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