Dream of Owen O'Mulready
by Joseph Jacobs · from Collected Folk Tales
Adapted Version
Owen was a happy man. But he wanted to dream. He never had a dream.
His friend James had an idea. "Sleep by the fire," James said. "Then you will dream."
Owen went home. He told his wife Margaret. "I will sleep by the fire," he said. Margaret said, "Okay." They made a bed by the fire. They went to sleep.
Soon, Owen was dreaming. A voice said, "Wake up!" It said, "Take this letter to a faraway land!" Owen put on his boots. "It is late," he thought.
He walked and met a bird. "Hello, Owen!" said the bird. "Go to the sea," the bird said. "Thank you," said Owen.
At the sea, he saw a crane. "I can fly you," said the crane. Owen got on her back. They flew over the water.
Suddenly, the crane cried, "I am tired! Get off!" "No!" said Owen. "I will fall!"
He saw a kite in the sky. "Help!" Owen shouted. He grabbed the kite's rope. The crane laughed and flew away.
Owen hung from the rope. He would not let go. "Let go!" someone shouted. "No!" said Owen. "I will fall in the water!"
He saw a boat. "Hello, boat!" Owen called. He kicked his shoe to wave. The shoe flew down.
"Ouch!" screamed Margaret in bed. The shoe hit her! She woke up. "Owen, where are you?" she asked.
She lit a candle. She saw Owen. He was climbing the chimney! He was all black with soot. He had one shoe.
Owen came down. He washed his face. "I am clean," he said. "I am happy to be awake." He smiled. "No more dreams for me!"
Original Story
DREAM OF OWEN O'MULREADY
here was a man long ago living near Ballaghadereen named Owen O'Mulready, who was a workman for the gentleman of the place, and was a prosperous, quiet, contented man. There was no one but himself and his wife Margaret, and they had a nice little house and enough potatoes in the year, in addition to their share of wages, from their master. There wasn't a want or anxiety on Owen, except one desire, and that was to have a dream—for he had never had one.
One day when he was digging potatoes, his master—James Taafe—came out to his ridge, and they began talking, as was the custom with them. The talk fell on dreams, and said Owen that he would like better than anything if he could only have one.
"You'll have one to-night," says his master, "if you do as I tell you."
"Musha, I'll do it, and welcome," says Owen.
"Now," says his master, "when you go home to-night, draw the fire from the hearth, put it out, make your bed in [76] its place and sleep there to-night, and you'll get your enough of dreaming before the morning."
Owen promised to do this. When, however, he began to draw the fire out, Margaret thought that he had lost his senses, so he explained everything James Taafe had said to him, had his own way, and they went to lie down together on the hearth.
Not long was Owen asleep when there came a knock at the door.
"Get up, Owen O'Mulready, and go with a letter from the master to America."
Owen got up, and put his feet into his boots, saying to himself, "It's late you come, messenger."
He took the letter, and he went forward and never tarried till he came to the foot of Sliabh Charn, where he met a cow-boy, and he herding cows.
"The blessing of God be with you, Owen O'Mulready," says the boy.
"The blessing of God and Mary be with you, my boy," says Owen. "Every one knows me, and I don't know any one at all."
"Where are you going this time of night?" says the boy.
"I'm going to America, with a letter from the master; is this the right road?" says Owen.
"It is; keep straight to the west; but how are you going to get over the water?" says the boy.
"Time enough to think of that when I get to it," replied Owen.
He went on the road again, till he came to the brink of the sea; there he saw a crane standing on one foot on the shore. [77]
"The blessing of God be with you, Owen O'Mulready," says the crane.
"The blessing of God and Mary be with you, Mrs. Crane," says Owen. "Everybody knows me, and I don't know any one."
"What are you doing here?"
Owen told her his business, and that he didn't know how he'd get over the water.
"Leave your two feet on my two wings, and sit on my back, and I'll take you to the other side," says the crane.
"What would I do if tiredness should come on you before we got over?" says Owen.
"Don't be afraid, I won't be tired or wearied till I fly over."
Then Owen went on the back of the crane, and she arose over the sea and went forward, but she hadn't flown more than half-way, when she cried out:
"Owen O'Mulready get off me; I'm tired."
"That you may be seven times worse this day twelvemonths, you rogue of a crane," says Owen; "I can't get off you now, so don't ask me."
"I don't care," replied the crane, "if you'll rise off me a while till I'll take a rest."
With that they saw threshers over their heads, and Owen shouted:
"Och! thresher, thresher, leave down your flail at me, that I may give the crane a rest!"
The thresher left down the flail, but when Owen took a hold with his two hands, the crane went from him laughing and mocking. [78]
"My share of misfortunes go with you!" said Owen, "It's you've left me in a fix hanging between the heavens and the water in the middle of the great sea."
It wasn't long till the thresher shouted to him to leave go the flail.
"I won't let it go," said Owen; "shan't I be drowned?"
"If you don't let it go, I'll cut the whang."
"I don't care," says Owen; "I have the flail"; and [79] with that he looked away from him, and what should he see but a boat a long way off.
"O sailor dear, sailor, come, come; perhaps you'll take my lot of bones," said Owen.
"Are we under you now?" says the sailor.
"Not yet, not yet," says Owen.
"Fling down one of your shoes, till we see the way it falls," says the captain.
Owen shook one foot, and down fell the shoe.
"Uill, uill, puil, uil liu—who is killing me?" came a scream from Margaret in the bed. "Where are you, Owen?"
"I didn't know whether 'twas you were in it, Margaret."
"Indeed, then it is," says she, "who else would it be?"
She got up and lit the candle. She found Owen half-way up the chimney, climbing by the hands on the crook, and he black with soot! He had one shoe on, but the point of the other struck Margaret, and 'twas that which awoke her.
Owen came down off the crook and washed himself, and from that out there was no envy on him ever to have a dream again.
[80]
Story DNA
Moral
Be careful what you wish for, as reality can be far more comfortable than the adventures of a dream.
Plot Summary
Owen O'Mulready, a content man, longs to experience a dream. Following his master's unusual instructions to sleep on the hearth, Owen embarks on a vivid dream journey to America, encountering talking animals and being left suspended over the sea. As he tries to signal a boat in his dream by kicking off his shoe, the real shoe strikes his sleeping wife, Margaret, waking her. Margaret discovers Owen physically stuck in the chimney, covered in soot, and his dream-induced adventure cures him of ever wishing for another dream.
Themes
Emotional Arc
contentment to bewildered adventure to relief
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects a pre-industrial, rural Irish setting where master-servant relationships were common and simple desires like having a dream could be a significant personal longing.
Plot Beats (13)
- Owen O'Mulready, a content workman, has never had a dream and wishes for one.
- His master, James Taafe, tells him to sleep on the hearth after drawing out the fire to induce a dream.
- Owen convinces his wife, Margaret, to let him follow the instructions, and they sleep on the hearth.
- In his dream, Owen is summoned to deliver a letter to America for his master.
- He encounters a talking cowboy who confirms his path to the west and the sea.
- At the sea, he meets a talking crane who offers to fly him across.
- Mid-flight, the crane claims tiredness and demands Owen get off, despite his protests.
- Owen sees threshers above and grabs a flail they lower, but the crane flies away, leaving him suspended.
- He refuses to let go of the flail, even when threatened, and spots a boat in the distance.
- Owen tries to get the boat's attention by kicking off his shoe.
- The shoe, in reality, hits Margaret, waking her with a scream.
- Margaret finds Owen half-way up the chimney, covered in soot, with one shoe on.
- Owen descends, washes himself, and is cured of his desire to ever have a dream again.
Characters
Owen O'Mulready ★ protagonist
None explicitly mentioned, but implied to be a working man, likely sturdy from manual labor.
Attire: Working clothes, including boots, appropriate for digging potatoes and traveling.
Contented, quiet, initially curious about dreams, resourceful (in his dream), stubborn, easily frustrated.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man in his early twenties with a lean, athletic build and a determined expression. He has messy auburn hair and bright green eyes. He wears a forest-green tunic with leather bracers, brown trousers, and sturdy traveler's boots. A simple leather satchel is slung across his body. He stands in a confident, ready posture, one hand resting on the hilt of a short sword at his belt. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Margaret ◆ supporting
None explicitly mentioned.
Attire: Nightclothes, as she is in bed.
Practical, concerned for Owen's sanity, easily startled.
Image Prompt & Upload
A kind-faced woman in her mid-forties with warm brown eyes and a gentle smile. Her auburn hair is neatly pulled back into a practical bun. She wears a simple, long-sleeved dress of soft grey wool over a white blouse, with a clean, white apron tied at the waist. Her posture is upright and welcoming, one hand slightly extended as if offering assistance. She stands in a poised, attentive manner. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
James Taafe ○ minor
None explicitly mentioned, but described as a 'gentleman'.
Attire: Gentleman's attire of the period.
Amused, mischievous, gives unusual advice.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy around ten years old with short, tousled brown hair and curious hazel eyes. He wears a simple tunic of undyed linen, belted at the waist, with dark brown trousers and worn leather boots. His posture is slightly hesitant, standing with his weight on one foot, hands clasped nervously in front of him. His expression is one of cautious wonder. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Crane ⚔ antagonist
A crane standing on one foot.
Attire: Feathers.
Initially helpful, then deceitful, mocking, easily tired.
Image Prompt & Upload
A tall, slender figure with an elongated neck and sharp, angular features. Their skin is pale, almost porcelain, with high cheekbones and narrow, piercing eyes that gleam with cold intelligence. They wear a high-collared, dark indigo coat with subtle iridescent sheen, reminiscent of feathers, tailored to emphasize their lean, imposing frame. Long, elegant fingers are clasped behind their back in a posture of calculated patience. Their hair is slicked back severely, dark as a raven's wing, without a strand out of place. A faint, knowing smirk plays on their thin lips, suggesting cunning and disdain. They stand with regal, unnerving stillness, exuding an aura of aristocratic menace. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Cow-boy ○ minor
None explicitly mentioned.
Attire: Likely simple, rustic clothing suitable for herding cows.
Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable about the local area.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy around 8-10 years old with a sun-weathered face and a determined, playful expression. He wears a dusty, wide-brimmed cowboy hat, a faded red plaid shirt, worn denim jeans held up by a leather belt with a large buckle, and scuffed brown leather boots. He stands in a confident, slightly bow-legged pose, holding a coiled lasso in one hand. His hair is a tousled, sandy brown peeking out from under his hat. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Thresher ○ minor
None explicitly mentioned.
Attire: Working clothes, carrying a flail.
Helpful (initially), then impatient, threatening.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man with a weathered, sun-tanned face and calloused hands, wearing a roughspun brown tunic, a leather apron, and patched trousers. His graying hair is short and messy. He holds a wooden flail over one shoulder, his posture strong and slightly weary. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Sailor ○ minor
None explicitly mentioned.
Attire: Sailor's attire.
Inquisitive, cautious.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy, around ten years old, with a cheerful, wind-swept expression and bright eyes. He wears a classic navy blue and white striped sailor shirt, wide-leg trousers, and sturdy brown leather boots. A traditional white sailor hat with a black ribbon sits atop his short, tousled blond hair. He stands proudly with one hand on his hip, looking slightly upward as if gazing at the horizon. His posture is confident and ready for adventure. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Owen and Margaret's Hearth
The central hearth of Owen and Margaret's small house, where they usually have a fire. For the dream, the fire is drawn out, and their bed is made directly on the hearth.
Mood: initially cozy and familiar, then becomes the surreal starting point for a dream adventure
Owen and Margaret sleep here to induce a dream; Owen wakes up halfway up the chimney, covered in soot.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, rustic stone hearth dominates the center of a dim, cozy cottage room. The fireplace is cold, its ashes silver-grey in the moonlight. A simple wooden bed with rumpled linen sheets rests directly upon the wide hearthstone, bathed in a soft, ethereal blue glow from a full moon visible through a small, leaded window. Dust motes dance in the moonbeams. The walls are rough-hewn timber, with a few dried herbs hanging from a beam. A single, forgotten woolen sock lies on the packed earth floor. The atmosphere is profoundly quiet, still, and dreamlike, with a chill in the air. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Foot of Sliabh Charn
The base of a mountain named Sliabh Charn, where Owen encounters a cowboy herding cows.
Mood: mysterious, slightly disorienting as Owen doesn't recognize the cowboy who knows him
Owen's first encounter on his journey to America, where he receives directions.
Image Prompt & Upload
At the foot of Sliabh Charn, early morning mist clings to the vast, grassy slopes under a soft, overcast sky. A rough, winding dirt path cuts through emerald-green fields dotted with mossy boulders and patches of purple heather. In the middle distance, a weathered wooden fence line borders a lush meadow. The mountain's lower ridges are layered in muted blues and greys, their peaks lost in low-hanging clouds. Cool, diffused light highlights the dew on the grass and the dark, wet stones of a small, trickling stream. The atmosphere is quiet, damp, and expansive, with a sense of remote, pastoral solitude. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration
Brink of the Sea
The edge of the ocean, where Owen arrives after walking. A crane is standing on one foot on the shore.
Mood: vast, daunting, a barrier to his journey, but also a place of unexpected aid
Owen realizes he needs to cross the water and is offered a ride by a crane.
Image Prompt & Upload
Late afternoon sun casts long shadows across a serene shoreline where turquoise waves gently lap against wet, golden sand. A solitary grey crane stands motionless on one leg at the water's edge, its silhouette reflected in the shallow tide. The sky blazes with soft peach and lavender hues, hinting at the approaching sunset. Smooth, water-worn stones and sparse, windswept dune grass dot the beach, leading to a distant, hazy horizon where sea meets sky. The air feels still and quiet, with a soft, diffused light illuminating the tranquil scene. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Mid-air over the Great Sea
Suspended between the heavens and the vast expanse of the ocean, after the crane abandons Owen. He is holding onto a flail dropped by a thresher.
Mood: perilous, desperate, absurd, surreal
The climax of Owen's dream journey, where he is left in a dangerous and ridiculous predicament, leading to his awakening.
Image Prompt & Upload
Ethereal twilight sky, vast and endless, filled with soft pastel clouds in shades of lavender, peach, and gold. A single, heavy iron flail with a worn wooden handle tumbles slowly through the air, suspended in the moment. Far below, the immense, calm surface of the Great Sea stretches to the horizon, reflecting the sky's colors like a dark, polished mirror. The atmosphere is still and magical, with a sense of infinite space and quiet abandonment. Soft, diffuse golden hour light illuminates the scene from the horizon, casting long, gentle shadows. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
