LBB Ire 232-351
8/3/06
10:45 AM
Page 238
Myths
& Folk Tales The Silkie Wife by Patrick Kennedy
hose in Shetland and Orkney Islands who know no better, are persuaded that the seals, or silkies, as they call them, can doff their coverings at times, and disport themselves as men and women. A fisher once turning a ridge of rock, discovered a beautiful bit of green turf adjoining the shingle, sheltered by rocks on the landward side, and over this turf and shingle two beautiful women chasing each other. Just at the man’s feet lay two seal-skins, one of which he took up to examine it. The women, catching sight of him, screamed out, and ran to get possession of the skins. One seized the article on the ground, donned it in a thrice, and plunged into the sea; the other wrung her hands, cried, and begged the fisher to restore her property; but he wanted a wife, and would not throw away the chance. He wooed her so earnestly and lovingly, that she put on some woman’s clothing which he brought her from his cottage, followed him home, and became his wife. Some years later, when their home was enlivened by the presence of two children, the husband awaking one night, heard voices in conversation from the kitchen.
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Job no:8350 Title : LBB Ireland Client : WKT Scn : #150 Size : 165.1(w)165.1(h)mm Co : M8 Mac J Dept : DTP D/O : 07.08.06 (Job no:000000 D/O : 00.00.01 Co: CM0)
DIC
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