In Ulster Folklore (1913) Elizabeth Andrews writes that the fairies, believed to be fallen angels, are especially dreaded on Hallow Eve night, and that in some places oatmeal and salt are put on the heads of children to protect them. She first heard of this custom in the valley of the Roe, where there are a large number of forts said to be inhabited by the fairies.
She says the neighbourhood of Dungiven on that river is rich in antiquities. A souterrain was said to lie under the Cashel or White Fort, believed built by the Danes, and another under Carnanbane Fort, and not far off are the stone circles at Aghlish. An old woman of ninety-six showed them to her and said it was a very gentle place and it would not be safe to take away one of the stones.
Andrews uses it as an example of the belief that to interfere with stone, tree or fort belonging to the fairies brings disaster. Gentle is used here in the old sense of fairy, the gentry or gentle folk.
Comments