The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

THE LITTLE PEOPLE

WHEN THE DEVIL REBELLED AGAINST GOD, YOU KNOW HE FOUGHT WITH ST.
MICHAEL. WELL, SOME OF THE ANGELS JUST SAT ON THE FENCE AND
WAITED TO SEE WHO WOULD WIN THE FIGHT. (THEY WERE AFRAID TO TAKE
SIDES, YOU KNOW). WHEN MICHAEL WON HE COULDN'T DECIDE WHAT TO DO
WITH THE ANGELS WHO HAD SAT ON THE FENCE. YOU CAN'T STAY IN HEAVEN,
HE TOLD THEM, BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T HELP ME. BUT YOU DON'T DESERVE
TO GO TO HELL EITHER. SO HE PUT A LITTLE ISLAND DOWN ON EARTH AND
SAID, YOU CAN LIVE THERE. IT'S THE CLOSEST TO HEAVEN YOU CAN GET
ON EARTH. THE ISLAND IS IRELAND, OF COURSE, AND THE ANGELS BECAME
THE LITTLE PEOPLE.

Submitter comment: MRS. MCCLOSKEY HEARD THIS AS A CHILD IN BELFAST, IRELAND ABOUT
1910.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 00-00-1910 ; 01-13-1964