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By Ash, Oak and Thorn: the perfect cosy read for children, chosen as one of Countryfile's best books of 2021

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Lora O’Brien, suggested looking into Fergus Kelly’s article ‘ Trees in Early Ireland‘ and added that she, like the others I’d talked to, had never heard of the idea outside of modern Druidry. In By Ash, Oak and Thorn (May 2021) three Hidden Folk no bigger than your hand wake from their winter sleep in the hollow trunk of an old ash tree. They set out on a journey to find a new home, as well as to try and meet more of their kind who, in the face of human environmental destruction, seem to be disappearing. These lyrics are based on the version performed by the Longest Johns in their livestreams; the original lyrics can be found here. Old Irish is tromm; Modern Irish is trom; Scots Gaelic, troman, droman; Welsh, ysgawen; Cornish, scawen; Breton, skavenn.

By Ash, Oak and Thorn: the perfect cosy read for children

There is a short, wonderful scene in the beginning when a young child, Ro discovers them and can even speak the language of natures’ creatures, the Wild Argot. Adventure into the wild world of the Hidden Folk - Their job is to look after the natural environment, and if you pay attention you may even catch a glimpse of one! If you’ve spent any time in either Celtic paganism or around modern pagans with an interest in the Fair Folk you may have run across the phrase “by oak, ash, and thorn” usually either tied to the idea that these three are signs of fairy presence or that they ward off fairy mischief when branches or twigs of each are tied together.

Both reside in the UK with Stephanie being the creator and Adam the artist behind the gorgeous images. As well as being magical, written with great warmth and humour, there is also a strong environmental message, delivered gently but clearly. Simple and slow can of course be good things where there’s a nuanced philosophy or world to explore but Harrison’s feel basic.

Oak and Ash and Thorn | The Longest Song Wiki | Fandom Oak and Ash and Thorn | The Longest Song Wiki | Fandom

According to the pseudo-history Lebor Gabála 'Book of Invasions', the sacred oak of early Ireland was that of Mugna, probably located at or near Dunmanogoe, south Co. This story is filled with examples of kindness, secure relationships, healthy communication (including disagreements), navigating big/scary feelings, empathy, compassion, unconditional love, as well as respect for the natural world, an interesting look at the personalities and ethos of different animals, and perspective about humanity’s impact on nature. So, at this point at least, unless I find anything else ² to indicate it predates Kipling, it looks like the idea of oak, ash, and thorn as a ‘fairy triad’ is a modern concept. I understand that (often very frustrating and defeating) feeling, but it often took away from the story itself and felt like the author was venting. A trio of Hidden Folk go on a quest to find more of their kind, and meet lots of amazing animal friends along the way.

Back in early 2020 as the world was turned on its head, many of us sought the guidance of tarot to help us through a wild and crazy time. Each one does a beautiful job of telling a story and evoking the spirit, wisdom and nature of each card in a traditional RWS deck. Britons under Roman occupation worshipped a goddess of the oak tree, Daron, whose name is commemorated in a rivulet in Gwynedd. Humanity’s baleful influence is constantly bemoaned but not really dramatised: it’s not human action that destroys the protagonists’ ash-tree home or imperils Moss at the end that, or really constitutes any of the obstacles.

By Ash, Oak and Thorn by Melissa Harrison | Goodreads

They get a lot of help from both furry and winged friends, they encounter dangerous situations and they never give up despite being terrified at times.A tale of the rich, wild world and all its wonder, By Ash, Oak and Thorn couldn’t be more relevant to the environmental concerns of today, brought to life by three tiny, funny, eternal beings – the Hidden Folk. I dabbled with tarot on and off since my teen years, but it was the passing of my father that really drew me to the cards. Along their journey, they meet lots of animals and other creatures, but also notice how much change there has been in the countryside.

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