The Fairies

Author: William Allingham

Up the airy mountain,
Down the rushy glen,
We darent go a-hunting
For fear of little men;
Wee folk, good folk,
Trooping all together;
Green jacket, red cap,
And white owls feather! 

Down along the rocky shore
Some make their home,
They live on crispy pancakes
Of yellow tide-foam;
Some in the reeds
Of the black mountain lake,
With frogs for their watch-dogs,
All night awake.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This whimsical poem leads readers on a delightful journey through a mythical landscape inhabited by 'little men,' suggestive of a fairy or leprechaun folk. The poem's theme revolves around fantasy and folklore, with a playful tone that invites us into this half-hidden world of small mythical creatures. The poet uses a simple ABAB rhyme scheme which lends a sing-song quality to the verses, mirroring traditional children’s rhymes or folk songs and enhancing the fantastical tone of the piece.

The poem is rich in natural imagery, from the 'airy mountain' and 'rushy glen' to the 'rocky shore' and 'black mountain lake.' This vivid imagery creates a strong sense of place, and the detailed descriptions of the 'little men' and their habitats—like living on 'crispy pancakes of yellow tide-foam'—add charm and intrigue. The use of color in 'green jacket, red cap,' and 'white owl's feather' further adds to the vividness of the poem. The poet skillfully uses these details to create a lush, vibrant world that feels both otherworldly and intimately connected to the natural world we know. The final image of frogs as watch-dogs, 'all night awake,' leaves the reader with a sense of this world continuing to exist just beyond our perception, a magical realm where the ordinary and extraordinary coexist.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.