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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
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THE LEGEND OF BEAUMONT TOWER
AT MSU (MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY), WHENEVER A VIRGIN WALKS
UNDERNEATH THE TOWER, A SPIKE FALLS FROM ONE OF THE TOWERS.
ALL THE SPIKES REMAIN INTACT UPON THE TOWER EVEN TODAY.
Submitter comment: THE INFORMANT LEARNED IT FROM A FELLOW DORMIE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ; Lansing
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- School BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 09-00-1967
THE MAIDEN TOWER
THE MAIDEN TOWER IS A PART OF THE WALL AROUND VISBY, GOTLAND, AND
IS ASSOCIATED WITH A PEASANT'S DAUGHTER WHO BETRAYED THE CITY FOR
THE LOVE OF THE DANISH KING, VALDEMAR. AS A PUNISHMENT, SHE IS
SAID TO HAVE BEEN IMMURED ALIVE IN THE TOWER.
Data entry tech comment: WHILE "IMMURED" CAN MEAN SIMPLY IMPRISONED, IN THIS CASE IT
Where learned: SWEDEN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal BELIEF -- Marriage BELIEF -- Death Funeral Burial |
Date learned: 01-21-1968
THE HOOK
A COUPLE WAS PARKING ONE NIGHT IN A FOREST PRESERVE. THEY LOOKED
UP AND SAW A MAN TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE BOY STARTED THE
MOTOR AND THEY TORE OUT OF THERE. ON THE WAY HOME THEY HEARD ON
THE RADIO THAT A MAN WITH A HOOK INSTEAD OF A HAND HAD ESCAPED
FROM PRISON. WHEN THE COUPLE ARRIVED HOME, THEY FOUND A HOOK
HANGING ON THE CAR DOOR.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 01-19-1968
COLLEEN BAWN ROCK
THERE IS A SPELL OVER ONE OF THE LAKES OF KILLARNEY. COLLEEN
BAWN (FAIR-HAIRED GIRL) WAS COUNT O'DONOGHUE'S DAUGHTER.
O'DONOGHUE WAS A FIERCE WARRIOR WHO JEALOUSLY DEFENDED KILLARNEY
FROM NEIGHBORING WARRIORS IN CORK. COLLEEN BAWN FELL IN LOVE
WITH A WARRIOR FROM CORK, AND SHE WANTED TO MARRY HIM. O'DONOGHUE
WAS SO FURIOUS THAT HE HAD HIS SOLDIERS TAKE HER OUT ON THE LAKE
TO BE THROWN ON A ROCK SO THAT SHE WOULD DIE OF HUNGER. SHE WAS
HEARD WAILING FOR MILES AROUND. THE PEOPLE COULD SEE HER FROM
THE SHORE, BECAUSE SHE WAS DRESSED IN A LONG WHITE DRESS.
FINALLY, COLLEEN DIED ON THE ROCK, WHICH IS NOW CALLED COLLEEN
BAWN ROCK. TO THIS DAY, IT IS DANGEROUS TO ROW YOUR BOAT AROUND
THE ROCK, BECAUSE COLLEEN'S SPIRIT IS UNDER THE LAKE. THE
CURRENTS ON THE LAKE ARE FROM HER SIGHING. WHEN SHE GETS ANGRY,
IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE OUT ON THE LAKE, YOU CAN GET DROWNED--THIS
HAPPENED TO THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN HER SPELL. ALSO, ON
RAINY NIGHTS WHEN THE FOG HOVERS OVER THE LAKE, COLLEEN BAWN
HAS BEEN SEEN WALKING ON THE WATER, TRYING TO REACH THE SHORE.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: 11-00-1970
THE HOOK
THIS LEGEND IS POPULAR AMONG TEENAGERS AND I'D LIKE TO RECITE ONE
VERSION THAT I HAVE HEARD. ONE NIGHT, A TEENAGE COUPLE WENT TO A
LOCAL LOVERS' LANE FOR THE OPOPORTUNITY TO BE ALONE. ON THIS SAME
NIGHT, THE GIRL HAD HEARD ON THE RADIO THAT AN INMATE OF A NEARBY
ASYLUM HAD ESCAPED AND THAT HE WAS A HOMICIDAL MANIAC, AND THAT HE
HAD ONLY ONE HAND AND ON THE OTHER HAND THERE WAS A HOOK.
THE COUPLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR A WHILE, LISTENING TO THE RADIO
AND DRINKING BEER. THE GIRL, ALL OF A SUDDEN, HAD A STRANGE
INTUITION THAT THERE WAS DANGER AROUND AND THAT THEY SHOULD LEAVE.
NATURALLY, THE BOY REASSURED HER THAT THERE WAS NOTHING TO WORRY
ABOUT, BUT SHE PERSISTED AND PERSISTED, UNTIL THE BOY LOST HIS
PATIENCE, PULLED THE GEAR SHIFT INTO FIRST AND LEFT THE LANE.
HE TOOK THE GIRL HOME AND CONTINUOUSLY REMINDED THE GIRL THAT SHE
WAS CRAZY TO THINK THAT THE FIEND WAS ANYWHERE AROUND THE LANE.
WHEN THEY REACHED HER HOUSE, HE GOT OUT TO LET HER OUT AND ON THE
REAR DOOR HANDLE THERE WAS A STRANGE OBJECT HANGING THERE--A HOOK.
Where learned: NEW HAMPSHIRE ; MILFORD
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 11-05-1967
TALE
WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL IN EUCLID, OHIO, THERE WAS A STORY
MAKING THE ROUNDS ABOUT A COUPLE WHO HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE
LOCAL LOVER'S LAND IN METROPOLITAN PARK. IT SEEMS THEY HAD
THE RADIO ON AND HEARD A NEWS REPORT ABOUT A PROWLER WHO HAD
KILLED SEVERAL YOUNG COUPLES THAT HE HAD FOUND IN PARKED CARS.
HE WAS AN ESCAPEE FROM ONE OF THE VETERANS' HOSPITALS. HE WAS
A VETERAN OF WW II OR KOREA, THIS VARIES. ANYWAY, HIS HANDS HAD
BEEN BLOWN OFF WHEN A BOMB THAT HE WAS DEACTIVATING WENT OFF.
HE HAD HOOKS ON HIS WRISTS INSTEAD OF HANDS. HIS MIND HAD
SNAPPED WITH THE SHOCK AND HE WAS CONFINED IN A MENTAL WARD,
UNTIL HE ESCAPED. THE GIRL BECAME FRIGHTENED AND INSISTED HER
BOYFRIEND TAKE HER HOME IMMEDIATELY. HE REVVED UP THE MOTOR,
BACKED UP AND TOOK OFF FOR HOME. WHEN HE GOT OUT OF THE CAR
AT HER HOUSE AND WENT OVER TO OPEN HER DOOR, HE NOTICED SOMETHING
HANGING ON THE BACK BUMPER OF THE CAR. HE TOOK HIS GIRL IN AND
CAME BACK TO INVESTIGATE. WHAT HE HAD SEEN WERE TWO HOOKS LOCKED
ON THE BUMPER, THE TYPE USED AS SUBSTITUTES FOR AMPUTATED HANDS.
HE VAGUELY REMEMBERED A SLIGHT JARRING OF THE CAR AS HE BACKED
UP AND TOOK OFF AT TOP SPEED OUT OF METROPOLITAN PARK.
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 09-00-1968
A POLISH TALE
THERE IS POLISH TALE THAT TELLS ABOUT A PEASANT WHO WALKS ALL
THE WAY FROM POSNAN TO KOZIMIERZ, POLAND, WHERE THE KING
(KAZIMIERZ THE GREAT, 1300'S) RESIDED. THE PEASANT WANTS TO
COMPLAIN ABOUT THE LORD OF HIS MANOR WHO HAD KIDNAPPED HIS
WIFE RIGHT FROM THE WEDDING PROCESSION ON THE ROAD. HE HADN'T
SEEN HER SINCE THE KIDNAPPING.
WHEN THE PEASANT REACHES KOZIMIERZ, HE STOPS AT THE MARKET PLACE
WELL TO REST. AMONG THE MERCHANTS IN THE CROWD IS THE KING, WHO
STOPS AND QUESTIONS THE PEASANT. HE THEN EXPLAINS HIS COMPLAINT
AND PURPOSE. THE KING TAKES HIM TO THE CHURCH FOR THE NIGHT
WHERE THE PRIEST HAS THE PEASANT DRAW HIS COMPLAINT ON PAPER, AS
ALL COMPLAINTS WOULD BE ATTENDED TO THE NEXT DAY BY THE KING AND
VISITING LORDS. THE PEASANT DRAWS THE ROAD AND THE MANOR AROUND
IT.
AT THE POINT WHERE THE WIFE WAS TAKEN, THE PRIEST DREW A SKULL.
MEANWHILE, THE KING WAS RETURNING TO HIS CASTLE DOWN THE ROAD.
ON THIS SAME ROAD WAS ARRIVING THE LORD OF THE MANOR IN POZNAN
TO VISIT THE KING. HE APPROACHED WITH MUCH MUSIC AND FESTIVITY
IN ORDER TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION. ON THE ROAD NEAR THE CASTLE
THE LORD NOTICED IN THE DARK A FORM MOVING ALONG. THINKING IT
WAS SOME PEASANT IN THE WAY, HE CALLS THE PEDESTRIAN A BUM AND
WANTS TO HIT HIM. JUST THEN, THE FORM, WHO WAS REALLY THE KING,
ORDERS THE LORD TO STOP AND IDENTIFIES HIMSELF.
THE NEXT DAY THE COMPLAINTS WERE BEING EXAMINED BY THE KING AND
LORDS AND THE COMPLAINT OF THE PEASANT CAME UP. THE KING EX-
PLAINED THE PICTURE BY SAYING THAT A LORD HAD KILLED THE WIFE OF
A PEASANT ON THE ROAD, INDICATED BY THE SKULL. EVERYONE WAS
SHOCKED BY THE ACTION. THE KING ASKED EACH LORD WHAT PUNISHMENT
SHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN FOR THE CRIME, AND WHEN HE CAME TO (THE)
GUILTY LORD, HE SAID THE PUNISHMENT SHOULD BE STARVATION. THE
KING THEN ANNOUNCED THAT THE LORD HAD COMMITTED (IT) HIMSELF, AND
THUS THE LORD WAS THROWN INTO THE DUNGEON BENEATH THE CASTLE TOWER
WITH ONLY SOME BREAD AND WATER, WHERE HE SOON DIED.
Submitter comment: MY GRANDFATHER REMEMBERS THIS TALE FROM HIS CHILDHOOD DAYS.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Romantic Realistic BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 10-22-1967
WEDDING CUSTOM
NANCY HONKS HAS BEEN A LONG TIME GONE. AT HER FOURTH WEDDING
RECEPTION THE GROOM IN REMOVING THE GARTER TO THROW TO THE MALE
GUESTS, HE CAME UP WITH A VARICOSE VEIN. THERE WAS NO HONEYMOON.
Where learned: NOT GIVEN
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Lie Tall tale BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 02-01-1971
THE HOOK
A TEENAGE COUPLE WAS OUT ON A DATE. THE BOY PULLED ONTO AN OLD
DIRT ROAD AND STOPPED SO THAT THEY COULD DO SOME NECKING. AS THE
BOY AND GIRL PROCEEDED, THEY HEARD A NEWS BULLETIN ON THE RADIO
WHICH SAID THAT A DANGEROUS CONVICT HAD ESCAPED FROM PRISON AND
WAS IN THE VICINITY THE COUPLE WERE PARKED. IT ALSO SAID THAT THE
CONVICT HAD A STEEL HOOK FOR ONE HAND. THE GIRL WANTED TO LEAVE
BUT THE BOY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING TO BE AGRAID OF. SO THEY
STAYED UNTIL THEY HEARD THE NEWS BULLETIN AGAIN. THE GIRL
INSISTED THAT THE BOY TAKE HER HOME. THE BOY AGREED AND DROVE
OFF. THE BOY PULLED IN FRONT OF THE GIRL'S HOME AND WENT AROUND
TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR TO OPEN THE DOOR FOR HIS DATE. AS
HE REACHED FOR THE DOOR HANDLE HE SUDDENLY JUMPED BACK STARTLED,
FOR ON THE DOOR HANDLE DANGLED AN IRON HOOK LIKE THAT DESCRIBED
AS THE HAND OF THE CONVICT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; Mount Clemens
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Outlaw Criminal Bandit Pirate PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed BELIEF -- Body part Senses Hands, palms, fingernails BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 00-00-1967
MAN WITH A HOOK: TALE
JUST OUTSIDE BOSTON IS A PLACE WHERE COUPLES PARK TO TALK, AND
MANY COUPLES ARE USUALLY THERE IN THEIR CARS. ONE NIGHT ONLY ONE
CAR WAS THERE ON A MOONLESS NIGHT. THE COUPLE HAPPENED TO HEAR
ON THE RADIO THAT AN INMANTE OF AN ASYLUM HAD ESCAPED AND WAS IN
THE AREA. THE REPORT SAID THAT HE WAS MISSING A HAND AND HAD A
HOOK INSTEAD. JUST THEN THEY HEARD A NOISE OUTSIDE AND HURRIEDLY
LEFT THE SPOT. WHEN THEY REACHED THE GIRL'S HOUSE, THE BOY WENT
TO OPEN THE GIRL'S DOOR AND THERE WAS THE HOOK ON THE DOOR HANDLE
ON A BLOODY STUMP.
Where learned: BOSTON ; Massachusetts
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Physically handicapped Deformed ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Means of transportation Vehicle propelled by mechanical or other force on land BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 10-00-1967
SLEEPY HOLLOW STORY
ONE NIGHT A YOUNG COUPLE WENT TO SLEEPY HOLLOW TO MAKE OUT. WHEN
THEY WERE READY TO LEAVE, THE CAR WOULDN'T START. THE BOY WENT TO
GET HELP AND THE GIRL LOCKED ALL THE DOORS, CURLED UP, AND FELL
FAST ASLEEP. SOMETIME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT SHE WOKE UP TO
A SCRATCHING SOUND ON THE ROOF, LIKE A TREE BRANCH BRUSHING ACROSS
THE ROOF IN THE WIND. THE NEXT MORNING THE COPS CAME AND WOKE HER
UP. WHEN SHE GOT OUT OF THE CAR, SHE SAW HER BOYFRIEND HANGING
ABOVE THE CAR, SHOES GONE AND HIS TOENAILS SCRAPING THE ROOF.
VARIATION: THE SOUND WAS A THUMPING AND THE BOY'S HEELS WERE
BUMPING ON THE ROOF.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
Date learned: 10-00-1968
THE PRESERVED TONGUE
ONE OF HIS (FATHER PLANCK'S) FORMER STUDENTS WAS MAKING OUT WITH
HIS GIRL FRIEND AND THEY STARTED FRENCHING. THERE WAS A SUDDEN
NOISE AND WHEN THE GIRL JUMPED, SHE BIT HER BOY FRIEND'S TONGUE
OFF. FATHERPLANCK THEN PRODUCED THE TONGUE, OR WHAT LOOKED LIKE
THE TONGUE, IN A JAR OF ALCOHOL. "LET THIS BE A LESSON TO YOU
BOYS," HE WOULD THEN PROCLAIM.
Submitter comment:
FATHERPLANCK OF ST. XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL IN LOUISVILLE USED TO TELL
THIS STORY TO HIS BIOLOGY CLASSES.
Where learned: KENTUCKY ; UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY ; LOUISVILLE
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Body part Senses Mouth, teeth, lips, tongue BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 10-00-1968
KNOCK KNOCK STREET
LOCATED ON ROBERT JOHN STREET IN GROSSE POINTE. WHEN A CAR IS
DRIVEN OVER IT, A KNOCKING SOUND IS MADE. THE STORY BEHIND IT
IS THAT A BOY WAS TAKING HIS GIRLFRIEND ON ROBERT JOHN AND WHEN
HE DROPPED HER OFF, HER COAT GOT CAUGHT IN THE DOOR AND HE DROVE
OFF WITH HER HANGING FROM THE DOOR. SHE KNOCKED ON HIS DOOR TO
TELL HIM SHE WAS THERE, BUT WHEN HE FINALLY STOPPED, SHE WAS
DEAD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; GROSSE POINTE WOODS
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
RUTA (COMMON NAME FOR GIRLS AMONG LITHUANIANS)
A LONG, LONG TIME AGO, WHEN UNPASSABLE FORESTS STILL EXISTED,
THERE WAS A DUKE THAT GOVERNED LITHUANIA. ALL THE OTHER DUKES
WERE AFRAID OF KARIBUTAS AND BOWED THEIR HEADS TO HIM. KARIBUTAS
WAS BRAVE AND POWERFUL. HE LIVED BETWEEN TWO FORESTS IN HIS
STRONG CASTLE. HE WAS VERY HAPPY WITH HIS WEALTH, RESPECT, BUT
HIS GREATEST JOY WAS HIS ONLY DAUGHTER WHOM HE LOVED VERY MUCH.
THEY CALLED HER RUTA.
RUTA HAPPILY RAN THROUGH THE CASTLE, SINGING LITHUANIAN SONGS.
(SHE) REJOICED AT THE FLOWERS, BIRDS' SINGING, HUNDRED-YEAR-OLD
OAKS' RUSTLING. SHE OFTEN SAT UNDER THE OLD TREES AND LISTENED
TO THEIR RUSTLING. THE DUKE'S DAUGHTER LISTENED TO THE OLD OAKS'
STORIES, AS OLD AS THEMSELVES--AS WELL AS SECRETIVE. SHE DIDN'T
EVEN NOTICE HOW HER JOYFUL DAYS OF YOUTH RAN BY.
WHEN SHE BECAME OF AGE, IMMEDIATELY FROM ALL OVER, RICH YOUNG
PRINCES AND DUKES STARTED COMING AND ASKING HER HAND IN MARRIAGE.
AND RUTA WAS SO BEAUTIFUL THAT ANYONE WHO LOOKED AT HER PROMISED
THAT HE WOULD EVEN GIVE HIS LIFE FOR HER. BUT RUTA WASN'T READY
TO GET MARRIED, SHE DIDN'T WANT TO GET MARRIED, AND THEREFORE,
DIDN'T PROMISE ANYONE.
BUT THE DUKE GOT TIRED OF LIVING ALONE AND DECIDED TO FIND HIMSELF
A SON-IN-LAW. HE FELT THAT HIS STRENGTH WAS WEAKENING, OLD AGE
WAS SETTING IN. HE CALLED RUTA TO HIS SIDE ONE TIME AND TOLD HER
THAT HE WANTS TO HAVE A SON-IN-LAW AND FOR HER, A HUSBAND. HE
SAID THAT SHE SHOULD FORGET ALL HER CHILDISH IDEAS AND THOUGHTS
AND HELP HIM TO FIND HER A HUSBAND. IF SHE DIDN'T FIND ONE IN
SIX MONTHS, THEN HE'LL HAVE TO APPOINT A HUSBAND FOR HER.
RUTA BECAME VERY SAD AFTER HEARING HER FATHER'S PLANS AND ORDERS.
SHE FELL AT HIS FEET AND BEGGED HIM, WITH TEARS IN HER EYES, TO
HAVE PITY ON HER AND NOT TO THROW HER TO A HUSBAND. BUT HER
FATHER TOLD HER THAT SHE MUST DO WHAT SHE IS TOLD.
BUT RUTA CRIED TILL WEAKENED, SHE FELL AT MILDO'S FEET (THE GODDESS
OF PURITY) AND VOWED THAT SHE WOULD KEEP HER VIRGINITY AND BECOME A
PRIESTESS. SHE KNEW THAT HER FATHER WOULD NOT LET HER DO THIS, SO
SHE DECIDED TO RUN AWAY TO ONE OF THE ROMUVAS (HOLY PLACE WHERE AN
ETERNAL FIRE BURNED TO ONE OR TWO OF THE GODS).
ON A WINDING FOREST TRAIL HURRIED A WHITE DRESSED GIRL. HER GOLDEN
HAIR, BEING MUSSED BY A GENTLE BREEZE, FELL ON HER SHOULDERS. THIS
WAS THE PRINCESS RUTA. THROUGH THE FORESTS SHE CAME ALONE TO
ROMUVA AND KNOCKED ON THE GATES. SHE WAITED A LONG TIME, WHEN ONE
OF THE PRIESTS CAME AND RECOGNIZED HER AND WELCOMED HER.
EARLY THE NEXT MORNING, THE SAME PRIEST TOOK RUTA TO THE HIGH
PRIEST. GOD'S SERVANT LISTENED TO HER, HER REASONS THAT BROUGHT
HER TO THIS HOLY PLACE. RUTA TOLD THE STORY OF HER LIFE, HER
FATHER'S DECISION AND FALLING TO HER KNEES, BEGGED THE HIGH PRIEST
TO ACCEPT HER AS A PRIESTESS.
THE HIGH PRIEST LISTENED TO HER COMPLAINTS. HIS WISE FOREHEAD
WRINKLED, HIS FACE CLOUDED OVER, BUT THE PRINCESS'S TEARS SOFTENED
HIS HEART AND WITHOUT THINKING OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN LATER, (HE)
ACCEPTED HER AS A PRIESTESS.
THE DUKE KARIBUTAS WAS SADDENED DEEPLY WHEN HE FOUND OUT THAT HIS
DAUGHTER HAD DISAPPEARED. HE BLINDLY WALKED THROUGH HIS CASTLE,
AS IF HE HAD LOST HIS WEALTH AND PRIDE. THE UNHAPPY FATHER CRIED,
JUST LIKE A MOTHER CRIES THAT HAS LOST HER LAST CHILD. HE ORDERED
EVERYONE TO LOOK FOR HER EVERYWHERE, JUST SO THAT THEY WOULD FIND
HER. THE ONE WHO FINDS HER, HE PROMISED, WOULD RECEIVE GREAT
REWARDS.
THEY SEARCHED FOR HER EVERYWHERE--THE PRINCES' AND DUKES' CASTLES,
THE ORDINARY HUTS, AND EVEN THE ROMUVAS.
ONCE, WHEN THE PRINCESS WAS MINDING THE HOLY FLAME, ONE OF THE
PRIESTS CAME AND TOLD HER THAT SOME OF HER FATHER'S MESSENGERS
HAD COME TO SEARCH FOR HER. RUTA PALED AS MUCH AS FRESHLY WOVEN
LINEN WHEN SHE HEARD THIS, AND RAN OUT INTO THE SACRED FOREST.
THERE SHE FELL UNDER AN OAK TREE AND BITTERLY STARTED TO CRY,
BEGGING THE GODS TO HAVE PITY ON HER AND NOT TO HAND HER OVER TO
HER FATHER.
THE MIGHTY GODS HEARD HER PLEAS AND PITIED HER. BUT THEY DIDN'T
WANT HER TO DEPART FROM THE EARTH WITHOUT LEAVING SOME SORT OF
SIGN, SO THEY TURNED HER INTO A SWEET SMELLING FLOWER.
THE MESSENGERS, LOOKING FOR THE PRINCESS, FOUND THE MAGICAL FLOWER
WHICH SMELLED SWEETLY IN THE WHOLE LAND. THEN THEY UNDERSTOOD
WHAT HAPPENED. IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE PRINCESS, THEY NAMED THAT
FLOWER HER NAME--RUTA.
Submitter comment:
TRANSLATED FROM LITHUANIAN BY RAMUNI STONYS. IN OLD LITHUANIA,
THE PEOPLE WORSHIPPED ANYTHING THAT WAS ALIVE--NOT GOD HIMSELF
DIRECTLY. FOR EXAMPLE, LIGHTNING, THUNDER, WIND, SUN, MOON,
TREES, ETC.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SOUTHFIELD
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Plant PROSE NARRATIVE -- Religious BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 02-06-1972
MARCHEN
ONCE THERE WAS A KING WHO HAD THREE SONS AND THEY WERE ALL
BELOVED. BEHIND THE KING'S PALACE THERE WAS A LARGE AREA WITH
SILKEN GRASS. THE GUARDS TOLD THE KING THAT THEY SAW A MYSTER-
IOUS ANIMAL GRAZE THERE, A BEAUTIFUL WHITE STALLION, BUT THEY
COULD NEVER CATCH IT. THE ELDEST SON OF THE KING GOT PERMISSION
FROM HS FATHER TO TRY TO CAPTURE THE STALLION. AS HE WAS GOING
HE MET A LITTLE MOUSE. THE MOUSE ASKED FOR A LITTLE SOMETHING
TO EAT BUT THE SON TOLD HIM TO GET AWAY. THE ELDEST SON LAID
DOWN IN THE GRASS TO WAIT FOR THE HORSE, BUT A SOFT MILD WIND
LULLED HIM TO SLEEP AND WHEN HE WOKE UP IT WAS VERY LATE. EXACTLY
THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITH THE SECOND SON. FINALLY, AFTER MUCH
PLEADING THE YOUNGEST SON WAS ALLOWED TO GO. THE LITTLE MOUSE
ASKED HIM FOR SOME FOOD AND THE BOY GAVE HIM SOME FROM HIS POCKET.
AS HE RODE AWAY THE LITTLE MOUSE SAID, "A GOOD DEED DESERVES A
GOOD DEED" BUT THE BOY COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW A LITTLE MOUSE
COULD EVER DO ANYTHING FOR HIM. THE PRINCE LAID DOWN IN THE
GRASS AND HE TOO WAS LULLED ASLEEP BY THE SOFT, MILD WIND. BUT
THE MOUSE NIBBLED ON HIS EAR AND WOKE HIM UP. WHEN HE WOKE UP
HE SAW THE BEAUTIFUL HORSE. HE JUMPED UP ON THE HORSE'S BACK AND
RIGHT AWAY. THE HORSE DISAPPEARED AND THERE WAS A BEAUTIFUL GIRL,
THE FAIRYLIKE ILONA. SHE EXPLAINED TO THE PRINCE THAT SHE HAD
BEEN TRANSFORMED. SHE HAD NEEDED SOMEONE TO STAY AWAKE TO MOUNT
HER. THE KING TOLD HIS SON THAT HE COULD MARRY THE GIRL AND HE
GAVE THEM A BIG WEDDING.
"HERE'S THE END, NOW RUN AWAY WITH IT."
Submitter comment:
DR. DAMIN LEARNED THIS STORY FROM HER MOTHER IN HUNGARY. SHE
SAYS THAT MOST OF THE TALES SHE HEARD AS A CHILD ENDED WITH THIS
TRADITIONAL ENDING TRANSLATED FROM THE HUNGARIAN.
Where learned: HUNGARY
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Mammal PROSE NARRATIVE -- Magic BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 01-00-1964
TALE: CLEVER ALICE
THERE WAS A YOUNG GIRL NAMED ALICE WHO WAS GETTING MARRIED. SHE
WENT DOWN TO THE CELLAR TO GET SOME WINE AND WAS GONE FOR A VERY
LONG TIME. FINALLY HER FATHER SENT THE MAID DOWN TO FIND OUT
WHAT WAS WRONG. THE MAID SAW ALICE SITTING THE THE CELLAR CRYING
AND ASKED HER WHAT WAS THE MATTER. ALICE SAID, "SEE THAT AXE
STUCK IN THE BEAM IN THE CEILING? ONE DAY OUR SON WILL COME DOWN
HERE, THE AXE WILL FALL DOWN AND CHOP HIS HEAD OFF." THE MAID
SAID, "TRULY YOU ARE CLEVER, ALICE," AND SHE TOO SAT DOWN AND
STARTED CRYING. WELL, PRETTY SOON THE BUTLER WENT DOWN TO FIND
OUT ABOUT THE MAID, THEN THE MOTHER, FATHER, AND FINALLY THE
BRIDEGROOM. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ALL OF THEM. THE BRIDE-
GROOM SAID, "TRULY YOU ARE CLEVER, ALICE. LET'S GO UP AND GET
MARRIED RIGHT NOW."
THEY GOT MARRIED AND ALICE TURNED OUT TO BE THE TYPE THAT SAID TO
HERSELF, "SHALL I BAKE OR DUST? I DON'T KNOW, SO I'LL SLEEP FOR
A WHILE." SO SHE WOULD FALL ASLEEP ALL DAY AND NEVER HAVE ANY
WORK DONE WHEN HER HUSBAND CAME HOME. ONE DAY HER HUSBAND TOLD
HER TO GO ROUND UP THE GEESE. WHEN SHE GOT OUTSIDE SHE SAID TO
HERSELF, "SHALL I ROUND UP THE GEESE OR FIX MY HAIR?" SHE SAT
DOWN TO THINK IT OVER AND FELL ASLEEP IN THE HAYLOFT. HER HUSBAND
GOT WORRIED AND WENT TO FIND HER. WHEN HE FOUND HER SLEEPING IN
THE HAYLOFT HE PUT A HAIR NET WITH BELLS ON HER HEAD. WHEN SHE
WOKE UP AND HEARD THE BELLS SHE WENT BACK TO THE HOUSE. SHE
KNOCKED AND ASKED FOR CLEVER ALICE. THE HUSBAND SAID, "YES,
SHE'S ASLEEP IN HER BED." THEN ALICE SAID, "WELL THEN, WHO AM
I?" THE HUSBAND SAID HE DIDN'T KNOW. SO ALICE USED TO GO FROM
DOOR TO DOOR ASKING WHO SHE WAS, AND SHE HAS NEVER BEEN HEARD OF
SINCE.
Submitter comment:
MISS DAMIN HEARD THIS TALE FROM HER HUNGARIAN GRANDMOTHER, MRS.
JOSEPHNE (JOSEPHINE?) DAMIN, WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; HUNGARY ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ordinary Tale PROSE NARRATIVE -- Stupid man or woman CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- Daily Life BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 01-00-1964
ONE-ARMED HOOK MAN
THERE WAS THIS GUY AND GIRL OUT PARKED ON LOVERS' LANE. THEY
HAPPENED TO HEAR A REPORT ON THE RADIO ABOUT A ONE-ARMED MAN
(HE HAD A HOOK FOR HIS OTHER HAND) WHO HAD ATTACKED AND KILLED A
FEW GIRLS LATELY. THE GUY OF COURSE DIDN'T TAKE THIS ACCOUNT TOO
SERIOUSLY AND HE DECIDED HE WAS GOING TO SCARE THE GIRL. SO HE
STARTED TELLING HER ALL SORTS OF GORY STORIES ABOUT THE HOOK MAN.
THE GIRL STARTED TO REALLY GET SCARED, AND THEN SHE THOUGHT SHE
HEARD SOMETHING OUT IN THE FIELD. WELL, SHE WAS ABOUT READY TO
GO INTO HYSTERICS, SO FINALLY THE GUY THOUGHT IT WAS TIME TO GO.
WHEN HE GOT TO HER HOUSE AND WENT TO LET HER OUT OF THE CAR, HE
JUST ABOUT FAINTED. FOR THERE ON THE DOOR HANDLE WAS HANGING A
LONG SILVER HOOK WITH BLOOD DRIPPING FROM THE BUTT OF IT.
Submitter comment:
THIS IS A STORY WHICH USED TO BE PASSED AROUND THE HIGH SCHOOL
CROWD IN LANSING. IT IS TOLD AS IF IT HAD ACTUALLY HAPPENED, AND
IT IS EVEN LOCALIZED.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT
Date learned: NOT GIVEN
HAUNTED HOUSE
ABOUT 50 YEARS AGO, IN WEST SALEM TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA, A YOUNG
MAN SOON TO BE MARRIED BUILT A HOUSE ON BARRY ROAD FOR HIS BRIDE.
HOWEVER, WHEN THE DAY OF THE WEDDING ARRIVED, THE YOUNG MAN CHANGED
HIS MIND AND STOOD UP HIS INTENDED BRIDE.
THE HOUSE WAS NEVER LIVED IN BY ANYONE AND IS BELIEVED BY
RESIDENTS OF THE AREA TO BE HAUNTED BY THE COUPLE.
Submitter comment:
MY AUNT, FROM WHOM I HEARD THIS STORY, LIVES IN THE AREA OF THE
SUPPOSEDLY HAUNTED HOUSE.
Where learned: PENNSYLVANIA ; MICHIGAN ; WYANDOTTE ; WEST SALEM TOWNSHIP
| Subject headings: | PROSE NARRATIVE -- Ghost Spirit Phantom Specter PROSE NARRATIVE -- Product or activity of man or animal ART CRAFT ARCHITECTURE -- Other Structure for Private Use BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 10-00-1964
Entry filtered.
FRATERNITY PLEDGE DIES
THE MEMBERS OF A FRATERNITY, AS PART OF THE INITIATION, HAD A
PLEDGE PLACED ON THE TOP OF A LADDER. TELLING HIM HE WAS ATOP
A 10-STORY BUILDING, THEY PUSHED HIM OFF. THE PLEDGE DIED OF
FRIGHT.
Submitter comment: HE SAID THAT HE SAW THIS IN A NEWSPAPER.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- School BELIEF -- Marriage |
Date learned: 11-02-1967