“The Enchanted Isle”

Description

The singers recalls traveling to Rathlin, where he hears the tale of the Enchanted Isle, which rises from the seas when a mermaid sings. Home to a beautiful city, many have tried to make it stay above the waves, but it always escapes

Notes

Sam Henry lists several other instances of folklore of islands rising from the waves. Variations on the theme are common, and go back to antiquity; this seems to be one of the few cases of moving lands with no hostile intent (other than aggravating the spectators, anyway). - RBW

References

  1. SHenry H550, pp. 176-177, "" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. Roud #13537
  3. BI, HHH550

About

Author: Luke Aylmer Conolly ?
Earliest date: 1934 (Sam Henry collection)
Keywords: magic sea
Found in: Ireland