In a message dated 13/09/2000 15:25:06, you write:
<< Brecht's heroine is a whore who has
lived through many a hardship during her life. After her death she is sent
away by the doorkeepers of heaven and hell likewise. Can anybody give me a
hint if their is a similar motive in a Scottish or English folk ballad? >>
This is very similar to the Will-o-the-wisp stories told in America and
Britain and Ireland. The "hero" has, during life, frightened the bejasus out
of the Devil (if that's not a very mixed metaphor) by means of his wit and
is rejected by heaven and hell - the Devil however gives him a little fire
pot of his own by the flickering light of which he can be identified on damp
nights in marshy places.
See Richard Chase: American Folk Tales and Songs for Chase's "refined"
version.
John Moulden
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|