“Young Ronald”

Description

Young Ronald loves the king's daughter. She says she can only obey her father's will. The king offers his daughter and great wealth to anyone who can slay a six-headed giant. Ronald slays the giant "wi ae sweep o his hand" and wins the princess

Notes

Child's comments on this ballad amount to little more than an extended snort of disgust. He certainly has his point, but there may be folk elements in the tale; at least, it reminds me (rather loosely) of the Welsh tale of Culhwch and Olwen. - RBW

References

  1. Child 304, "Young Ronald" (1 text)
  2. Roud #3914
  3. BI, C304

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1828 (Buchan)
Found in: Britain(Scotland)