THE WITCH of SLIEU WHALLIAN
by Sophia Morrison · from Manx Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
One day, fishermen wanted to go fishing. The sun was bright. The wind was good. Their boats were ready. Their nets were on board. They were excited to go fishing. The sea looked calm and safe.
An old woman stood by the water. She looked into a bowl of water. She wanted to see the future. She saw something in the water. Her eyes were focused on the water.
Her face went pale. She saw a big storm. She saw the waves get very high. She saw the boats in trouble. She told the fishermen about her vision. She warned them about the danger.
The captain did not listen to her. He said, "Let's go fishing!" A young fisherman agreed with him. They did not believe her warning. They thought the weather was fine.
The boats sailed away from the land. They went to a good place. They put their nets in the water. The day was calm and peaceful. They worked hard to catch fish.
Then the sky got dark. The wind blew hard. The sea was angry. A big storm came very fast. The waves grew big and strong. The boats started to move wildly.
Some boys were kind to the Sea Man. The Sea Man said, "Go back!" He said, "A storm is coming!" The boys heard his warning. They knew he was telling the truth.
The boys listened to the Sea Man. They took their nets from the water. They went home. They were safe. They were happy to be safe. They thanked the Sea Man for his help.
The other boats were in the storm. The waves were like big mountains. The boats hit the rocks. They got broken. The storm was very bad. The fishermen tried to save their boats.
Only a few men came back. Many were lost in the storm. The sea was very dangerous. The fishermen were very sad. The village mourned the lost men.
People were very sad. They made a new rule. Do not go to the stormy place. It is important to listen to warnings. They learned to be careful. They promised to always listen to warnings.
The old woman had to go away. The people were angry with her. They sent her from the village. She left the village sadly. She walked away from her home.
There is a path on the mountain. It reminds people to listen. It reminds people to be careful. The path is called the warning path. People walk there to remember the lesson.
It is important to listen to warnings. Always listen to warnings. And they learned to be careful and listen.
Original Story
THE WITCH OF SLIEU WHALLIAN
It was Midsummer Day, and the Peel Herring Fleet, with sails half set, was ready for sea. The men had their barley sown, and their potatoes down, and now their boats were rigged and nets stowed on board and they were ready for the harvest of the sea. It was a fine day, the sky was clear and the wind was in the right airt, being from the north. But, as they say, ‘If custom will not get custom, custom will weep.’ A basinful of water was brought from the Holy Well and given to the Wise Woman that sold fair winds, as she stood on the harbour-side with the women and children to watch the boats off. They told her to look and tell of the luck of the Herring Fleet. She bent over the water and, as she looked, her face grew pale with fear, and she gasped: ‘Hurroose, hurroose! An’ do ye know what I’m seeing?’
‘Let us hear,’ said they.
I’m seeing the wild waves lashed to foam away by great Bradda Head,
I’m seeing the surge round the Chicken’s Rock an’ the breaker’s lip is red;
I’m seeing where corpses toss in the Sound, with nets an’ gear an’ spars,
An’ never a one of the Fishing Fleet is riding under the stars.
There was a dead hush, and the men gathered close together, muttering, till Gorry, the Admiral of the Fishing Fleet, stepped forward, caught the basin out of her hands and flung it out to sea, growling:
‘Sure as I’m alive, sure as I’m alive, woman, I’ve more than half a mind to heave you in after it. If I had my way, the like of you an’ your crew would be run into the sea. Boys, are we goin’ to lose a shot for that bleb? Come on, let’s go an’ chonce it with the help of God.’
‘Aye, no herring, no wedding. Let’s go an’ chonce it,’ said young Cashen.
So hoisting sails they left the port and when the land was fairly opened out, so that they could see the Calf, they headed for the south and stood out for the Shoulder. Soon a fine breeze put them in the fishing-ground, and every man was looking out for signs of herring—perkins, gannets, fish playing on the surface, oily water, and such like. When the sun was set and the evening was too dark to see the Admiral’s Flag, the skipper of each lugger held his arm out at full length, and when he could no longer see the black in his thumb-nail he ordered the men to shoot their nets. And as they lay to their trains it all fell out as the witch had said. Soon the sea put on another face, the wind from westward blew a sudden gale and swelled up the waves with foam. The boats were driven hither and thither, and the anchors dragged quickly behind them. Then the men hoisted sail before the wind and struggled to get back to land, and the lightning was all the light they had. It was so black dark that they could see no hill, and above the uproar of the sea they could hear the surges pounding on the rocky coast. The waves were rising like mountains, breaking over the boats and harrying them from stem to stern. They were dashed to pieces on the rocks of the Calf, and only two men escaped with their lives.
But there was one boat that had got safe back to port before the storm, and that was the boat of the Seven Boys. She was a Dalby boat and belonged to seven young men who were all unmarried. They were always good to the Dooinney Marrey, the Merman, and when they were hauling their nets they would throw him a dishful of herring, and in return they had always good luck with their fishing. This night, after the Fleet had shot their nets sometime, the night being still fine and calm, the Seven Boys heard the voice of the Merman hailing them and saying:
‘It is calm and fine now; there will be storm enough soon!’
When the Skipper heard this he said: ‘Every herring must hang by its own gills,’ and he and his crew at once put their nets on board and gained the harbour. And it was given for law ever after that no crew was to be made up of single men only; there was to be at least one married man on board and no man was bound by his hiring to fish in this same south sea, which was called ‘The Sea of Blood’ from that day.
As for the witch, they said she had raised the storm by her spells and they took her to the top of the great mountain Slieu Whallian, put her into a spiked barrel and rolled her from the top to the bottom, where the barrel sank into the bog. For many and many a long year there was a bare track down the steep mountain-side, where grass would never grow, nor ling, nor gorse. They called it ‘The Witch’s Way,’ and they say that her screams are heard in the air every year on the day she was put to death.
Story DNA
Moral
Ignoring warnings, especially those from supernatural sources, can lead to dire consequences.
Plot Summary
On Midsummer Day, the Peel Herring Fleet prepares to sail, but a Wise Woman foresees their destruction in a terrible storm. Admiral Gorry dismisses her warning, and the fleet sets out, only for a violent gale to erupt, smashing most of the boats and drowning nearly all the men. Only the boat of the Seven Boys, warned by a Merman, returns safely. The community, blaming the Wise Woman for the disaster, executes her by rolling her in a spiked barrel down Slieu Whallian, leaving a permanent mark on the mountain and a lasting legend.
Themes
Emotional Arc
hope to despair
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects historical Manx fishing practices, superstitions, and the harsh realities of sea life. The execution method on Slieu Whallian is a known historical practice for accused witches on the Isle of Man.
Plot Beats (13)
- The Peel Herring Fleet is ready to sail on Midsummer Day, with good weather and preparations complete.
- The Wise Woman is asked to predict the fleet's luck using a basin of water from the Holy Well.
- The Wise Woman sees a vision of a terrible storm, red waves, and drowned fishermen, predicting the fleet's total destruction.
- Admiral Gorry dismisses her prophecy, throws the basin into the sea, and urges the men to proceed, with young Cashen agreeing.
- The fleet sails out, heading south towards the fishing grounds, and shoots their nets as evening falls.
- A sudden, violent gale from the west transforms the calm sea into a raging storm, driving the boats towards the coast.
- The boat of the Seven Boys, known for being kind to the Merman, hears his warning about the impending storm.
- The Seven Boys' skipper heeds the Merman's warning, hauls their nets, and safely returns to port before the storm intensifies.
- The rest of the fleet is battered by the mountainous waves and dashed to pieces on the rocks of the Calf.
- Only two men from the entire fleet survive the devastating storm.
- A new law is established, requiring at least one married man on fishing crews and forbidding fishing in 'The Sea of Blood'.
- The community blames the Wise Woman for raising the storm and executes her by rolling her in a spiked barrel down Slieu Whallian.
- A bare track, 'The Witch's Way', remains on the mountain, and her screams are said to be heard annually on the day of her death.
Characters
The Wise Woman ◆ supporting
A woman of advanced years, likely with a gaunt or weathered build from a life lived close to the elements. Her face is described as growing pale with fear, suggesting a naturally somber or serious demeanor.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for a working-class woman in a 19th-century Manx fishing village. Likely a dark wool skirt, a plain linen blouse, and a knitted shawl over her shoulders. Her attire would be functional rather than decorative, perhaps with a homespun apron.
Wants: To provide guidance and insight to the community, perhaps driven by a sense of duty or an innate connection to mystical forces.
Flaw: Her inability to prevent the disaster she foresees, and her vulnerability to the community's fear and superstition.
Starts as a respected figure, becomes a scapegoat for the disaster, and is brutally punished, transforming into a legendary, haunting presence.
Prophetic, fearful (when seeing the vision), respected (initially), ostracized (ultimately).
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly woman with a gaunt, weathered face, deep-set, piercing blue eyes, and long, wispy grey hair pulled back from her face. She wears a dark grey wool skirt, a simple cream linen blouse, and a thick, dark blue knitted shawl draped over her shoulders. Her hands are clasped over a small, plain ceramic basin filled with water, and her expression is one of profound fear and dread. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Gorry, the Admiral of the Fishing Fleet ◆ supporting
A robust, strong man, likely with a powerful build from years of seafaring. His actions suggest a commanding presence and physical strength.
Attire: Practical, sturdy clothing of a fisherman: thick wool trousers, a heavy knitted gansey (fisherman's sweater) in dark blue or grey, and possibly a waterproof oilskin jacket. A flat cap or sou'wester might be worn.
Wants: To ensure the fleet's success and protect his men, driven by a strong sense of leadership and a rejection of what he perceives as ill omens.
Flaw: His quick temper and dismissal of warnings, which ultimately leads to disaster.
Remains unchanged in his skepticism and leadership, but his actions lead to tragic consequences for most of the fleet.
Skeptical, hot-headed, authoritative, pragmatic, superstitious (in his own way, by rejecting the prophecy).
Image Prompt & Upload
A burly, middle-aged Manx fisherman with a deeply tanned, rugged face, a strong jawline, and piercing grey eyes under thick, dark eyebrows. His dark brown hair is short and windswept. He wears a thick, dark blue wool gansey, sturdy brown canvas trousers, and heavy leather boots. His posture is defiant and authoritative, with his arms crossed over his chest, a scowl on his face. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Young Cashen ○ minor
A young, likely energetic man, typical of a junior fisherman. His youth is emphasized by the descriptor 'young'.
Attire: Similar to other fishermen, but perhaps slightly less worn. A practical linen shirt, wool trousers, and a knitted vest or gansey. Likely no heavy oilskins yet.
Wants: To participate in the fishing harvest, driven by the prospect of a good catch and the social implications ('no herring, no wedding').
Flaw: His youthful eagerness and willingness to 'chance it' despite warnings.
His fate is tied to the fleet; he likely perishes in the storm, as only two men escaped.
Eager, pragmatic (in his own way), perhaps a bit reckless due to youth.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young Manx man, early twenties, with a lean build and a determined expression. He has short, wavy brown hair and bright, keen blue eyes. He wears a cream-colored linen shirt, dark grey wool trousers, and a simple knitted dark green vest. His hands are calloused, and he stands with a slight forward lean, as if ready to move. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Merman (Dooinney Marrey) ◆ supporting
Not explicitly described, but as a Merman, he would possess a human-like upper body and a fish-like lower body. His voice is heard, implying a presence near the boats.
Attire: None, as he is a Merman. His lower body would be a fish tail, possibly scaled and iridescent.
Wants: To reciprocate kindness shown by the Seven Boys and warn them of impending danger.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but his power is limited to warnings, not preventing the larger disaster.
Acts as a catalyst for the Seven Boys' survival, reinforcing the local lore about respecting the sea.
Benevolent, protective (towards those who respect him), prescient, mysterious.
Image Prompt & Upload
A male merman with a strong, athletic human torso, smooth, pale green skin, and dark, slicked-back hair that resembles wet seaweed. His eyes are large and dark, like a deep-sea creature. From the waist down, he has a powerful, iridescent blue-green fish tail with large, flowing fins. He is partially submerged in calm, dark water, looking directly forward with a serious expression. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Peel Harbour-side
A bustling harbour-side in Peel, Isle of Man, on Midsummer Day, with the Herring Fleet's sails half-set and ready for departure. The sky is clear, and a north wind blows. Women and children gather to watch the boats leave.
Mood: Anticipatory, busy, then tense and fearful after the prophecy
The Wise Woman gives a dire prophecy about the fleet, which is dismissed by the Admiral, leading to the fleet's departure.
Image Prompt & Upload
A bustling Manx harbour-side on a clear Midsummer morning, with traditional fishing luggers, their sails half-set, moored alongside a stone quay. Groups of people, including women in shawls and children, gather on the cobblestone-paved harbour-side. In the foreground, a Wise Woman holds a basin of water, her face pale with fear, surrounded by anxious fishermen. The sky is a bright, clear blue with a few wispy clouds. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Sea of Blood (near Bradda Head and Chicken's Rock)
The open sea off the coast of the Isle of Man, initially calm and fine at sunset, then transforming into a violent gale from the west. Waves swell into mountains, lashing to foam around prominent landmarks like Bradda Head and Chicken's Rock. Lightning provides the only light in the pitch-black darkness, revealing the tumultuous, rock-strewn coast.
Mood: Foreboding, terrifying, chaotic, deadly
The Herring Fleet is caught in a catastrophic storm, fulfilling the prophecy, with most boats dashed on the rocks and men lost.
Image Prompt & Upload
A terrifying night scene of the open sea off the Isle of Man during a violent gale. Gigantic, foam-crested waves, dark and menacing, crash against jagged, black rock formations like Bradda Head and Chicken's Rock. Lightning flashes illuminate the scene, revealing small, struggling fishing luggers being tossed about, their sails ripped, and anchors dragging. The sky is a swirling mass of dark storm clouds, and the air is thick with sea spray. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Slieu Whallian Mountain
The steep, prominent mountain of Slieu Whallian on the Isle of Man. After the witch's punishment, a bare track, devoid of grass, ling, or gorse, scars the mountainside from top to bottom, ending in a bog at its base.
Mood: Desolate, eerie, a place of historical punishment and lingering dread
The witch is punished by being rolled down the mountain in a spiked barrel, creating a permanent, barren scar on the landscape.
Image Prompt & Upload
A desolate, steep mountainside on the Isle of Man, Slieu Whallian, under a grey, overcast sky. A prominent, barren track, devoid of any vegetation like grass, ling, or gorse, cuts a stark line from the summit down to a dark, marshy bog at its base. The surrounding mountain slopes are covered in sparse, windswept heather and rough grasses, contrasting sharply with the 'Witch's Way'. The overall mood is somber and ancient. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.