School: Aughagrania (roll number 14670)

Location:
Achadh Ghráinne, Co. Liatroma
Teacher:
Miss Róisín Mulvey
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0208, Page 043

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0208, Page 043

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  3. XML “Will Cooper the Blacksmith”

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  1. (continued from previous page)
    43
    coin in his purse and returned home. When he went to bed that night he put the purse under his pillow. But the devil made such a commotion that Will could not sleep so he got up took the purse, put it on the anvil and beat it with the hammer until the devil begged for mercey. He promised to go away and never come near the place more if Will would only release him. Will agreed and let him go.
    After some time Will died but when he tried to get into heaven the gates were barred against him. He would not be allowed into purgatory either and so he went down to hell. When he knocked the gate the devils wouldnt let him in there either as they were all afraid of him. He begged them to give him a light to light his way back to earth. The devils lit a wisp and passed it out through the bars and Will started back to earth. Ever since he has wandered about the earth carrying the lighted wisp. When people see a flickering light at night they say it is will 'o' the wisp.
    (continues on next page)
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Folktales index
    AT0330A: The Smith and the Devil (Death)
    Language
    English
    Collector
    Terea Mc Carron
    Gender
    Unknown
    Address
    Achadh Ghionaí, Co. Liatroma
    Informant
    Frank Mulvey
    Gender
    Male
    Age
    67
    Occupation
    Farmer
    Address
    Achadh Choille Breac, Co. Liatroma