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Willy Howe

Artificial Mound

Folklore

Another story connected with Willy Howe - in Jennifer Westwood's 'Albion' (and originally from 'Hone's Table Book of 1827). I retell it as a warning to you all to respect the fairies.

One of the fairies who lived in Willy Howe had rather a crush on a local man. She wanted to help him, so she told him that if he came to the top of the Howe early every morning he would find a guinea waiting for him. However, he must never tell anyone where he got his money from.
For some time he did exactly as she said, and as his money grew he was able to live comfortably (and finally maybe a bit too comfortably). His friends were surprised and suspicious at his new found wealth, and couldn't understand why he was so secretive about its source. Eventually one night the man could keep his secret no longer and told one of his friends. In the morning he took his friend to the hill to show him the guinea that would be there. Of course there was no money at all. He 'met with a severe punishment' and was beaten up by invisible fists. For ever after that he found he had lost his luck.
Rhiannon Posted by Rhiannon
21st April 2004ce

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