All Comments on 'Daughter of Light'

lin

sux

1 star

can you provide translations for the faerie language?

At the end the faierie queen says,

“I should have torn out your two grey eyes, Tambling, put in two eyes of tree (wood). I should have torn out that heart of flesh, Tambling, put in a heart of stone.”

I confess, I lifted it almost verbatim from Child Ballad 39b. I believe it is a representation of the Scots dialect. I feel it's different enough from standard English to have a feeling of “otherness” while still being somewhat understandable.

I highly recommend Ewan MacColl's version of the ballad of Tam Lin. It is sung almost entirely in this dialect.

The tale of Tam Lin originates from Scotland and dates back to at least the 16th Century. It is a traditional folk story and there are many different versions. I chose to use Tambling, instead of Tam Lin, as in Anne Briggs' rendition.

I have tried to stick quite closely to tradition, mixing and matching elements from different versions as I saw fit and also adding in a few of my own. I wanted to treat the story with sensitivity and respect for tradition, so I tried not to leave too much out or add too much in.

I hope some of you enjoyed it!

I gather you're familiar with the song about Tam Lin, recorded by Fairport Convention around 1970. In their version, the Faerie Queen turns Tam Lin into a tree, leaving Janet (the princess of the hall) to raise her child without a father. Great song, about 7 minutes long, but I like your version of the story better.

Tam Lin song by Fairport Convention is a favourite of mine. It differs in a few details from your story, but is very similar. I loved your telling of it! Thank you!