THE BLACK COCK
by James Bowker · from Goblin Tales of Lancashire
Adapted Version
Eli liked to tell stories. He sat by the warm fire. 'Listen,' he said. 'I have a strange story for you. It happened a long, long time ago.'
I was a young boy then. I went to a sad time. Many people were there.
They were ready to lift the coffin. Then a loud bang came. It shook the house. They all felt scared.
A boy saw a thing. He shouted, 'Look!' Black rooster sat on it. It just appeared there. It was very strange.
Men tried to push it off. They hit it with sticks. They threw stones at it. But the black rooster always came back. It sat on the coffin again. It did not move. It was very still.
We went to the grave place. The Vicar came to meet us. He saw the black rooster. He did not like it. He thought it was a prank.
The Vicar grabbed the rooster. He walked to a small stream. He put the rooster in the water. He held it there. He wanted it to go away.
But the rooster flew out. It was not hurt. It flew right back. It sat on the coffin again. It was very strange.
The Vicar began the service. The black rooster stayed there. It watched all. It was very quiet.
Men lowered the coffin down. The rooster stayed on it. They filled the grave with earth. Then the rooster flew. It sat on the grave mound.
People watched the rooster. They watched until dark. They thought it was very strange. They felt a little scared. It was a spooky rooster.
The next morning came. I went back with friends. The grave was still there. The black rooster was gone. It flew away.
I never knew where it came from. I never knew where it went. The Vicar said it was an old secret. It was a spooky secret.
Eli smiled. 'No one knew why the rooster came. It was a secret. A spooky secret from long ago. And then it was gone.'
Original Story
THE BLACK COCK.
'AY,' said Old 'Lijah, 'I mind one time when they said th' Owd Lad hissel appear't i' broad dayleet, an' wir seen bi hunderts o' fowk, owd an' yung.'
There was a dead silence for a little while as the listeners gathered nearer the blazing fire, two or three of them getting a little further away from the door, against which the wind was dashing the snow, and then 'Lijah resumed: 'When I wir a lad, me an' mi mestur wer ast to a berryin. Ther wer a deeol o' drink stirrin, th' coffee pot, wi th' lemon peel hangin aat, gooin abaat fray one side to th' tother fast enough, and at last o' wer ready, but just as they wer baan to lift th' coffin a clap o' thunder shuke th' varra glasses o' th' table.
'Th' chaps as hed howd stopped a bit an' lukt raand, but th' deead chap's feythur shouted, "Come on, lads, or wist be late, an' th' paason waynt berry;" so they piked off, but no sooner hed they getten' i' th' street nor a lad i' th' craad cried out, "Heigh, chaps, luk at th' black cock 34 on th' top o' th' coffin," an' sure enough theer it wor. One o' th' beerers said directly as they'd enough to carry wi'out ony passingers, an' up wi' his fist an' knockt it off, but it wer on ageean in a minit, an one bi' one they o' hed a slap at it, but every time it wer knockt off back it flew to it' place at th' deead mon's feet, so at last th' owd mon give th' word of command, an' off they startit wi' th' looad. Th' craad geet bigger afooar they reached th' owd country church wheer he hed to be berried, an' th' fowk geet a throwin stooans at th' black bird, an' hittin it wi' sticks an' shaatin at it, but it stuck theer like a fixter.
'After a while we reached th' graveyart, an' th' paason come deawn th' road fray th' church door to meet th' coffin, an' he wer just baan to start th' service when he see th' brid an' stopped.
'"What han yo' got theere?" he says, lukin varra vext, for he thowt some marlock wer gooin on. "What han yo' theere, men?"
'Th' owd feythur stepped forrut an' towd him what hed happent, an' as nooan on 'em could freetun it off it peeark naythur wi' sticks or stooans or sweearin.
'"It's a strange tale," said th' vicar, "but we moant hev no brids here! Yo' fowk keep eaut o' th' graveyart nobbut thuse as is invitet to th' funeral! I'll settle him for yo!" an' so sayin he grabbed howd o' th' cock, an' walked o'er th' graves wi' it to a place wheer th' bruk run under th' hedges, an' then he bent deawn o' th' floor an' dipped th' bird i'th' watter, an' held it theer for abaat a quarter ov an hour.
'No sooner had he getten up, heawever, nor th' brid flew up eaut o' th' watter quite unhort, an' hopped o'er th' grass to th' coffin an' peearkt ageean as if nowt hed happent.
'Th' vicar lukt varra consarnt for a while, an' skrat his yed as he staret at th' fowk.
'Theer's summat not reet abaat that brid,' he said, 'but that's no rayson why we shouldn't bury th' deead!' an' he pottert off toart th' grave, an' th' beerers carriet th' coffin to th' side, an' th' sarvice wer gone through, wi' th' bird harkenin every word like a Christian.
'Th' chaps then startit o' lowerin th' coffin into th' grave, an' th' brid still stuck o' th' peeark, an' it wer nobbut when th' hole wer filled, as it came above graand ageean, an' theer it set on th' maand.
'A craad o' fowk waited abaat an' hung on th' graveyart wo' till th' edge o' dark, an' then they piket off whoam, for they begun to think as mebbi it were th' Owd Lad hissel, but a twothree on us stopped till it wer neet afooar we went after 'em, th' cock sittin theear just th' same as it hed done i' th' dayleet.
'It were usual i' thuse days to watch th' graves for a few neets, for ther wer a deeal o' resurrectionin' gooin on i'o' directions, th' body-snatchers hevin mooar orders than they could attend to; but though th' deead chap's feythur offert brass an' plenty o' drink an' meyt to anybody as ud keep a look aat, not one dar do it, an' th' deead mon wer laft to tek care o' hissel, or for th' brid to mind him.
'Soon after dayleet th' next mornin I went wi' a twothree moor young chaps to see heaw th' place lukt, an' th' grave hedn't bin brokken into, but th' brid had flown, and fray that day to this I could never find aat ayther wheer it coom fray or went to, but I heeart as th' vicar said it met be th' Owd Lad claimin' his own.'
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Old 'Lijah recounts a strange incident from his youth at a funeral where a mysterious black cock appeared on the coffin. Despite repeated attempts by pallbearers, the crowd, and even the vicar (who tried to drown it), the bird could not be removed and always returned to its perch. It remained on the coffin throughout the service and then on the grave mound, terrifying the villagers. No one dared to watch the grave overnight, and by morning, the bird was gone, leaving its origin and purpose a chilling mystery, with the vicar suggesting it was the Devil claiming his own.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to fear to lingering unease
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The mention of 'resurrectionin'' and 'body-snatchers' refers to the historical practice of grave robbing for medical dissection, which was prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries in Britain.
Plot Beats (14)
- Old 'Lijah begins telling a story to a group of people gathered around a fire.
- He recounts attending a funeral as a lad, where there was much drinking before the procession.
- As the coffin is about to be lifted, a clap of thunder startles everyone.
- A black cock appears on top of the coffin, noticed by a boy in the crowd.
- Pallbearers and the crowd repeatedly try to knock the bird off with their hands, sticks, and stones, but it always returns to its perch.
- At the graveyard, the vicar sees the bird and, believing it a prank, tries to remove it.
- The vicar attempts to drown the bird in a brook, holding it underwater for a quarter of an hour.
- The bird flies out of the water unharmed and immediately returns to the coffin.
- The funeral service proceeds with the bird silently observing from the coffin.
- The bird remains on the coffin as it is lowered and only leaves its perch when the grave is filled, settling on the mound.
- Villagers watch the bird on the grave until dark, fearing it might be the devil.
- No one dares to watch the grave overnight due to the bird's presence and fear of body-snatchers.
- The next morning, 'Lijah and others find the grave undisturbed and the bird gone.
- 'Lijah never learns where the bird came from or went, but the vicar suggests it was 'th' Owd Lad claimin' his own'.
Characters
Old 'Lijah ◆ supporting
A man of advanced age, likely with the stooped shoulders and weathered hands typical of a working-class individual from rural England in the late 19th or early 20th century. His build would be lean from a lifetime of labor.
Attire: Typical working-class attire of the period: a dark, sturdy wool jacket, a simple linen or cotton shirt, possibly a waistcoat, and dark trousers. His clothes would be practical and well-worn, perhaps with a cap or flat cap when outdoors.
Wants: To share his memories and impart wisdom or entertainment to his listeners.
Flaw: Perhaps a tendency to embellish stories slightly for dramatic effect, or a deep-seated fear of the supernatural that he tries to mask with bravado.
Remains consistent as the storyteller, his character doesn't change within the narrative of the 'Black Cock' story, but he serves as the conduit for the tale.
Observant, traditional, a captivating storyteller, slightly superstitious, and experienced.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly English man, lean build, slightly hunched posture, facing forward. He has a deeply wrinkled, ruddy face, with kind, observant blue eyes and thin, short grey hair. He wears a dark, sturdy wool jacket over a simple white linen shirt and dark trousers. His hands are gnarled and resting in front of him. He has a thoughtful, slightly mischievous expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Black Cock ⚔ antagonist
A large, robust rooster, entirely black. Its feathers would be glossy and iridescent, reflecting light with a subtle sheen. It would appear unusually solid and unyielding, almost as if carved from obsidian.
Attire: Its natural plumage, which is entirely black.
Wants: Implied to be a manifestation of 'th' Owd Lad hissel' (the Devil), its motivation is to claim the deceased man's soul or simply to cause disruption and fear.
Flaw: None apparent in the story; it is impervious to physical harm and human attempts to remove it.
Remains consistent throughout the story, appearing, resisting all attempts to remove it, and then vanishing after its purpose is fulfilled.
Persistent, defiant, unnerving, seemingly supernatural, and indifferent to human efforts.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large, robust rooster, entirely black with glossy, iridescent feathers. It has a prominent, bright red comb and wattles, and small, intensely dark, beady eyes. It stands with an unnaturally rigid and still posture, facing forward. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Deead Chap's Feythur (Deceased Man's Father) ◆ supporting
A man of mature age, likely showing the weariness of grief but also the resolve of a patriarch. His build would be sturdy, typical of a working man from the region.
Attire: Somber, dark, and practical funeral attire of the late 19th/early 20th century English working class. Likely a dark wool suit or a dark jacket and trousers, possibly a dark tie or cravat. His clothes would be clean but not necessarily new.
Wants: To ensure his son receives a proper burial according to custom, despite the supernatural interference.
Flaw: His inability to comprehend or deal with the supernatural, leading to frustration and eventual resignation.
Starts as a figure of authority and tradition, but becomes increasingly helpless and bewildered by the Black Cock's persistence, ultimately resigning himself to the strange circumstances.
Determined, traditional, grieving, practical, and eventually bewildered.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult English man, sturdy build, facing forward. He has a stern, grief-stricken face with a furrowed brow, and short, thinning grey hair. He wears a dark, practical wool jacket over a dark shirt and dark trousers, suitable for a funeral. His hands are clasped in front of him. He has an expression of determination mixed with deep sorrow. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Paason (Vicar) ◆ supporting
A man of respectable stature, likely well-fed and of a comfortable build, reflecting his position in the community. He would carry himself with an air of authority.
Attire: Formal clerical attire of the late 19th/early 20th century English church: a black cassock or a dark suit with a clerical collar. His clothes would be well-maintained and clean, signifying his status.
Wants: To conduct a proper, orderly funeral service and maintain the sanctity of the church and graveyard.
Flaw: His rational worldview is challenged by the supernatural, leading to frustration and a loss of control.
Begins as a figure of authority who dismisses the bird as a prank, attempts to deal with it through physical means and religious authority, but ultimately becomes baffled and resigned to its supernatural nature.
Authoritative, traditional, initially dismissive, easily vexed, and ultimately bewildered by the supernatural.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult English man, comfortable build, facing forward. He has a clean-shaven face with a furrowed brow, and neatly combed, greying hair. He wears a black cassock with a white clerical collar. His hands are raised, one scratching his head, with an expression of profound bewilderment and concern. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Old 'Lijah's Fireside
A cozy, warm interior with a blazing fire, where listeners gather closely, contrasting with the cold, snowy wind outside.
Mood: Intimate, suspenseful, slightly fearful due to the ghost story
Old 'Lijah recounts the tale of the black cock, setting a spooky mood.
Image Prompt & Upload
A warm, dimly lit interior of a humble English cottage, perhaps a stone-built dwelling, with a large, roaring fireplace casting flickering orange light across rough-hewn timber beams and a stone hearth. Several figures are huddled close to the fire, their faces illuminated by the flames, while a heavy wooden door, slightly ajar, reveals a glimpse of swirling snow and darkness outside. The air inside is thick with the warmth of the fire, contrasting sharply with the biting cold beyond. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Bereaved Family's House
A house where a wake is held, filled with people, drink, and the coffin. A clap of thunder shakes the glasses on the table.
Mood: Somber, chaotic, tense, with an underlying sense of unease
The funeral procession is about to begin, and the first supernatural event (thunder, then the cock appearing) occurs.
Image Prompt & Upload
The interior of a modest, perhaps slightly cluttered, 19th-century English working-class home, likely a stone or brick terraced house. A polished wooden coffin rests prominently in the center of a room, surrounded by a gathering of somberly dressed people. A coffee pot with lemon peel hangs from its spout on a nearby table, laden with glasses that subtly vibrate from a recent clap of thunder. The light filtering through a window is dim and grey, suggesting a stormy winter day. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Village Street
A bustling street where the funeral procession moves, attracting a growing crowd. People throw stones and sticks at the black cock on the coffin.
Mood: Public, agitated, bewildered, escalating tension
The black cock's persistent reappearance on the coffin is witnessed by many, causing public alarm and attempts to dislodge it.
Image Prompt & Upload
A narrow, muddy cobblestone street in a northern English village during winter. A solemn funeral procession, centered around a dark wooden coffin, moves slowly. Perched conspicuously on the coffin is a jet-black cock. A growing crowd of villagers, dressed in heavy woolens, lines the street, some with expressions of fear and others actively throwing small stones and sticks towards the coffin. The sky above is a uniform, heavy grey, casting a cold, diffused light. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Old Country Church Graveyard
An old, established graveyard surrounding a country church, with graves, hedges, and a brook running underneath. A stone wall encloses the graveyard.
Mood: Solemn, eerie, sacred yet disturbed, later desolate and fearful
The burial service takes place, the vicar attempts to banish the cock, and the cock remains on the grave through the night, deterring body-snatchers.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sprawling, ancient English country church graveyard in winter, with weathered, moss-covered headstones leaning at various angles amidst sparse, frost-kissed grass. A small, stone-built church with a simple bell tower stands in the background. A low, crumbling stone wall encloses the graveyard, and beyond it, a small brook flows under thick, bare hedges. A freshly filled grave mound is visible, with a solitary, ominous black cock perched motionless atop it. The light shifts from a pale, cold afternoon to the deep blue of twilight, then to a clear, star-dusted night sky. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
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