The
White Hare of Howden
Art by Carmon
Deyo
Story
by DeborahAnne Mac Gillivray
The White
Hare of Howden is a traditional Irish folk song, which tells
of the white hare, a near mythical beastie so fast even the swiftest
of greyhounds can never catch it. I think this was probably based
on an ancient tale, about the daughter of an Ard Righ (High King)
of Ireland. She was the most beautiful woman, but wild in spirit,
and all the men for years paid court to her. Not willing to give
herself into the power of any man, and being fleet of foot, she
gave the young swains, literally and figuratively, a run for
their life. After years of this going on, the King decided enough.
At the feast of Beltaine, he decreed any man, noble or serf,
who could catch his daughter would be the man to marry her. This
did not set well with the lass, so she went to the wise-woman
and asked for a magick drink to make her as fast as a hare. Well,
the auld witch was getting up a years, and misheard what the
young woman asked. So on the day of the race, the princess drank
drown the foul smelling brew. Instead of being as fleet as a
rabbit, she turned into one. Well, none of the men could catch
this hare. Terrified, she ran and ran, deep into the woods, hunted
by hounds. Until she was finally snared in a trap. When the woodsman
came to check, he found not his supper, but the most beautiful
princess in the land. He carried her back to the King, who being
true to his word saw the couple promptly married. Since the woodsman
was as handsome as the princess was beautiful, she did not mind
at all. Greyhounds have always been important to the Celts in
lore, history and legend. Elizabeth de Burgh, wife of Robert
the Bruce, was permitted by Edward the Longshanks, when he imprisoned
her for many years, to take her three greyhounds as companions.
36"
X 36" handpainted silk wallhanging. Signed & dated (1/5)
Limited edition of five.
$500.00
- SOLD OUT
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