
FOLK TALES OF BREFFNY
INTRODUCTION
I. THE KING’S DAUGHTER OF FRANCE
II. THE COW OF A WIDOW OF BREFFNY
III. KATE ELLEN’S WAKE
IV. THE DARK OATH
V. FAIRY GOLD
VI. M’CARTHY OF CONNACHT
VII. NALLAGH’S CHILD
VIII. THE ENCHANTED HARE
A richly woven anthology, this volume gathers the ancient folk narratives of Breffny, preserving the cadence of oral storytelling that once echoed across hearths and fields. The tales are presented as they were spoken by an elderly keeper of lore, whose vivid imagination and earthy humor breathe life into each legend. Listeners will feel the texture of a world where superstition and wit walk side by side, and where the ordinary mingles with the uncanny.
One standout story follows a destitute Irish laborer who, after a chance encounter with a mysterious child in a red cap, receives a promise of a miraculous cure for a dying princess. Driven by the child's cryptic instructions, he embarks on a perilous journey to a foreign court, confronting skeptical servants and royal decrees that test his resolve. The narrative captures the timeless allure of a humble hero thrust into a grand, uncertain adventure.
The collection also includes tales of hidden oaths, enchanted children, and otherworldly encounters, all reflecting the deep‑rooted belief that imagination can shape destiny. Each legend invites listeners to step beyond the familiar and explore the timeless spirit of Celtic folklore.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (126K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jeroen Hellingman and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net/ for Project Gutenberg (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
May 14, 2017
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
Drawn to the old storytelling traditions of Ireland, this little-known collector is best remembered for preserving the voices, legends, and local color of Breffny in a single enduring volume. The result is a book that feels close to the fireside and rooted in place.
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