THE INVISIBLE BURDEN
by James Bowker · from Goblin Tales of Lancashire
Adapted Version
Grandpa had a funny story. It was a little road, heavy cart. He sat by the fire. His friends sat with him. Grandpa liked to tell stories. Grandpa said, "A story. Long ago. About a road."
A man named Adam drove his cart. A horse pulled the cart. Adam went down a little road. It was a fast road. Adam liked to go fast. The road had a wet spot. Water ran over the road. The horse stopped very fast. Adam was very surprised. He fell out of the cart. He was not hurt.
The horse tried to pull. It pulled and pulled. The cart did not move. It was very heavy. Adam pushed the cart. It still did not move. Many friends came to help. They pushed the cart. They pushed and pushed. The cart moved slowly. It was a strange day. Other carts came. They got stuck too! Every cart got stuck there. It was a mystery. No one knew why. The road was very strange.
Grandpa was a papa then. He had a little boy. His boy was named Will. Will said, "Papa, let's go!" So they went. Their cart got stuck. It would not move. The horse pulled hard. It tried and tried. The horse was scared.
Will looked at the cart. He saw something there. "Papa, I see him!" Will said. "Little man! Red hat! On cart!" Grandpa looked. He saw nothing there. The little man saw Will. Pop! He was gone. He was not there. The cart moved then. It moved very easy. The horse was happy. After that day, no cart got stuck. The little man never came back. Will helped everyone. He saw what others did not. Grandpa finished his story. The end.
Original Story
THE INVISIBLE BURDEN.
AT the junction of the four cross roads, gleaming white in the hot sunshine and hawthorn-bounded, and marked by the parallel ruts made by the broad wheels of the country carts, the old public house of the Wyresdale Arms was scarcely ever without a number of timber wagons or hay carts about its open door, the horses quietly munching from the nose-bags and patiently waiting until their owners or drivers should emerge from the sanded kitchen.
Nathan Peel's hostelry was the half-way house for all the farmers and cart-drivers in the district, and generally quiet enough at night time, but from its capacious kitchen roars of laughter rang out many a summer afternoon, as the carters and yeomen told their droll stories.
On one of these occasions, when the sun was blazing outside, and shimmering upon the sands and the distant sea, and through the open window the perfume of the may-blossom stole gently, a quaint looking old fellow, whose face had been bronzed by three-score summers and winters, happened to mention an occurrence as having taken place about the time of 'th' quare weddin',' and a chorus of voices at once called upon him for the story.
'It's quite forty year sin,' he said thoughtfully, 'an' I wir quite a young chap then, an' ready for any marlock. I could dance too wi' hear an' thear one, an' no weddin' wir reet wi'aat axin' me. This one I'm baan to tell abaat heawivir wir Mester Singleton's owdest son o' th' Dyke Farm, an' as he wir weddin' th' prattiest lass i' o' th' country side, varra nigh everybody wir theear, 'specially as Mester Singleton hed given it aat ther'd be a welcome for onnybody. A string o' nearly twenty conveyances, milk carts, an' shandrys, an' gigs, went to th' church wi' fowk o' seein' 'em wed; but comin' back, young Adam started off wi' his young wife as if he wir mad, an' isted o' gooin' th' owd road across th' Stone Brig, an' through th' Holme meadow he pelted off through th' Ingleton Road an' th' Owd Horse Lane. Th' mare seemed to know what th' young chap wir up to, an' to enter into th' spirit o't' thing an' off hoo went like th' woint, th' string o' shandrys an' milk carts an' gigs peltin' on at after abaat a mile behint, an' th' fowk laughin' an' shaatin' at th' fun. Th' gate into th' Owd Horse Lane wir wide open, so th' fowk wir disappointed as expected to gain a minnit or two wi' Adam hevin' to get daan theer to oppen it, an' into th' lane th' mare dashed, an' on hoo went as if th' shandry an' Adam an' his wife wir nowt behint her. Abaat midway i'th' lane heawever th' road dipped a bit, an' th' watter fra a spring i'th' bank ran o'er it, an' just afoor th' shandry reyched it th 'mare stopped o' of a sudden, an' Adam flew aat o'er th' horse's back an' pitched into th' hedge like leetnin'. Th' wife shaated as if he wir kilt, but he'd no bones brokken, an' when we geet up to him he crept aat o'th' prickles wi' a shame-faced look as if he'd bin catcht thievin'. Ther wir some rare jokin' as he climbed up to th' side of his wife an' lasht the mare for another start, but it wir no use, th' mare couldn't stir th' conveyance. Adam lasht away at her, but stir it hoo couldn't, an' at last eight or ten on us set to an' turned th' wheels for twenty or thirty yards an' it wir th' same as if it wir a timber-wagon, it wir that heavy. It wir th' same wi' every one o'th' conveyances, not one could be got o'er th' watter only wi' eight or ten on us toilin' an' slavin' at th' wheels, no matter heaw th' horse strained an' pulled. Nobody could make aat what it wir, an' th' Vicar came an' look't abaat but could find nowt. He said, heawever, th' Owd Lad had some hand in it, an' he warned th' fowk not to use th' road when they could help it. Many an' many a time heawivir, I see carts stuck theear bi' th' day together, for some chaps wouldn't be persuaded not to go through th' lane, for it wir a short cut, an' other chaps went i' nowt but darin' when they'd hed a sup o' drink. It went on for some years like that, an' fowk came fray far an' near to see it. I'd gettin' wed mysen and hed a farm on the Holme, but I used to go raand to it bi'th' owd road across the Brig, but one day, a breet hot day, I'd mi little lad i'th cart an' he bothert mi to go through th' lane, he wantit to see th' Owd Lad he said, an' as he started o' cryin' abaat it, I went. Well, the cart stuck i'th' owd place bi th' runnin' watter, an' th' little lad wir deleeted. I geet daan an' took howd o'th' wheel, for I knew it wir no use usin' the whip, an' th' horse wir sweatin' as if it wir rare an' 'freetont, when little Will shaated aat o' ov a sudden 'Feythar, I con see him!' 'See what?' I sang aat, an' broad dayleet as it wir, mi knees wir quakin'. 'A little chap i'th' cart,' he said, 'a fat little chap wi' a red neet cap on.' 'Wheer is he?' I shaated, for I couldn't see owt. 'Theer on th' cart tail,' he said, an' then he shaated 'Why, he's gone,' an' no sooner hed he spokken than th' horse started off wi' th' cart as if it hed nowt behint it.
Thir never wir a cart stuck theer at after that, an' th' Vicar said it wir because little Will hed persayved th' Feeorin, an' as Will hed th' gift o' seein' feeorin an' sich like because he wir born at midneet.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
At a country pub, an old man recounts a strange local legend from his youth. Forty years prior, a wedding party's cart mysteriously became impossibly heavy at a specific spot in a shortcut lane, requiring many men to push it. This phenomenon plagued the lane for years, with carts repeatedly getting stuck, despite the Vicar's warnings about 'th' Owd Lad'. Decades later, the narrator, now a father, takes his young son, Will, through the lane. Their cart also gets stuck, but Will, born at midnight with the gift of second sight, suddenly points out a 'fat little chap' on the cart's tail. As soon as Will names the spirit, it vanishes, and the cart moves freely, never to be stuck again.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to wonder to resolution
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects common folk beliefs and social gatherings in rural England, likely in the 19th or early 20th century, where local legends and superstitions were part of everyday life.
Plot Beats (13)
- At the Wyresdale Arms, an old public house, carters and yeomen gather to share stories.
- An old man begins to tell a story from forty years ago, about a 'quare weddin'.
- Young Adam and his bride, after their wedding, race off in their shandry down the Old Horse Lane shortcut.
- The mare suddenly stops at a watery dip in the lane, throwing Adam into a hedge.
- The cart becomes impossibly heavy, and the mare cannot move it, even with Adam lashing her.
- Eight to ten men are needed to push the cart a short distance to get it unstuck.
- All subsequent carts in the wedding procession also get stuck at the same spot and require similar effort to move.
- The Vicar suggests 'th' Owd Lad' is involved and warns against using the lane, but some continue to get stuck for years.
- The narrator, now a father, is convinced by his young son, Will, to take the shortcut one day.
- Their cart gets stuck at the familiar spot, and the horse is terrified.
- Will, who was born at midnight and can see spirits, suddenly points out a 'fat little chap with a red neet cap on' on the cart tail.
- The spirit disappears, and immediately the cart moves freely as if nothing was behind it.
- No cart ever gets stuck at that spot again, attributed to Will's unique perception.
Characters
The Old Fellow (Narrator) ◆ supporting
A quaint-looking old man, his face deeply bronzed by many decades of outdoor work under the sun and through winters. He is likely of average height and a sturdy build, typical of a working-class man from rural Lancashire.
Attire: Typical working-class attire for a 19th-century English countryman: likely a sturdy, dark wool or fustian jacket, a waistcoat, a simple linen shirt, corduroy trousers, and heavy leather boots. Practical and durable clothing suitable for farm work or cart driving.
Wants: To share a memorable local legend and entertain his companions at the public house.
Flaw: Perhaps a tendency to cling to old beliefs and superstitions, even if they lack concrete explanation.
He serves as the primary narrator, recounting a past event. His perspective shifts from a young participant to an older, reflective storyteller.
Thoughtful, observant, a good storyteller, traditional, somewhat superstitious (believing in the 'Owd Lad' and 'Feeorin').
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly English countryman with a deeply bronzed, weathered face, prominent wrinkles around his eyes and mouth. He has thin, wispy white hair and kind, observant light blue eyes. He wears a dark, sturdy wool jacket over a grey waistcoat, a simple cream linen shirt, and dark corduroy trousers. His posture is slightly stooped but attentive. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Adam Singleton ◆ supporting
A young, energetic man, likely of a sturdy build typical of a farmer's son in rural England. He is impulsive and strong enough to attempt to lash a stubborn mare.
Attire: Wedding attire for a farmer's son in 19th-century rural England: likely a dark, well-made suit of wool or fustian, a clean white shirt, and possibly a cravat. Practical but celebratory.
Wants: To celebrate his wedding with exuberance, perhaps to show off, and later to get his cart moving.
Flaw: Impulsiveness and a quick temper (lashing the mare).
Starts as a joyous, reckless newlywed, then experiences frustration and public embarrassment when his cart gets stuck, becoming a cautionary tale for others.
Impulsive, spirited, a bit reckless (driving madly after his wedding), determined (lashing the mare), easily shamed.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young English man in his early twenties, with a sturdy build and a slightly flushed, shame-faced expression. He has short, practical dark brown hair and earnest brown eyes. He wears a dark wool suit jacket, a white linen shirt, and dark trousers, slightly disheveled from a fall. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Adam's Young Wife ○ minor
Described as 'th' prattiest lass i' o' th' country side', implying a generally attractive appearance. Likely of a slender or average build, typical of a young woman in rural England.
Attire: Wedding dress for a country lass in 19th-century rural England: likely a simple but elegant dress, possibly in white or a light color, made of fine linen or cotton, perhaps with some lace trim. Practical yet beautiful.
Wants: To celebrate her wedding and enjoy her new life with Adam.
Flaw: Her vulnerability and fear when Adam is in danger.
She experiences the excitement and then the unexpected trouble of her wedding day, becoming a witness to the mysterious burden.
Initially joyful and spirited (joining in the mad dash), then concerned and perhaps a bit frightened (shouting when Adam falls).
Image Prompt & Upload
A young English woman in her late teens or early twenties, with a pretty, oval face, clear blue eyes, and rosy cheeks. Her light brown hair is neatly styled in an updo with a few loose curls framing her face. She wears a simple but elegant cream-colored linen wedding dress with delicate lace trim at the neckline and cuffs. Her expression is one of alarm and concern. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Little Will ★ protagonist
A small child, likely thin and active, as he is easily able to point out what he sees. His small size makes his perception of the 'Feeorin' even more striking.
Attire: Typical child's clothing for a 19th-century English country boy: likely a simple linen shirt, short trousers or breeches, and sturdy leather shoes. Practical and comfortable for playing.
Wants: To see the 'Owd Lad' and experience the mystery of the lane.
Flaw: Childish naivety and persistence, which could lead him into dangerous situations if not for his father's presence.
He starts as a curious child, then becomes the unwitting hero who, through his unique ability, breaks the spell of the invisible burden.
Curious, persistent (bothering his father), observant, delighted by the unusual, brave (not scared by the 'Owd Lad').
Image Prompt & Upload
A small English boy around five years old, with a curious, innocent face, wide blue eyes, and messy light brown hair. He wears a simple cream linen shirt and dark brown breeches. He is pointing excitedly with his right hand, a look of wonder and delight on his face. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Feeorin (Invisible Burden) ⚔ antagonist
A fat little chap, visible only to those with the gift of sight. Its 'fat' description implies a heavy, perhaps squat build, contributing to the 'burden' it represents.
Attire: Its only described attire is a 'red neet cap' (red night cap), which is a traditional piece of sleepwear, suggesting a domestic or perhaps mischievous nature.
Wants: To cause trouble and inconvenience, perhaps to guard the shortcut or simply for its own amusement.
Flaw: Being seen by someone with the gift of second sight, which causes it to vanish.
It exists as a persistent, unseen obstacle, then is revealed and banished by Little Will's sight, ending its reign of trouble.
Mischievous, burdensome, persistent (staying in the lane for years), unseen until confronted.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, plump, childlike figure with a round, pale face and no visible hair. It wears a bright red conical night cap. Its body is slightly translucent, as if just on the edge of visibility. It is sitting on the back of a wooden cart. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Wyresdale Arms Public House
A traditional English public house, gleaming white in the hot sunshine, bounded by hawthorn hedges, with parallel ruts from country cart wheels leading to its open door. Inside, the capacious kitchen has sanded floors.
Mood: Lively, convivial, gossipy, warm
The setting for the old man's story about 'th' quare weddin'' and the invisible burden.
Image Prompt & Upload
A traditional English public house, 'Wyresdale Arms', gleaming white in hot summer sunshine, with a thatched roof and half-timbered upper story. Hawthorn hedges line the approach, and deep parallel ruts from cart wheels lead to its open wooden door. Several timber wagons and hay carts are parked outside, their horses patiently munching from nose-bags. The air shimmers with heat, and the sky is a clear, bright blue. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Old Horse Lane - Dipped Road with Spring
A rural lane that dips slightly, where water from a spring in the bank runs over the road. The lane is initially entered through a wide-open gate.
Mood: Mysterious, frustrating, later eerie, then relieved
The central location where carts become inexplicably stuck due to an invisible burden, and where the narrator's son, Will, finally sees the 'Feeorin'.
Image Prompt & Upload
A narrow, rutted dirt lane in the English countryside, gently dipping downwards. At the lowest point, clear spring water flows across the path from a mossy bank on one side, creating a shallow ford. Dense, thorny hedges line both sides of the lane, with wild roses and brambles. The sun is bright and high, casting dappled light through the overhead canopy of mature oak and ash trees. The ground is a mix of packed earth, small stones, and wet mud where the water crosses. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
](/library-files/english/james_bowker/goblin_tales_of_lancashire/satans_supper_24_a24/images/cover/cover_001.png?w=150)