Saturday, July 30, 2011

The Helpful Elves

A Welsh legend tells of an unlucky farmer who seemed to have nothing but misfortune. His crops became diseased and his cattle were ailing. As well as this, his wife was an invalid who could do nothing to help about the house or farm. Thew farmer was about to sell up when he was visitied by an Ellyl (a Welsh elf) who told him to be troubled no longer. All he needed to do was insure his wife left out a lighted candle and swept the fire clean every night - the Ellyllon would do the rest.

That night, the couple went to bed early. They could hear sounds of laughter and merriment coming from the ground floor. In the morning, the house was neat as a new pin and the livestock healthy and well. Every night the samer thing happened. The crops prospered and the invalid wife grew fit and strong. The couple's good fortune continued for three years until the wife grew eager for a glimpse of the little folk. She tiptoed downstairs and peeked through the door. When she saw the merry band of little elves about their work, she couldn't help but laugh out loud. At once, the candle was blown out and everything became silent. The elves never came back to the farm but, fortunately, the couples ill fortune never returned either. - from Fairyopolis (Cicely M. Barker) 

1 comment:

  1. Beautiful specimen Anna Cady. I'd love to check it out under my microscope! Keep the stories coming. Last time I couldn't figure out how to post my comment (I typed it out 4 times!) Let's see if it works this time. It takes a VERY special person to see fairies. I suspect they perch on your toes at night, and talk about how spectacular you are!

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