The Serpent Knight, and Other Ballads

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Borrow, George, 1803-1881

Contributor:

Wise, Thomas James, 1859-1937

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"The Serpent Knight, and Other Ballads" by George Borrow is a collection of lyrical ballads likely written in the early 20th century. This book features a variety of stories that blend elements of folklore, mythology, and romance, capturing the imagination through its exploration of mythical figures and themes of love, transformation, and the supernatural. Borrow's work encapsulates the rich tradition of ballad storytelling, drawing upon the narratives and motifs prevalent in earlier folk tales. The collection includes several narratives, each centered around enchanted characters and transformative experiences. "The Serpent Knight" tells of a girl who must navigate the challenges of a serpent suitor, ultimately finding love when the serpent transforms into a handsome knight. "Sir Olaf" recounts the tragic fate of a knight ensnared by the Elfin Queen, leading to his untimely death. Other ballads like "The Treacherous Merman" and "The Cruel Step-Dame" explore themes of betrayal, enchantment, and the struggle against malevolent forces. Each ballad illustrates Borrow's ability to weave lyrical beauty into compelling stories that reflect the complexities of love, loyalty, and the interplay between humanity and the magical world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Contents:

The serpent knight

Sir Olaf

The treacherous merman

The knight in the deer's shape

The stalwart monk

The cruel step-dame

The cuckoo.

Credits:

Transcribed from the 1913 Thomas Wise pamphlet by David Price

Notes:

Reading ease score: 87.3 (6th grade). Easy to read.

Release date is 2009-08-09