he changes back to his original form. They are so taken with each other that they decide to stay together always. Over the years seven sons are bom, and given into the care of his mother. When an earl arrives one day to court the Earl of Mar's daughter, she refuses him saying that she has decided to live with her bird. At this her father resolves to kill the bird, but the dove flies away to his mother to ask for her help, as his mistress's wedding is to take place the next day. He asks his mother to change him into a hawk and his sons into swans so that they can fly to his mistress's rescue. But the woman's magic skills are limited, and she has to apply to an old woman for help. The birds fly to the Earl of Mar's castle, and succeed in preventing the wedding and carrying off the bride. When her father flnally discovers the truth, he effects a reconciliation. magic ( - > bewitchment (of man by his mother; transformation into -> animal, talking (bird); in order to gain woman's love)) otherworldly being (talking animal; human being / animal altemation; love relationshlp with -) pregnancy (as indication of secret love) birth love against family's wishes (because of relationship with otherworldly being) bridal quest (of unwanted suitor) / love, rejected fidelity (to lover ~ > fidelity in love (of woman to lover)) help (through —> magic, assistance in carrying out rescue) / bewitchment (transformation into animal; in Order to carry out rescue) rescue (of mistress from unwanted lover) / marriage (forced but prevented) reconciliation (between parents and child)

Child 271, "THE LORD OF LORN AND THE FALSE STEWARD" The young Lord of Learen has leamt far more in school than his fellows, so his father decides to send him to France to broaden his education. His mother requests that he should have a companion, and the boy chooses his father's Steward, who swears loyalty to him. Hardly have they arrived in France, when the Steward refuses to look after him, denying him food and drink. When the boy tries to quench his thirst at a stream his companion attempts to drown him by pushing him in. The boy offers him everything he possesses if he will pull him out, and the Steward does so. After taking the lord's clothes and dressing him in peasant garb he sends him on his way. From now on the boy must fend for himself under the name of "Poor Disaware", and the Steward even threatens to kill him if he reveals his true identity. The Steward sells the boy's clothes and buys some for himself with the money. Passing himself off as a nobleman, he then courts the daughter of the Duke of France, saying he is the Lord of Learen. His deceit is successful, and nothing stands in the way of an engagement.- One day while riding out the Duke's

232

Summaries of ballads

daughter meets the real Lord of Learen, now tending sheep, and hears him lamenting. When the woman addresses him, inviting him to be her manservant, he readily agrees without revealing the machinations of his former companion. In an attempt to prevent the young lord from gaining a position at court the woman's betrothed tries to show the boy in an unfavourable light by accusing him of having robbed his own father. This does not deter the Duke from employing Poor Disaware at least as a stable boy. Having been injured by a horse one day the boy gives vent to his rage by accusing it of injuring a lord. He goes on to lament his plight, and the Duke's daughter, having heard part of this speech by chance, begs the young man to repeat it. Though unwilling at first, he finally teils her the whole story. At this she promises to marry him, calls off her wedding with the Steward, and sends a messenger to the Lord of Learen's father telling him all that has happened. On hearing of his son's fate the old Lord of Learen rides to the Duke's palace with a large body of men. When the Duke sees that his palace is surrounded he fears that it means death to either him or his Steward. He is proved right: after a unanimous decision by a group of noblemen the Steward is executed, and the young Lord of Learen marries the Duke's daughter. commission (to care for someone; ignored) / disloyalty (to master) help (—> rescue (of person from death: ofchildfrom

drowning; through offer of --> reward (for rescue))) /

infanticide (out of greed; prevented) servitude, nobleman in (as shepherd) trickery (--> disguise (as nobleman)-, in order to gain social advantage) bridal quest grief (at fate) accusation (of theft; false) eavesdropping grief (at fate) identity, discovery of true (of interiocutor) commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of) help (—> rescue (ofson from

servitude))

premonition, dreadful consultation (over sentence to be carried out) punishment (of man; for treatment of master; for deception; by —> execution) / death (through execution) marriage

Child 272, "THE SUFFOLK MIRACLE" A young man has courted a farmer's daughter, who retums his affections. The woman's father objects to the relationship, and sends his daughter to her uncle where she is to stay until she renounces her lover. The latter dies of grief at the Separation, but his mistress remains unaware of this. A month after his death his ghost appears to her in her uncle's house, and since he has brought her father's horse with him as a sign of his consent, she goes with him. On the ride he complains of pains in his head, and the woman binds her

Summaries of ballads

233

handkerchief round his head. Arrived at her father's house, he says that he is just going to put the horse away, but does not retum. When the young woman teils her father what has happened it becomes clear that her lover was not sent by her father to fetch her. Her father goes to the stable to investigate. He does not find her lover, but his own horse is covered in sweat and must therefore have been ridden. Since her father knows that his daughter's lover is dead, he is even more concemed to find out the truth. So he has the dead man's coffin opened, and unexpectedly finds that the corpse has a handkerchief wrapped around its head: his daughter has been speaking the truth. When he teils her the whole truth she dies of grief at the death of her lover. Moral: Do not stand in the way of true love, or disaster will follow. bridal quest love against family's wishes Separation (of lovers; because of relationship unaccepted by family members) death ( - > death from love (out of -> longing (for

mistress)))

otherworldy being, encounter with (~> ghost (revenant; carries off mistress on horseback))

/ fidelity (to

mistress —> fidelity in love (ofman to mistress; beyond the grave)) death ( - > death from love (out of->

grief (at death of lover)))

Child 273, "KING EDWARD AND A TANNER OF TAMWORTH" While King Edward is out hunting one day he asks a tanner the way to Drayton Basset. Not recognizing the monarch and taking him for a vagabond, the man sullenly gives him a vague answer and will not even cooperate when offered an exchange of horses. When the King summons his entourage with a horn signal, and the men kneel down before him, the tanner realizes who he is and fears that his last hour has come. But the King does not take his disrespectful behaviour amiss and gives him land and an annuity of three hundred pounds. In retum the tanner promises to supply the monarch with leather for his shoes. greenwood (as scene of hunting) quarrel (between king and subject) hom Signal (summons followers) identity, discovery of true (of king by subject) pardon (of disrespectful subject by king)

Child 274, "OUR GOODMAN" A man comes home to his wife, who has been unfaithful. To his astonishment he sees, one after the other, a horse, a pair of riding boots, a sword, a powdered wig, a coat and a man. To his indignant questions as to where these things come from, she answers that they are in reality a pig, pitchers, a porridge spoon, a hen, blankets and a milk-maid, all

234

Summaries of ballads

sent to her by her mother. He replies that he has ridden everywhere but never seen a saddle on a pig, spurs on pitchers etc or bearded milk-maids. infidelity (to husband —> adultery (by wife)) trickery (lie; in Order to conceal adultery)

Child 275, "GET UP AND BAR THE DOOR" A man teils his wife, who is cooking at the time, to bar the door as the wind is blowing into the room. She is too busy, however, and refuses. The couple eventually agree that the first person to speak will have to bar the door. Soon afterwards two men enter the house, and receiving no response to their questions they set about consuming the food and drink that they find there. But when they suggest shaving the husband's beard off and kissing his wife, the husband gives vent to his anger at such impudence. Since he has broken the silence, he is the one who has to bar the door. quarrel (between husband and wife) wager (on ability to keep silent) anger (at disrespectful treatment)

Child 276, "THE FRIAR IN THE WELL" A woman who is being pestered by a monk tries to put him off by saying she will bum in hell if she sleeps with him. As this does not deter him she thinks up a trick: in retum for her favours she asks for money, which he must first go and fetch. While he is away she hangs a cloth in front of a well, and on his retum she pretends her father is coming and sends the monk to hide behind the cloth. He falls into the well, and begs her to help him climb out. She eventually does so, but refuses to hand back the money as he has polluted her water. courtship (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected trickery (practica! joke; in order to preserve virginity)

Child 277, "THE WIFE WRAPT IN WETHER'S SKIN" In contrast to Robin, his wife comes from a refined background and refuses therefore to do any housework. Robin does not dare to beat her for it, so he first wraps her in a wether's skin before thrashing her. By this means he manages to subdue her.

Summaries of ballads

235

love between partners of different social Standing woman, wicked (refuses to do housework) punishment (of woman; for refusal to do household duties; by physical injury) pride (injured)

Child 278, "THE FARMER'S CURST WIFE" The devil teils a man that he has come to take his wife to hell. The husband is overjoyed as he cannot tolerate his wife any longer. But even hell is unable to cope with the woman, who kills a number of imps, and they are forced to take her back to her husband. otherworldly being, encounter with (devil) woman, wicked (carried off by devil) / help (—> rescue (of man from wicked wife; through devil's help)) / punishment (of woman; for wickedness; by life in hell) joy (at deliverance from wicked wife) murder (of imps) / death (through murder) woman, wicked (rejected by devil)

Child 279, "THE JOLLY BEGGAR" A nobleman diguised as a beggar gains access to the castie of a lady, with whose daughter he is in love. It is his good fortune to be allowed to spend the night there, for he can thus make his way naked to his beloved and sleep with her, since without clothes he will appear simply as an attractive man. When he later declares he is the beggar, she expresses her repugnance towards him. He then summons his men with a hom signal and reveals his true identity. After paying the woman off he teils her that her reaction showed that she is not a "good" woman and that he will therefore not be marrying her. truth, test of (disproves fidelity of mistress ~ > love, test of (man putsfidelity

of mistress to the test; by —>

trickery: -> disguise (as --> beggar))) horn Signal (summons followers) identity, discovery of true (of lover)

Child 280, "THE BEGGAR-LADDIE" A nobleman disguised as a beggar courts a young woman, who retums his love and follows him. She does not tum back, even though she fmds the beggar's way of life arduous, because she is convinced her companion is a good man. They arrive at a Castle, and the "beggar" reveals his true identity. The wedding takes place the following day, and the young girl becomes a noblewoman.

236

Summaries of ballads

bridal quest truth, lest of (proves fidelity of mistress ~ > love, test of (man puts fidelity of mistress to the test; by --> trickery -> disguise (as --> beggar))) fidelity (to lover - > fidelity in love (ofwoman to lover)) identity, discovery of true (of lover) misalliance, supposed marriage

Child 281, "THE KEACHI THE CREEL" A merchant wishes to visit his mistress at night, but as she is closely guarded by her parents he has to think of a way of getting into the house without being seen. With the help of his brother, who lowers him down the chimney in a basket, he manages to gain access to his mistress. Her mother soon realizes that someone must have got into the house, and as she is searching she trips and falls into the basket. The jolt caused by her fall is the sign for the merchant's brother to pull the basket back up. He is so startled at the unexpected contents of the basket that he quickly lets it fall down again. Moral: Let the woman's bruises caused by the fall serve as a lesson to all mothers not to be jealous of their daughters. guarding (of woman; to prevent meeting with lover) love against family's wishes help (assistance with trickery) trickery (man in basket; in order to meet mistress) meeting (of lovers; secret)

C,D: In this variant the daughter's meeting with her lover is foreseen by the mother in a dream. dream (as - > premonition, dreadful)

Child 282, "JOCK THE LEG AND THE MERRY MERCHANT" A merchant is staying the night at an inn, unaware that he is under the same roof as the robber Jock the Leg. The merchant has hardly gone to sleep when he is roused by Jock, who wants to continue their joumey. Fearing that they will be attacked at night by Jock the Leg, the merchant prefers to wait until daybreak, but being assured by Jock that nothing of the sort will happen, he fmally agrees. When they arrive in the greenwood Jock reveals his identity and orders his companion to hand over his pack, but the merchant challenges the robber to fight for it. When the latter realizes that his opponent is the stronger, he summons twenty-four of his followers with a hom signal. The merchant

Summaries of ballads

237

will only band over bis pack if he is defeated in combat by six of Jock's followers and Jock bimself, tbe seventh. The robbers are powerless: the merchant kills them all except for Jock. Impressed by the prowess of bis opponent Jock invites bim to join the robber band, but the merchant refuses. Jock agrees to let the merchant keep bis pack and offers to part in friendship, but the merchant will not be reconciled. robbery (planned) greenwood (as scene of ~ > combat) identity, discovery of true (of companion; interlocutor) Single combat (with robber; for money, possessions) help (assistance in combat; summoned by ~ > hom signal) combat (between victim and robbers; for money, possessions; one against many) reconciliation (with former opponent; refused)

Child 283, "THE CRAFTY FARMER" An old farmer meets a thief on the road without recognizing bim as such. He is trustful enough to teil him that he is on his way to pay the rent to bis landlord. When the thief advises him not to teil all and sundry, the old man replies that the money is safely stowed in his saddle-bags. The thief fmds an opportunity to demand the farmer's money at gunpoint, but the old man craftily throws his saddle-bags over a hedge. While the thief is searching for tbe bags the farmer rides off on the robber's horse. Altbough he has had to leave his money with the thief, the farmer can still pay his landlord, as he fmds six hundred pounds in the robber's saddle-bags and has therefore made a profit. The farmer's wife is overjoyed at their good fortune, declaring that her daughter's portion will now be larger if she sbould ever marry. identity, discovery of true (of companion; interlocutor) robbery (planned) trickery (diversion; in order to outwit robber) joy (at outwitting of robber)

Child 284, "JOHN DORY" John Dory asks the French king, John, to pardon him and his men, promising in retum to bring the king all the serfs in England. But Nicholl, the captain of an Englisb ship, challenges Dory to do battle. Dory is defeated and taken prisoner by Nicholl. pardon (of criminals - pirates (?) - by representative of authority; refused) combat (against pirates (?); at sea) captivity (of pirates (?); in combat)

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Summaries of ballads

Child 285, "THE GEORGE ALOE AND THE SWEEPSTAKE" The ships "George Aloe" and "Sweepstake" are on their way to Safee. The "George Aloe" soon drops anchor, but the "Sweepstake" sails on and is seized by a French pirate ship. When the crew of the other ship leam of this they weigh anchor and set off to fight the pirates. The latter are overcome and beg for mercy. But when the English discover that the pirates have thrown the whole crew of the "Sweepstake " overboard, they pay them back in kind. combat (against pirates; at sea) / piracy pardon (of criminals: pirates; refused) / peace offer (refused)

Child 286, "THE SWEET TWNITY" ("THE GOLDEN VANITY") The "Sweet Trinity", a vessel built by Sir Walter Raleigh, has been seized by a foreign ship. An English captain promises a large reward and the hand of his daughter to anyone who can free the "Sweet Trinity". A ship's boy agrees on these conditions to take on the task. Having completed it successfully with the help of a special weapon, he asks for his promised reward, but the captain refuses to give him his daughter in marriage. At this the ship's boy leaves the ship. war (at sea) task, setting of (—> rescue of captured ship; in order to find 'suitable' lover for daughter) task, solving of (proves man to be a 'suitable' lover) / help (—> rescue) reward (for rescue of captured ship; of money; of woman in marriage; refused)

B: When the ship's boy discovers that he will not be given the lands pledged to him in retum for his deed he threatens to sink the ship, at which he is given the promised reward. reward (of lands; for rescue of captured ship)

Child 287, "CAPTAIN WARD AND THE RAINBOW" Captain Ward, a notorious pirate, wishes to make peace with the English king, offering him thirty tons of gold as a ransom for himself and his men. The King cannot trust Captain Ward, as the latter has already deceived the Kings of France and Spain, and so he sends the "Rainbow" with a large crew to do battle with him. The pirates are victorious, for their ship has a protective steel lining. When the King is told of the defeat he moums the death of three noblemen who were particularly valiant fighters.

Summaries of ballads

239

ransom (refused) pardon (of criminals - pirates - by representative of authority; refused) / peace offer (refused) war (at sea; with pirates) death (of soldiers; in war) grief (at someone's death: at death of soldiers)

Child 288, "THE YOUNG EARL OF ESSEX'S VICTORY OVER THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY" Queen Elizabeth has fitted out a mighty fleet, which is sent to fight the Emperor of Germany's navy. When the Emperor leams from his officers that the young Earl of Essex, the Queen's lieutenant, is Commander of the fleet he prefers to tum back, for under such a leader victory seems impossible. His son, however, begs to be allowed to take command of the German fleet in the battle against the English. The Emperor eventually agrees, though not without reservations. His son is soon taken prisoner, and as a ransom the Emperor offers the earl three golden keys, one of which he describes as the "key of High Germany". The earl is not interested in the offer, and resolves to bring his prisoner before the Queen, at which the Emperor declares that the whole German fleet will accompany his son on the voyage to England. combat (clash of armies —> war (at sea; between English and Germans)) warning, disregarded captivity (of man; Emperor's son; in combat) help (—> rescue (of prisoner of war, through -> ransom); unsuccessful)

Child 289, "THE MERMAID" When the crew of a ship see a mermaid sitting on a rock and luring them to their deaths, they fall into lamentation over their fate. Only a small number of sailors manage to save themselves from the sinking ship. otherworldly being, encounter with (mermaid; - > shipwreck caused by -) grief (at fate) death (in shipwreck)

Child 290, "THE WYLIE WIFE OF THE HIE TOUN HIE" A group of men drinking ale are talking on the subject of women. One of the men declares that he would give anything if the landlady would bring a certain woman to him whom he fmds the most attractive. The landlady fulfils his wish, summoning the girl

240

Summaries of ballads

under the pretence of offering her wine. She locks her in a room, where she is raped by her admirer. When she asks his name he replies that he is the son of the Earl of Beaton. For the next two years they do not meet, but then he retums to fetch her and make her his wife (?). trickery (lie; in Order to summen mistress) humiliation (of woman by man; by - > rape) / love, rejected help (—> rescue (of mistress from disgrace)) marriage (?)

Child 291, "CHILD OWLET" Lady Erskine tries to persuade Child Owlet to sleep with her but he resists her attempts at seduction, reminding her that he is the nephew of her husband, Lord Ronald. Lady Erskine is determined to harm him: she cuts herseif with a knife, and when her husband asks what has happened she teils him that she had to defend herself against Child Owlet, who tried to rape her. Her husband believes her, and Child Owlet is taken prisoner and later executed. courtship (by unwanted mistress) / love, rejected accusation (of rape; false; in —> revenge (for rejection oflove)) / punishment (of man; for rejection of love; by false accusation) jealousy, unfounded punishment (of man; for supposed relationship with wife; by - > captivity; by execution) / execution (of innocent man: of supposed rival lover) / death (through execution)

Child 292, "THE WEST COUNTRY DAMOSEL'S COMPLAINT" A woman begs her lover, Sweet William, either to marry her or put an end to her life, at which he sends her to live in the greenwood. She does as he says, but after three months she is forced by hardship to beg for alms at her sister's house. The sister, evidently her rival in love, drives her back into the forest, where she dies. William later regrets what he has done and laments her death. Then he too dies. love, rejected humiliation (of woman by man; by chasing away - > banishment) fidelity (to lover - > fidelity in love (of woman to lover)) life of beggary (after banishment by lover) greenwood (as place of banishment for woman) rivalry (between two women over a man) life of beggary (after banishment by family)

Summaries of ballads death (—> deathfrom

love (out of --> grief(at

rejected

241

love)))

remorse (for rejection of love) death ( - > death from love (out of --> grief (at death of mistress); love)))

out of ->

remorse (for rejection

of

Child 293, "JOHN OF HAZELGREEN" A man overhears a young woman expressing her longing for her lover, John of Hazelgreen. He addresses her, and when she has described Hazelgreen, who is actually the man's son, he affects to know that her lover is married. His Intention is evidently to test her feelings for his son by observing her reaction to this news without revealing his identity as the father. When the woman declares that in that case she no longer wishes to live, her unknown interlocutor suggests that she forget Hazelgreen and marry his own son instead. She strongly objects, but allows the man to take her with him and buy her fine clothes, although she never stops crying. When they have bought the clothes she accompanies him to his house, where she is joyfully received by her lover. The wedding is to take place the very next day. eavesdropping longing (for lover) truth, test of (proves fidelity of son's mistress —> love, test of(man puts fidelity ofson's mistress to the test; by --> trickery: —> pretence (concealing true identity); by lying (saying lover is already

married)))

fidelity (to lover —> fidelity in love (of woman to lover)) identity, discovery of true (of interlocutor) reunion (of lovers) marriage (prospect of)

D: Hazelgreen has appeared to a woman in a dream, making such an Impression on her that she is determined to see him. It later transpires that Hazelgreen has also had a dream in which he saw his mistress. dream (awakens ~ > longing for lover, for mistress)

Child 294, "DUGALL QUINN" The wealthy Lisie Meanes has been courted by Dugall Quinn, who affects to be from a poor background. She decides to spend her life with him, against the wishes of her father. It later transpires that he is a rieh man, and so after her marriage to him she becomes the Lady of Garlogie.

242

Summaries of ballads

bridal quest love against family's wishes (because of —> love between partners ofdijferent social standing) tnith, lest of (proves fidelity of mistress ~ > love, test of (man puts fidelity of mistress to the test by --> pretence (concealing true identity; simulating poverty)) fidelity (to lover (-> fidelity in love (ofwoman to lover)) identity, discovery of true (of lover) misalliance, supposed marriage

Child 295, "THE BROWN GIRL" A woman receives a letter from her lover in which he says he cannot love her because of her brown colour. She sends a contemptuous letter back, at which he writes again telling her he is dangerously ill and asking her to come to him and release him from his trothplight (?). She does go to him to fulfil his request, but then mocks him, saying that she will be dancing on his grave. humiliation (of woman by man; by rejection because of colour of skin) love, rejected sickness humiliation (of man by woman; by - > mockery)

B: The woman's lover leaves her for another, but later becomes ill with longing for her and asks her to come to him. infidelity (of lover) sickness (due to —> longing for mistress)

Child 296, "WALTER LESLY" Walter Lesly carries off a woman having first made her drunk, for he needs her money. They rest at an inn, but he falls asleep and so the woman is able to to escape. Although she is followed by Lesly's men, she manages to elude them. trickery (making drunk; in order to abduct mistress) abduction (by unwanted lover) / love, rejected flight (of woman from abductor; successful)

Summaries of ballads

243

Child 297, "BARL ROTHES" Lady Ann is the mistress of Earl Rothes, a married man. Her younger brother, fearing for her honour and wishing to put an end to the liaison, promises to pay her dowry and arrange a marriage between her and a marquis if she leaves the earl. She is not prepared to do this, and her brother then swears that he will kill Earl Rothes as soon as he has reached manhood. infidelity (to wife - > adultery (ofman)) love against family's wishes (because of love relationship with married man) murder (of sister's lover; in ~> revenge (for relationship with sister); threatened) / punishment (of man; for murder; threatened)

Child 298, "YOUNG PEGGY" Peggy is questioned by her mother about her noctumal meetings with Jamie. Peggy does not deny that she has seen her lover, and refuses to give him up. - Later in a conversation with her lover she agrees to meet him at night in the forest. Her father gives pursuit, but before he catches up with her she has already married Jamie. love against family's wishes meeting (of lovers; secret; in - > greenwood) flight (of lovers; successful) pursuit (of lovers) marriage

Child 299, "TROOPER AND MAID" A cavalryman is spending the night with his mistress. They soon hear the sound of a bügle, the sign that he must leave her. She follows him, but he begs her to tum back. She asks when she will see him again and when they are to marry. His reply shows that he has no Intention of either seeing her again or marrying her, even though she is expecting his child. meeting (of lovers) Separation (of lovers) love, rejected pregnancy

244

Summaries of ballads

Child 300, "BLANCHEFLOUR AND JELLYFLORICE" The maid Blancheflour is no longer content with her place of Service. When she is given work in the royal household she is wamed by the Queen to keep away from her son Jellyflorice, but the couple meet and fall in love. With the intention of ridding herseif of Blancheflour the Queen has her ride a wild horse without a bridle. Jellyflorice saves her before there is a mishap, promising to marry her soon despite his mother's antagonism. love against family's wishes (because of - > love between partners ofdifferent

social

standing)

warning, disregarded woman, wicked (tries to destroy son's love relationship; tries to murder son's mistress) help (—> rescue (of person from death: of mistress from murder)) / murder (of mistress, in —> revenge; prevented) / punishment (of woman; for relationship with son; prevented) marriage (prospect of)

Chlld 301, "THE QUEEN OF SCOTLAND" The Queen of Scotland uses the opportunity of her husband's absence to invite Troy Muir to sleep with her. He refuses her, and she fixes on a plan to take revenge on him for this slight. She asks him to bring her the gold that he will find under a stone in the garden. In reality a snake lies waiting there, which tries to crush Troy when he lifts the stone. A woman passing by is able to pacify the snake by cutting off a piece of her breast and throwing it to him to eat. Troy Muir is saved, and by heaven's grace the woman's pain is soon Stilled. Troy is so grateful to his rescuer that he marries her the same day. When the woman later bears a son, the wound heals completely. courtship (by unwanted mistress) / love, rejected murder (of lover; in —> revenge (for rejection oflove)\ rejection of love; by murder; prevented) help ( - > rescue (of person from death: of(future)

using snake; prevented) / punishment (of man; for

lover from wild animal

(snake)))

reward (for rescue of person from death; of wound healing; divine) / magic (devine reward) marriage pregnancy birth

Child 302, "YOUNG BEARWELL" A woman teils her lover, Young Bearwell, to go to sea as his life is in danger if he stays in the country any longer [it is not clear why this is so]. Bearwell takes her advice, but during the voyage his ship is blown off course into a Strange country. Like all strangers who arrive there, Bearwell is given a harp and told to play. During his absence his

Summaries of ballads

245

mistress is so pressed by suitors that she sends Captain Heyvalin to fetch Bearwell back. Heyvalin manages to find him, but he too is given a harp and ordered to play [...]. flight (of criminal from representatives of authority / from - > punishment (?)) Separation (of lovers) haip-playing bridal quest (of several, unwanted suitors) / love, rejected fidelity (to lover —> fidelity in love (ofwoman to lover)) search (for lover)

Child 303, "THE HOLY NUNNERY" Willie's parents refuse to give their consent to a marriage between him and Annie. He goes to teil her this at night, and she decides to enter a convent. Düring the seven years that Annie spends there Willie becomes so sick with yeaming for her that his mother resolves to do something about it. She disguises Willie as a woman so that he can visit Annie in the convent, but when he is about to kiss her she reminds him of her vow of chastity. love against family's wishes meeting (of lovers; secret) Separation (of lovers, because of love relationship unaccepted by family members) sickness (due to —> longing for mistress) trickery (—> disguise (ofman as woman)\ in Order to meet mistress) love, rejected

Child 304, "YOUNG RONALD" Ronald, a young nobleman, courts a king's daughter, but when he asks how she is disposed towards him she replies that although she is honoured by his attentions she must defer to her father's wishes. Despite reminders from his parents that the princess has aleady rejected many suitors, he again visits her to declare that he will fight for her in order to win her love. At this she proposes that he should join her father's fight the next day against a giant, persuading him with various gifts (for example magic rings to stem the flow of blood) to take on the task. Ronald agrees to this, and together with a hundred armed men whom his father has put at his disposal he rides out to battle. The King promises his daughter in marriage and a third of his lands to the man who vanquishes the giant, and Ronald is brave and skilful enough to succeed in this. He can therefore marry the princess, but declines the other part of the reward.

246

Summaries ofballads

bridal quest love, rejected task, setting of (combat against ~ > otherworldly being; in order to test suitor) task, solving of (proves man to be a 'suitable' lover) magic (—> object, marvellous (--> ring; possesses healing power)) combat (between two enemies —> Single combat (with --> otherworldly matter oflife and death))

being (giant); for mistress;

as

reward (for victory over otherworldly being; of woman in marriage) marriage

Child 305, "THE OUTLAW MURRAY" The King of Scotland leams that an outlaw by the name of Murray does not recognize him as the monarch, and lives unlawfully in a castle in Etrick Forest. At Earl Hamilton's suggestion the King sends the Barl of Arran as a messenger to Murray, to say that unless the latter pays homage to the monarch he will forfeit both his property and his life. The outlaw declares that he is the owner of his lands and Castle, and that he will not pay homage to the King. When the King hears of this he arms five thousand men to help enforce his sovereignty, whereupon Murray sends messengers to three of his kin asking for armed support. In face of the numerical superiority of the King's army he fmally has to surrender, however, and is forced to ask for mercy, which is granted by the King. The latter agrees to Murray's suggestion that he, Murray, should be made Sheriff of Etrick Forest in retum for handing over his Castle, on condition that he henceforth remain loyal. disloyalty (to king) / high treason commission (to carry news ~ > messenger, sending of) help (assistance in combat (war)) combat (clash of armies —> war (with rebels against the Scottish crown)-, weaker submit) pardon (of criminal - traitor, ~ > outlaw - by representative of authority)

4. Appendix: References to Child ballad-types in Stith Thompson's Motif-Index of Folk-Literature The Child ballad-types as defined in the Motif-Index are listed below in chronological Order. Thompson's numbering, to which corresponding motif terms are assigned, is given in brackets. The new approach to the motif concept as shown in the Motif-Index of the Child Corpus made it necessary in many cases to reformulate Thompson's "motifs" along more abstract lines. For instance the formulation given under T 574: "Long pregnancy. Delayed by an enemy who bewitches the mother" has been replaced by "birth (prevented by ~> cursing)". - It was decided to omit Thompson's references to bailad variants from other countries, nor have we listed his erroneous entries.

Child 2,

"The Elfm Knight" (H 952 - task, setting o/; F 301.1.1.1., F 301.2.1. otherworldly being, encounter with)

Child 4,

"Lady Isabel and the Elf-Knight" (B 324 - animal, talking; D 1364.2.2. magic (charm, with soporific effecty, F 301.2.1. - otherworldly being, encounter with)

Childs,

"Gil Brenton" (H 411.6., H 411.10. - truth, test of (marvellous; proves chastity))

Child 6,

"Willie's Lady" (T 574 - birth (prevented by cursing))

Child 10,

"The Twa Sisters" (E 632 - musical Instrument, marvellous (exposes murder))

Child 11,

"The Cruel Brother" (T 131.1.1. - marriage)

Child 12,

"Lord Randal" (S 111 - murder by poisoning)

Child 16,

"Sheath and Knife" (T 410 - incest)

Child 17,

"Hind Horn" (D 1076 - ring (as marvellous token offidelity; K 1817.1. disguise (as beggar))

Child 20,

"The Cruel Mother" (E 225 - ghost (revenant))

Child 25,

"Willie's Lyke-Wake" (K 1325 - trickery (feigning death))

248

Appendix

Child29,

"The Boy and the Mantle" (H 400, H 411.4., H 411.7. - truth, test of (marvellous; proves fidelity ofwife))

Child 34,

"Kemp Owyne" (D 735 - enchantmenf, F 302.3.2. - otherworldly being-, S 31 - stepmother, wicked)

Child 36,

"The Laily Wonn and the Machrel of the Sea" (S 31 - stepmother, wicked)

Child 39,

"Tarn Lin" (D 610 - bewitchmenf, F 302.3.2. -otherworldly being-, T 572.2.2.; T 572.2.2. -pregnancy; abortion)

Child 40,

"The Queen of Elfan's Nourice" (F 272.1. - otherworldly being\ fairyland, joumey to -)

Child 41,

"Hind Etin" (F 301.1.1.2., F 301.2.1. - otherworldly being)

Child 42,

"Clerk Colvill" (F 302.3.3., F 302.3.3.1. - otherworldly being)

Child 43,

"The Broomfield Hill" (B 131.1. - animal, talking; D 1364.22. - magic (charm; with soporific effect))

Child 45,

"King John and the Bishop" (H 548 - task, solving of(solving of riddles))

Child 47,

"Proud Lady Margaret" (E 211 - ghost (revenant))

Child 51,

"Lizie Wan" (T 410 - incest)

Child 59,

"Sir Aldingar" (H 218 - trial by ordeal (single combat)-, K 2112.2 accusation (of adultery; false))

Child 63,

"Child Waters" (T 581.4. - pregnancy; birth)

Child 64,

"Fair Janet" (T 581.3. - pregnancy; birth)

Child 68,

"Young Hunting" (B 325 - animal, talking-, H 221 - trial by ordeal (ordeal byfire))

Child 77,

"Sweet William's Ghost" (E 217, E 452 - ghost (revenant))

Child 78,

"The Unquiet Grave" (E 217, E 452 - ghost (revenant))

Child 79,

"The Wife of Usher's Well" (E 452 - ghost (revenant))

Child 82,

"The Bonny Birdy" (B 131.3. - animal, talking)

Child 86,

"Young Benjie" (E 221 - ghost (revenant))

Appendix

249

Child 87,

"Prince Robert" (S 111 - murder by poisoning)

Child 91,

"Fair Mary of Wallington" (T 584.1. - pregnancy; birth)

Child 95,

"The Maid Freed from the Gallows" (P 213 - rescue (of mistress from execution))

Child 96,

"The Gay Goshawk" (B 291.1., B 325 - animal, talking- K 522.0.1. trickery (feigning death))

Child 114,

" Johnie Cock" (B 291.1. - animal, talking)

Child 133,

"Robin Hood and the Beggar" (K 1817.1. - disguise (as beggar))

Enzyklopädie des Märchens Handwörterbuch zur historischen und vergleichenden Erzählforschung Begründet von Kurt Ranke Mit Unterstützung der Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Göttingen Herausgegeben von Rolf Wilhelm Brednich zusammen mit Hermann Bausinger, Wolfgang Brückner, Helge Gerndt, Lutz Röhrich, Klaus Roth Redaktion: Ines Köhler, Ulrich Shojaei Kawan, Hans-Jörg Uther

Marzolph,

Christine

Approx. 12 volumes. Cloth Already appeared: Band 1: Aarne - Bayerischer HiasI XX, 704 pages. 1977 ISBN 3 11 006781 1 Band 2: Bearbeitung - Christusbild und der Schmied IV, 722 pages. 1979 ISBN 3 11 008091 5 Band 3: Chronikliteratur - England XVI, 723 pages. 1982 ISBN 3 11 008544 5 Band 4: Ente - Förster XVI, 720 pages. 1984 ISBN 3 11 009566 1 Band 5: Fortuna — Gott ist auferstanden XVI, 720 pages. 1988 ISBN 3 11 010588 8 Band 6: Gott und Teufel - Hylten-Cavallius XVI, 718 pages. 1990 ISBN 3 11 011763 0 Band 7: Ibn al-GauzT - Kleines Volk XVI, 723 pages. 1993 ISBN 3 11 013478 0

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Band 8: Lieferung 1: Klerus — Korea 144 Seiten. 1994 ISBN 3 11 014336 4

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Walter de Gruyter • Berlin • New York