
An Old Story
- Language
- English
- Collector
- Bridie Keane
- Informant
- Mary Keane
- Age
- 60
(= Andersen's “Fire‑Steel”). Three nights in succession the spirit brings the princess to the hero. In his flight the hero leaves the blue light behind. A comrade brings it to him in prison and it saves him from punishment. The spirit comes in response to a light made by a fire steel or firestone found in an underground room. When the hero is to be executed he asks permission to light his pipe and thus calls the spirit to his rescue.
“Nuair a fuair Ruaidhrí Ó Flaithbheartaigh as an bPáirc bás, bhí muinntir na háite ag rádh go raibh go leor airgid i bhfolach i sean-bhallaí an tighe.”
“Bhí rí 'na chómhnuidhe i gCaisleán Ráthchonáin na céadta bliadhain ó shoin agus bhí arm mhór aige.”
“One time an old soldier came home saying "left, right" until he met an old witch.”