THE FYNODEREE of GORDON
by Sophia Morrison · from Manx Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
A big, shaggy creature lived in a green land. His name was Fynoderee. He was very strong. His fur was thick and brown. He had kind, big eyes. He met a Blacksmith. Fynoderee shook his hand. He squeezed iron like clay. The Blacksmith watched him closely. The Blacksmith said, "You are strong! So very strong!"
Fynoderee saw a mill. The Miller's Wife was there. She gave him a sieve. It had many holes. "Bring water," she said. Fynoderee ran to the river. He scooped up water. Water went out. He tried again and again. He ran very fast. No water stayed in. The Miller's Wife left. Fynoderee was confused. He did not understand.
Fynoderee helped farmers. He worked at night. He helped with corn. He helped with hay. He moved big loads. He was a good worker. He made farm work easy. Farmers were happy. He was very helpful. He never asked for pay.
Farmer Gordon was cold. He blew on his hands. "Why?" Fynoderee asked. "To make them warm," he said. Later, Farmer Gordon ate. His food was hot. He blew on his food. "Why?" Fynoderee asked. "To make it cool," he said. Fynoderee thought this was strange. He shook his big head.
Farmer Gordon felt kind. He made clothes for Fynoderee. A coat, pants, and a hat. They were big and warm. Fynoderee looked at them. He tried them on. "These feel not right," he said. He did not want clothes. He felt much better without them. He went to a new place. He walked far away.
Fynoderee helped Farmer Juan. He cut hay and turf. He worked very hard. One night, snow fell. It was a big storm. The wind howled loudly. Farmer Juan slept. Fynoderee put sheep in a house. He moved them one by one. One small sheep ran away. Fynoderee ran after it. He was very fast. He brought it back. In the morning, Farmer Juan looked. All sheep were safe. The small sheep was a hare! It hopped away quickly. Fynoderee was a good helper. He liked to work. He smiled a big smile.
Original Story
THE FYNODEREE OF GORDON
There was one time a Fynoderee living in Gordon. Those persons who saw him said that he was big and shaggy, with fiery eyes, and stronger than any man. One night he met the blacksmith who was going home from his shop and held out his hand to him to shake hands. The blacksmith gave him hold of the iron sock of the plough which he had with him, and he squeezed it as if it had been a piece of clay, saying: ‘There’s some strong Manx-men in the world yet!’
The Fynoderee did all his work at night and went into hidlans in the daytime. One night, when he was out on his travels he came to Mullin Sayle, out in Glen Garragh. He saw a light in the mill, so he put his head through the open top-half of the door to see what was going on inside, and there was Quaye Mooar’s wife sifting corn. When she caught sight of the great big head she was frightened terrible. She had presence of mind, however, to hand him the sieve and say: ‘If thou go to the river and bring water in it, I’ll make a cake for thee; and the more water thou carry back, that’s the bigger thy cake will be.’
So the Fynoderee took the sieve, and ran down to the river; but the water poured from it and he could fetch none for the cake, and he threw the sieve away in a rage, and cried:
‘Dollan, dollan, dash!
Ny smoo ta mee cur ayn,
Ny smoo ta goll ass.’
Sieve, sieve, dash!
The more I put in,
The more there’s going out.
The woman got away while he was trying to fill the sieve, and when he came back to the mill he found it in darkness.
The Fynoderee was working very hard for the Radcliffes, who owned Gordon then. Every night he was grinding their corn for them, and often he would take a hand at the flails. If they put a stack into the barn in the evening and loosed every sheaf of it, they would find it thrashed in the morning, but he would not touch one sheaf of it unless it were loosed. In the summer time he was getting in their hay and cutting their corn.
Many a time the people of the farm were passing the time of day with him. One cold frosty day, big Gordon was docking turnips and he blew on his fingers to warm them.
‘What are thou blowing on thee fingers for?’ said the Fynoderee.
‘To put them in heat,’ said the Farmer.
At supper that night the Farmer’s porridge was hot and he blew on it.
‘What are thou doing that for?’ said the Fynoderee. ‘Isn’t it hot enough for thee?’
‘It’s too hot, it is; I’m blowing on it to cool it,’ said the Farmer.
‘I don’t like thee at all, boy,’ said the Fynoderee, ‘for thou can blow hot and blow cold with one breath.’
The Fynoderee was wearing no clothes, but it is said that he never felt the cold. Big Gordon, however, had pity on him that he had none, and one frosty winter he went and got clothes made for him—breeches, jacket, waistcoat and cap—great big ones they were too. And he went and gave them to him in the barn one night. The Fynoderee looked on them and took them up, and says he:
Coat for the back is sickness for the back!
Vest for the middle is bad for the middle!
Breeches for the breech is a curse for the breech!
Cap for the head is injurious for the head!
If thou own big Gordon farm, boy—
If thine this little glen east, and thine this little glen west,
Not thine the merry Glen of Rushen yet, boy!
So he flung the clothes away and walked his ways to Glen Rushen, out to Juan Mooar Cleary’s. He was working for him then, cutting the meadow hay for him, cutting turf for him, and seeing after the sheep.
It happened one winter’s night that there was a great snow-storm. Juan Mooar got up to see after the sheep, but the Fynoderee came to the window.
‘Lie, lie an’ take a sleep, Juan,’ says he; ‘I’ve got all the sheep in the fold, but there was one loaghtan (brown native sheep) yearling there that give me more trouble till all the res’. My seven curses on the little loaghtan! I was twice round Barrule Mooar afther her, but I caught her for all.’
When Juan went out in the morning all the sheep were safe in the cogee house and a big hare in with them, with two short lankets on him, that was the brown yearling!
After a time the Fynoderee went up to the top of Barrule Mountain to live, up to the very peak. Himself and the wife went to make a potful of porridge one day, and they fell out.
She ran and left him. He threw a big white rock after her and it struck her on the heel—the mark of the blood is still on the stone at Cleigh Fainey. While she stooped to put a rag on her heel he threw a lot of small rocks at her, that made her give a spring to the Lagg, two miles away. Then he threw a big rock with the pot-stick in it—it’s in the Lagg river to-day. At that she gave two leaps over the sea to the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland; and for all that I know she’s living there still.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
A powerful, shaggy Fynoderee lives in Gordon, performing farm labor at night. He demonstrates immense strength and a literal understanding of the world, leading to humorous and sometimes frustrating encounters with humans, such as failing to carry water in a sieve and distrusting a farmer who 'blows hot and cold'. He rejects clothes made for him, viewing them as a curse, and moves to Glen Rushen, where he saves a farmer's sheep during a snowstorm, revealing a magical transformation. Eventually, he moves to Barrule Mountain, where a violent argument with his wife leads her to flee across the sea to Ireland, leaving him alone on the mountain.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to frustration to alienation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This tale reflects traditional Manx folklore and beliefs about supernatural beings interacting with humans, often performing labor but with their own unique logic and sensitivities. The Fynoderee is a common figure in Manx tales, often depicted as strong, hairy, and sometimes mischievous or easily offended.
Plot Beats (11)
- The Fynoderee, a strong, shaggy creature, lives in Gordon and demonstrates his immense strength by crushing a plough sock.
- He encounters Quaye Mooar's wife at a mill; she tricks him into trying to carry water in a sieve, which he fails to do, allowing her to escape.
- The Fynoderee works for the Radcliffes, performing farm tasks like threshing and haymaking, but only if the sheaves are already loosened.
- He observes a farmer blowing on his hands to warm them, then on his porridge to cool it, leading the Fynoderee to distrust him for 'blowing hot and cold'.
- Big Gordon makes clothes for the Fynoderee out of pity, but the Fynoderee rejects them as bringing sickness and a curse, then leaves for Glen Rushen.
- In Glen Rushen, the Fynoderee works for Juan Mooar Cleary, saving all his sheep during a snowstorm, including a troublesome 'loaghtan' yearling which is revealed to be a hare.
- The Fynoderee eventually moves to Barrule Mountain with his wife.
- He has a violent argument with his wife, throwing a large rock that strikes her heel, leaving a bloodstain.
- He continues to throw rocks at her as she flees, causing her to leap two miles to the Lagg.
- He throws a final rock with a pot-stick, which lands in the Lagg river.
- His wife makes two leaps over the sea to the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland, where she is believed to still reside.
Characters
The Fynoderee ★ protagonist
A big, shaggy creature, stronger than any man. He is described as wearing no clothes, suggesting a natural, unkempt appearance, possibly covered in fur or coarse hair. His strength is immense, capable of squeezing an iron plough sock like clay.
Attire: None. He is explicitly stated to wear no clothes and never feels the cold. When clothes are offered, he rejects them as a 'sickness'.
Wants: To work diligently, to be free, and to live according to his own nature. He seems to enjoy the challenge of his tasks.
Flaw: Literal-mindedness and a quick temper make him susceptible to tricks and easily frustrated by things he doesn't understand, like the sieve or the farmer's contradictory breathing.
He remains largely unchanged in his nature but moves from working for humans to living in isolation on Barrule Mountain, asserting his independence and rejecting human customs (like clothing). His final act of violence against his wife shows a darker, untamed side.
Immense strength, diligent worker, easily angered (especially when tricked or frustrated), literal-minded, independent, and somewhat volatile. He is loyal to those he works for but has a strong sense of personal freedom.
Image Prompt & Upload
A very tall, muscular, shaggy male creature, covered in coarse brown fur, standing upright and facing forward. He has glowing red, fiery eyes, a broad nose, and a wide mouth. His body is powerful and unclad, showing defined muscles. His posture is strong and slightly hunched, with large hands. He has a wild, untamed expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Blacksmith ○ minor
A strong Manx-man, implied by the Fynoderee's comment. Likely has a sturdy, muscular build from his profession.
Attire: Practical, durable clothing suitable for a blacksmith, possibly leather apron, sturdy trousers, and a simple shirt, typical of 19th-century Manx working-class attire.
Wants: To return home safely from his shop.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but his physical strength is clearly inferior to the Fynoderee's.
No significant arc, a static character.
Quick-witted, brave, and resourceful, as he tricks the Fynoderee with the iron sock.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy, muscular adult Manx man, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He has a strong, weathered face with short dark hair and a beard. He wears a dark leather apron over a simple grey linen shirt and sturdy brown trousers. He holds a heavy, curved iron plough sock in his right hand. He has a determined expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Quaye Mooar's Wife ◆ supporting
Not explicitly described, but likely a robust woman accustomed to farm work, given her activity of sifting corn in a mill.
Attire: Practical, durable clothing typical of a Manx farm wife in the 19th century: a long, simple linen or wool dress, possibly with an apron and a shawl for warmth.
Wants: To escape the Fynoderee and ensure her safety.
Flaw: Her initial fear of the Fynoderee.
No significant arc, a static character.
Frightened but quick-witted, resourceful, and brave in the face of danger.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy adult Manx woman, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. She has a round, kind face with dark eyes and her dark hair is pulled back in a practical bun. She wears a long, dark blue wool dress with a white linen apron tied at the waist, and a simple grey shawl draped over her shoulders. She holds a large, round wooden sieve in her hands. She has a slightly worried but determined expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Big Gordon (The Farmer) ◆ supporting
Described as 'big Gordon', implying a large, perhaps burly, build, typical of a farmer. His hands get cold, suggesting he works outdoors.
Attire: Practical, warm clothing suitable for a Manx farmer in the winter: heavy wool coat, sturdy trousers, waistcoat, and a cap, typical of 19th-century rural attire.
Wants: To manage his farm, to warm himself, and to show kindness to the Fynoderee.
Flaw: His inability to understand the Fynoderee's non-human logic, leading to the Fynoderee's departure.
No significant arc, a static character.
Kind-hearted, observant, and somewhat naive in his understanding of the Fynoderee's nature. He shows pity and generosity.
Image Prompt & Upload
A large, burly adult Manx farmer, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He has a weathered, kind face with a thick brown beard and short, practical hair. He wears a heavy, dark green wool coat over a grey waistcoat, sturdy brown corduroy trousers, and a simple white shirt. A dark wool cap is on his head. He is holding a steaming bowl of porridge in one hand and blowing on it. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Juan Mooar Cleary ◆ supporting
Not explicitly described, but likely a farmer, suggesting a sturdy build.
Attire: Practical, warm clothing suitable for a Manx farmer, especially in winter, similar to Big Gordon.
Wants: To ensure the well-being of his livestock.
Flaw: His trust in the Fynoderee allows him to stay in bed, missing the Fynoderee's struggle.
No significant arc, a static character.
Trusting, responsible (concerned for his sheep), and perhaps a bit lazy or willing to delegate, as he lets the Fynoderee handle the sheep during the storm.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy adult Manx farmer, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He has a kind, slightly tired face with short dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He wears a thick, dark blue wool coat over a plaid shirt and sturdy brown trousers. He has a concerned but calm expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Fynoderee's Wife ○ minor
Not explicitly described, but implied to be similar in nature to the Fynoderee, as she lives with him on Barrule Mountain and is capable of great leaps. She is struck on the heel, suggesting a human-like form, though possibly also shaggy or wild.
Attire: None, or very natural, wild attire, similar to the Fynoderee's lack of clothing.
Wants: To escape the Fynoderee after their argument.
Flaw: Her vulnerability to the Fynoderee's rage.
Flees from the Fynoderee and escapes to Ireland, suggesting a permanent separation.
Argumentative, quick to flee when angered, and resilient, as she survives the Fynoderee's attacks and escapes to Ireland.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wild, shaggy female creature, similar in appearance to the Fynoderee but perhaps slightly smaller, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. She has a distressed expression, with long, unkempt dark hair flowing behind her. Her body is unclad, showing agility and strength. One of her heels has a dark, blood-like mark. She is depicted mid-leap. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Mullin Sayle Mill, Glen Garragh
A traditional Manx watermill, likely built of local stone with a slate roof, situated in a glen. The door has an open top-half, allowing a view inside. The interior is dimly lit by a single light source, revealing a woman sifting corn.
Mood: eerie, tense, rustic
The Fynoderee encounters Quaye Mooar's wife and is tricked into trying to fill a sieve with water from the river.
Image Prompt & Upload
A rustic Manx watermill at night, constructed from rough-hewn grey stone with a dark slate roof, nestled in a narrow, tree-lined glen. A single warm light glows from within the mill, casting long shadows. The upper half of a weathered wooden door is open, revealing a glimpse of a shadowy interior. A fast-flowing, dark river is visible in the foreground, reflecting the faint moonlight. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Gordon Farm Barn
A large, functional Manx farm barn, likely constructed from local stone and timber, with a high roof. It serves as a storage place for corn stacks and a workspace for threshing. The interior is spacious and somewhat drafty, especially on a frosty winter night.
Mood: utilitarian, cold, slightly mysterious
Big Gordon gives the Fynoderee clothes, which the Fynoderee rejects, leading to his departure from Gordon.
Image Prompt & Upload
The interior of a large, drafty Manx farm barn on a frosty winter night. Rough-hewn timber beams support a high, dark roof, and the walls are constructed from sturdy, unmortared grey stone. Stacks of golden hay and bundled corn sheaves are piled high, casting deep shadows in the dim, cold light filtering from an unseen source. The ground is packed earth, with scattered straw. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Barrule Mountain Peak
The rugged, exposed summit of Barrule Mountain on the Isle of Man. The terrain is rocky and windswept, with sparse vegetation. It offers expansive views of the surrounding landscape, including other glens and the sea.
Mood: desolate, wild, dramatic
The Fynoderee and his wife have an argument, leading to her fleeing across the landscape and him throwing rocks after her.
Image Prompt & Upload
The windswept, rocky peak of Barrule Mountain on the Isle of Man, under a vast, open sky. The ground is a mosaic of grey and brown rocks, with patches of hardy, low-lying moorland vegetation. A massive, distinctive white rock stands prominently on the summit, scarred with a reddish mark. In the distance, the deep green glens of the Isle of Man stretch towards the shimmering blue expanse of the Irish Sea. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.