Fables, Fairies and Folklore of Newfoundland

Edith Fowke is a professor emeritus at York University and author of the
recently published Canadian Folklore: Perspectives on Canadian Culture.

The two authors learned the three longest tales from their grandmother,
Mary (Strang) McCarthy. These are typical marchen: “Open, Open
Greenhouse” about witches and spells; “The Big Black Bull of Hollow
Tree” about transformations and magic talismans; and “Jack, Bill and
Tom and the Ship That Could Sail over Land and Water” about curses and
blessings, giants, and tricks.

The second section, “Fairy Lore,” gives three short tales similar
to those reported in other Maritime collections. The third, “Miracles,
Prophecy and Witchcraft,” has eight short stories dealing with the
Devil, witches, a priest, and a legend about a well. “Ghost Stories”
has five accounts of local hauntings, and “Superstitions, Cures and
Weather Lore” lists Newfoundland popular beliefs about charms,
healers, and folklore related to the months.

The book contains authentic folklore apparently gained through direct
contact with Newfoundlanders. A little more indication of the sources
would have made it more valuable.