The Serpent Knight, and Other Ballads

"The Serpent Knight, and Other Ballads" by George Borrow is a collection of lyrical ballads likely written in the early 20th century. This book features a variety of stories that blend elements of folklore, mythology, and romance, capturing the imagination through its exploration of mythical figures and themes of love, transformation, and the supernatural. Borrow's work encapsulates the rich tradition of ballad storytelling, drawing upon the narratives and motifs prevalent in earlier folk tales. The collection includes several narratives, each centered around enchanted characters and transformative experiences. "The Serpent Knight" tells of a girl who must navigate the challenges of a serpent suitor, ultimately finding love when the serpent transforms into a handsome knight. "Sir Olaf" recounts the tragic fate of a knight ensnared by the Elfin Queen, leading to his untimely death. Other ballads like "The Treacherous Merman" and "The Cruel Step-Dame" explore themes of betrayal, enchantment, and the struggle against malevolent forces. Each ballad illustrates Borrow's ability to weave lyrical beauty into compelling stories that reflect the complexities of love, loyalty, and the interplay between humanity and the magical world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Henry Borrow was an English writer of novels and of travel based on personal experiences in Europe. His travels gave him a close affinity with the Romani people of Europe, who figure strongly in his work. His best-known books are The Bible in Spain and the novels Lavengro and The Romany Rye, set in his time with the English Romanichal (Gypsies).