“The Bonnie Hind”

Description

A sailor, new come from the sea, sees a girl and sleeps with her. After the deed is done, they exchange names, only to find they are brother and sister. The sister stabs herself; the brother buries her and goes home grieving

Notes

Friedman states that the only recorded collection of this song was from a Scottish milkmaid in 1771. -PJS

On the scientific evidence that brothers and sisters raised apart are particularly likely to fall in love, and some further speculation as to why, see the notes to "Babylon, or, The Bonnie Banks o Fordie [Child 14]." - RBW

Cross references

• cf. "The King's Dochter Lady Jean" [Child 52] (plot)
• cf. "Sheath and Knife" [Child 16] (plot, lyrics)
• cf. "Babylon, or, The Bonnie Banks o Fordie" [Child 14] (plot)
• cf. "Lizie Wan" [Child 51] (theme)

References

1. Child 50, "The Bonnie Hind" (1 text)
2. Friedman, p. 172, "The Bonny Hind" (1 text)
3. DT 50, BONNYHND
4. Roud #205
5. BI, C050