The Washer of the Ford: Legendary moralities and barbaric tales

"The Washer of the Ford: Legendary Moralities and Barbaric Tales" by William Sharp is a compilation of enchanting stories inspired by Celtic lore, penned in the late 1800s, exploring ideas of enchantment, virtue, and how old pagan views mix with the beginnings of Christianity, often shown through characters that highlight these cultural struggles. A key figure is the Washer of the Ford, a mysterious character linked to dying and being saved, along with others such as Torcall the Blind Harper, who take journeys full of soul-searching and realizations. Initially, the beginning sets a thoughtful mood, touching on subjects of sorrow and the unseen links between then and now. The tale begins with Torcall the Harper grieving Aodh-of-the-Songs' passing and promising to celebrate him through sadness. On his nighttime journey, he deals with the balance between living and dying, meeting the Washer of the Ford—a puzzling woman who cleans men’s wrongdoings. This start not only presents Torcall but draws attention to destiny, how people and the supernatural interact, and the detailed Celtic stories that fill the chapters.