Notes on Stories of Fairies from Scotland by Walter Gregor

Stories of Fairies from Scotland

Author and Publication Information

  • Author: Walter Gregor

  • Source: The Folk-Lore Journal

  • Date Published: February 1883

  • Volume: 1

  • Issue: 2

  • Pages: 55-58

  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. on behalf of Folklore Enterprises, Ltd.

  • Stable URL: JSTOR

  • JSTOR Description: A not-for-profit service aiding in the discovery and usage of scholarly content.

  

Summary of Contents

  1. Introduction to Fairy Tales
       - The text explores various fairy tales, their origins, and underlying themes found in Scottish folklore.

  2. The Tale of Jack and the Giant
       - Jack, the protagonist, seeks to save a princess from a giant.
       - He acquires a black horse and a suit to disguise himself for the adventure.
       - Jack discovers a potion labeled “Whoever would take one drop of this stuff would have three times as much strength.”
         - He takes a drop for himself and his horse before confronting the serpent.
       - The encounter with the serpent occurs three times, culminating with a pair of blue glass shoes.
       - During his escape, the princess grasps one of his shoes, leading to a royal ball organized by the king to find the owner of the shoe.
       - Only Jack in the kitchen attempts to wear the shoe and it fits him perfectly.
       - This event leads to his marriage to the princess, with a wish for their happiness at the story's conclusion.
       

  3. Descriptions of Fairy Lore
       - Fairy Knots:
         - Notable mention of the fairies dancing around Hallow-fires.
         - They create ‘fairy-knots’ using blue ribbons; these knots are unlooseable.
         - Those who are attracted to these knots may fall under the fairies' power and risk being abducted.
       

  4. Fairy Help and Changelings
       - John Chalmers at Peathill:
         - John is depicted as a thresher who benefits from fairy assistance in his work.
       - Changelings:
         - Discussion on the concept that fairies may take human children and replace them with wooden replicas.
         - A narrative where a father realizes his child was replaced and follows the fairy to retrieve the original.
       

  5. Protection Against Fairies
       - Famous anecdote of Willie who was warned by his mother about not disturbing potential fairy threats regarding his wife and newborn child.
       - It advises common practices like placing a Bible beneath the wife's head for protection against fairy abduction.
       

  6. Sowans and Preventions Against Fairies
       - Sowans:
         - A culinary dish made from sifted oatmeal known locally as “sones.”
         - Process involves steeping in water and ensures that fairies don’t get involved by throwing a burning coal into the mixture.
       

  7. Fairy Etiquette
       - A tale about maintaining group harmony in the presence of fairies, indicating that certain behaviors such as throwing water outside at night can disrupt fairies and lead to revenge.
       

  8. Fairy Covetousness and Witchcraft
       - Encounter with Arthur:
         - Arthur hears voices calling his name and realizes a threat posed by fairies.
       - Milk Stealing:
         - Dillyverge, a woman known for her malevolent powers, steals milk from a farmer's cow, leading to a series of ritualistic acts to restore the cow’s milk upon confronting her.
       - Scratching a Witch:
         - A narrative on a farmer who believes witchcraft affects his cattle, prompting him to seek out assistance and ultimately take action against the supposed witch.
         - Concludes with details on how post-action, the cattle thrive again, indicating the effective removal of the witch’s curse.

  

Additional Notes

  • The narratives indicate a rich tapestry of Scottish folklore, bridging tales of bravery, magical interference, and moral lessons.

  • Themes of protection, detection of witchcraft, and enchanted interactions illustrate the cultural mindset surrounding fairies.

  • Specific instructions and rituals prescribed in the stories reflect societal beliefs and practices aimed at safeguarding against supernatural forces.

  

References

  • Popular Romances of the West of England.

  • Notes on the Folklore of the North East of Scotland.