English Fairy Tales

XXXVII. KATE CRACKERNUTS.
Source.—Given by Mr. Lang in Longman’s Magazine, vol.
xiv. and reprinted in Folk-Lore, Sept. 1890. It is very cor-
rupt, both girls being called Kate, and I have had largely to
rewrite.
Parallels.—There is a tale which is clearly a cousin if not a
parent of this in Kennedy’s Fictions, 54 seq., containing the
visit to the green hill (for which see “Childe Rowland”), a
reference to nuts, and even the sesame rhyme. The prince is
here a corpse who becomes revivified; the same story is in
Campbell No. 13. The jealous stepmother is “universally
human.” (Cf. Köhler on Gonzenbach, ii. 206.)
XXXVIII. THE CAULD LAD OF HILTON.
Source.—Henderson’s Folk-Lore of Northern Counties, 2nd
edition, published by the Folk-Lore Society, pp. 266-7. I
have written the introductory paragraph so as to convey some
information about Brownies, Bogles, and Redcaps, for which
Henderson, l.c., 246-53, is my authority. Mr. Batten’s por-
trait renders this somewhat superfluous.
Parallels.—The Grimms’ “Elves” (No. 39) behave in like
manner on being rewarded for their services. Milton’s
“lubbar-fiend” in L’Allegro has all the characteristics of a
Brownie.

---

167
Joseph Jacobs
XXXIX. ASS, TABLE AND STICK.
Source.—Henderson, l.c., first edition, pp. 327-9, by the Rev.
S. Baring-Gould.
Parallels.—Mr. Baring-Gould gives another version from the
East Riding, l.c., 329, in which there are three brothers who
go through the adventures. He also refers to European Vari-
ants, p. 311, which could now be largely supplemented from
Cosquin, i. 53-4, ii. 66, 171.
Remarks.—As an example of the sun-myth explanation of
folk-tales I will quote the same authority (p. 314): “The
Master, who gives the three precious gifts, is the All Father,
the Supreme Spirit. The gold and jewel-dropping ass, is the
spring cloud, hanging in the sky and shedding the bright
productive vernal showers. The table which covers itself is
the earth becoming covered with flowers and fruit at the
bidding of the New Year. But there is a check; rain is with-
held, the process of vegetation is stayed by some evil influ-
ence. Then comes the thunder-cloud, out of which leaps the
bolt; the rains pour down, the earth receives them, and is
covered with abundance—all that was lost is recovered.”
Mr. Baring-Gould, it is well-known, has since become a
distinguished writer of fiction.