> From: dai berry [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>
> For my history dissertation I am researching the wells, spouts and springs
>
> in the village where I live (Llangynwyd).
>
Sounds like lots of fun. Hawddamor!
> I would like to hear from anyone
> who has come across folk tales (I don't believe there is anything in the
> Bible either) relating to well water turning foul as a result of an
> argument
> between families/neighbours etc.
>
> I have read of wells drying up in retribution for actions against a
> saint/fairies etc. I also remember being told of a story where a water
> source turned foul as a child but cannot remember a thing about it.
>
I've read stories of Irish wells drying up, losing their healing
value, or even relocating to another site because of an offensive action.
For example, in one story a well dried up because the (Protestant) landowner
fenced it off so that the (Catholic) people who worked for him could not
approach the well. Probably the best sources for Irish well stories are:
Patrick Logan, Irish Holy Wells
Brenneman & Brenneman, Crossing the Circle at the Holy Wells of
Ireland
Ma/ire Mac Neill, Festival of Lughnasa
> Also is there any significance in the re-dedication of wells in the name
> of
> the Virgin or Saint Mary?
>
It may mean that the well was originally dedicated to a goddess
figure earlier on. But, at least in Ireland, not all wells were originally
dedicated to gods and goddesses--at least in name--and, even in the
Christian period, they change names every so often. Some wells have multiple
names. Brenneman & Brenneman have a nice discussion of names and wells. Mac
Neill examines the names of a few wells in depth, relating the names to the
folklore attached to Lughnasa celebrations connected with the well.
Francine Nicholson
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