“Sheath and Knife”
Description
The princess (Jeannie) is pregnant by her brother. Rather than reveal the truth, the two leave for the greenwood, where he shoots here and buries her "with their bairn at her feet." He returns home, but even the joys of royalty cannot console him.
Notes
On the scientific evidence that brothers and sisters raised apart are particularly likely to fall in love, and some further speculation as to why, see the notes to "Babylon, or, The Bonnie Banks o Fordie [Child 14]." - RBW
Cross references
- cf. "Leesome Brand" [Child 15] (lyrics about the "sheathe and knife)
- cf. "The Bonnie Hind" [Child 50] (plot, lyrics)
References
- Child 16, "Sheath and Knife" (6 texts)
- Bronson 16, "Sheath and Knife" (2 versions)
- DT 16, SHEATHKF* SHTHKNF2 SHTHKNF3
- ADDITIONAL: Walter de la Mare, _Come Hither_, revised edition, 1928; #64, "Sheath and Knife" (1 text)
- Roud #3960
- BI, C016