Monday 30 April 2012
Tune of the Day: King of the Fairies
Traditional Irish tune
One tale attached to this traditional dance tune has it that “King of the Fairies” is a summoning tune, and if played three times in a row during a festivity the King must appear. Once summoned, however, the King assesses the situation, and if the gathering is to his liking he may join in; if however, he does not find it to his liking he may cause great mischief. “King of the Fairies” appears to be derived from a Jacobite tune called “Bonny Charlie”, appearing in many 18th-century Scottish and English publications.
Thanks to Jess for suggesting this tune!