The Brownie of Bodsbeck, and Other Tales (Vol. 2 of 2)

"The Brownie of Bodsbeck, and Other Tales (Vol. 2 of 2)" by James Hogg is a collection of short stories written in the early 19th century. The focus of this volume appears to be on folk tales enriched with elements of Scottish lore, exploring themes of magic, morality, and the supernatural. The central character introduced in the opening tale is Davie Tait, who grapples with both real-life challenges and supernatural influences in the backdrop of rural Scotland. At the start of the tale, Davie Tait wakes early to tend to his ewes but finds himself preoccupied with the remarkable events of the previous night, likely connected to the legendary Brownie of Bodsbeck. As he approaches his destination, he discovers that the Brownie has mysteriously harvested half of a neighbor's corn while he slept. This discovery sparks excitement and curiosity among his fellow villagers, who accompany him to witness the Brownie’s work. Notably, the presence of Katharine, a young woman who shows little concern for the magical happenings around her, indicates potential interpersonal dynamics that may unfold in the narrative. The opening sets the stage for a blend of rural life, local superstition, and the exploration of community relationships intertwined with the mystical, hinting at the magic that shapes their lives. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Hogg was a Scottish poet, novelist and essayist who wrote in both Scots and English. As a young man he worked as a shepherd and farmhand, and was largely self-educated through reading. He was a friend of many of the great writers of his day, including Sir Walter Scott, of whom he later wrote an unauthorised biography. He became widely known as the "Ettrick Shepherd", a nickname under which some of his works were published, and the character name he was given in the widely read series Noctes Ambrosianae, published in Blackwood's Magazine. He is best known today for his novel The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner. His other works include the long poem The Queen's Wake (1813), his collection of songs Jacobite Relics (1819), and his two novels The Three Perils of Man (1822), and The Three Perils of Woman (1823).