Folks of All Mythology

 The Morning After     And it was on the next morning when Owen O'Mulready waited for his master to pass by so he might report back to him about his dream. James Taafe was not long. In fact, he was earlier than usual.     "What have you to report?" James asked for he was very curious to hear how Owen's first dream had gone.     "What haven't I to report?" Owen said. "I thought I was halfway to America when I awoke climbing halfway up my chimney covered in soot! There was a rogue of a crane and some strange-looking sailors and, by God!, even the plants talked." Owen shook his head. "I shan't be envious of people who dream anymore."     "It does sound like a harrowing adventure," James said. "You're sure you've no desire to dream anymore?"     "None whatsoever!"     James nodded and started on his way when Owen stopped him. "What is it you need Owen O'Mulready?"     "Was it no...

  Dancing with fairies. 1895. John D. Batten ( More Celtic Tales )     My favorite story from Part B of the unit was definitely "The Legend of Knockgrafton." In all, it was a really good story, came with a song, had the good guy get rewarded, and the unethical guy gets punished (even if it was a little overboard). Aside from the plot and characters, I really liked how it portrayed the fairies' behavior.     The idea of fairies being bright, merry, joyful creatures is mostly a Disney invention. In folklore, fairies (even the nice ones) are vindictive and fickle with a strict moral code tailored to each individual. Classical fairies are tough to deal with! Some are outright hostile. Others are easily agitated by violence. Most are gracious as long as you follow their rules.     But...what are their rules?     Excellent question!     Answer?     Who knows.     No, really. Depending on the story, the protagonist is e...

  Dream of Owen O'Mulready. 1895. John D. Batten. (Source:  More Celtic Fairy Tales )     "Dream of Owen O'Mulready" was my favorite story from this unit. This was partly because it was one of two stories that weren't sad, but it was mostly because the story is just a trip! Owen's dream was wild from start to finish. I really liked how there wasn't a clear transition. At the beginning of his dream, I really didn't know what was a dream and what was reality.  I mean, it became clear pretty soon, but when he's "woken up," the reader isn't clued in on the fact he's dreaming already.     In all, I'm fascinated by dreams. Are they our brain working through our stresses and thoughts? Are they pure nonsense? Somewhere in between? It's interesting how the basis of the story is because Owen had never had a dream. Since it's a fairy tale, it makes me wonder if he was born that way or cursed? Either would be very fairy-tale-clich...