The Science
of
Fairy Tales

AN INQUIRY INTO FAIRY MYTHOLOGY.

BY

EDWIN SIDNEY HARTLAND,

FELLOW OF THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES.

PREFACE.

The chief object of this volume is to exhibit, in amanner acceptable to readers who are not specialists,the application of the principles and methods whichguide investigations into popular traditions to a few ofthe most remarkable stories embodying the Fairy superstitionsof the Celtic and Teutonic peoples. Some ofthe subjects discussed have already been dealt with bymore competent inquirers. But even in these casesI have sometimes been able to supply additional illustrationsof the conclusions previously arrived at, andoccasionally, I hope, to carry the argument a step ortwo further than had been done before. I have thustried to render the following pages not wholly valuelessto students.

A portion of the book incorporates the substance ofsome articles which I contributed to “The ArchæologicalReview” and “Folk-Lore.” But these have been to aconsiderable extent re-written; and it is hoped that inthe process wider and more accurate generalizations havebeen attained.

My hearty thanks are due to the various friends whosegenerous assistance has been recorded in the footnotes,and especially to Professor Dr. George Stephens, theveteran antiquary of the North, and Mr. W. G.Fretton, who have not measured their pains on behalfof one whose only claim on them was a common desireto pry into the recesses of the past. I am under stilldeeper obligations to Mr. G. L. Gomme, F.S.A., who hasso readily acceded to my request that he would read theproof-sheets, and whose suggestions have repeatedly beenof the greatest value; and to Mr. Havelock Ellis for thecounsel and suggestions which his experience has morethan once enabled him to give as the book was passingthrough the press.

I have been anxious to enable the reader who cares todo so to verify every statement made; but some ofthem no doubt have escaped reference. Many booksare cited again and again, and in similar cases thereader's time is frequently wasted in searching for thefirst mention of a book, so as to ascertain its title andother particulars. To avoid the trouble I have so manytimes experienced in this way, I have put together inan Appendix a list of the principal authorities made useof, indicating them by the short title by which they arecited in the footnotes, and giving sufficient bibliographicaldetails to enable them to be identified. Classics andworks which are in every one's hands I have not thoughtit necessary to include in the list.

E. S. H.

Barnwood Court, Gloucester,
24th October, 1890.

CONTENTS.