THEMSELVES
by Sophia Morrison · from Manx Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Tom the Farmer lived on a green island. He was a kind man. One day, Tom heard a tiny voice. A Little Friend spoke to him. "Go to the big city. Go to London Bridge. Dig there. You will find gold." Tom felt wonder. He listened well.
Tom went to the big city. He went to London Bridge. He started to dig. A Man in the City came. "Why do you dig?" he asked. Tom told him the secret. The Man in the City told his dream. "I dreamed of a small island. A house had a thorn-tree. Gold was under that tree."
Tom knew the house! It was his own house. He went home very fast. He went to his green island. Tom dug under the thorn-tree. It was by his chimney. He dug and dug.
Tom found a big, strong box. It had shiny gold inside! There was a small note too. Tom could not read the note. He felt a little sad. A kind boy came by. The boy read the note. He helped Tom. It said, "Dig more. Find more!"
Tom dug again under the thorn-tree. He found another big, strong box! It had more shiny gold. Tom was very, very happy. Every night, Tom opened his door. He said, "Bless Little Friends!" Always thankful.
Grandpa Jim tells a story. It is from long ago. He was a little boy. The little friends were all around. Jim's dad was very kind. "Let the little friends come in," he said. "They need warmth too." He was kind to them.
Jim and his brother slept. They woke up in the night. A soft light glowed. They heard a sound. Whirr, whirr, whirr. The spinning wheel turned. It was in the kitchen. It was not their mom. It was the little friends! Jim felt shy. His brother felt shy. They hid under blankets. Morning came. Dad smiled a big smile. "The little friends were here," he said. "They like to spin!"
And so, Tom and Grandpa Jim learned friends are around. They are kind. They like kind people. It is good to be kind to everyone.
Original Story
THEMSELVES
I
There was a man once in the Isle of Mann who met one of the Little Fellows, and the Little Fellow told him that if he would go to London Bridge and dig, he would find a fortune. So he went, and when he got there he began to dig, and another man came to him and said:
‘What are you doing?’
‘One of Themselves told me to come to London Bridge and I would get a fortune,’ says he. And the other man said:
‘I dreamed that I was back in the lil’ islan’ an’ I was at a house with a thorn-tree at the chimley of it, and if I would dig there I would find a fortune. But I wouldn’ go, for it was only foolishness.’
Then he told him so plainly about the house that the first man knew it was his own, so he went back to the Island. When he got home he dug under the little thorn-tree by the chimney and he found an iron box. He opened the box and it was full of gold, and there was a letter in it, but he could not read the letter because it was in a foreign language. So he put it in the smithy window and challenged any scholar who went by to read it. None of them could, but at last one big boy said it was Latin and it meant:
‘Dig again and you’ll find another.’
So the man dug again under the thorn-tree, and what did he find but another iron box full of gold!
And from that day till the day of his death, that man used to open the front door before going to bed, and call out: ‘My blessing with the Little Fellows!’
II
Here is a true story that was told me by a man named James Moore when I was sitting with him by the fire one evening. He said:
‘I’m not much of a believer in most of the stories some ones is telling, but after all a body can’t help believing a thing they happen to see for themselves.
‘I remember one winter’s night—we were living in a house at the time that was pulled down for the building of the Big Wheel. It was a thatched house with two rooms, and a wall about six foot high dividing them, and from that it was open to the scrahs, or turfs, that were laid across the rafters. My Mother was sitting at the fire busy spinning, and my Father was sitting in the big chair at the end of the table taking a chapter for us out of the Manx Bible. My brother was busy winding a spool and I was working with a bunch of ling, trying to make two or three pegs.
‘“There’s a terrible glisther on to-night,” my Mother said, looking at the fire. “An’ the rain comin’ peltin’ down the chimley!”
‘“Yes,” said my Father, shutting the Bible; “an’ we better get to bed middlin’ soon and let the Lil’ Ones in to a bit of shelter.”
‘So we all got ready and went to bed.
‘Some time in the night my brother wakened me with a:
‘“Sh—ish! Listen boy, an’ look at the big light tha’s in the kitchen!” Then he rubbed his eyes a bit and whispered:
‘“What’s mother doin’ now at all?”
‘“Listen!” I said. “An’ you’ll hear mother in bed, it’s not her at all; it must be the Little Ones that’s agate of the wheel!”
‘And both of us got frightened, and down with our heads under the clothes and fell asleep. In the morning when we got up we told them what we had seen, first thing.
‘“Aw, like enough, like enough,” my Father said, looking at the wheel. “It seems your mother forgot to take the band off last night, a thing people should be careful about, for it’s givin’ Themselves power over the wheel, an’ though their meanin’s well enough, the spinnin’ they’re doin’ is nothin’ to brag about. The weaver is always shoutin’ about their work an’ the bad joinin’ they’re makin’ in the rolls.”
‘“I remember it as well as yesterday—the big light that was at them, and the whirring that was going on. And let anybody say what they like, that’s a thing I’ve seen and heard for myself.”’
III
One evening a young man who was serving his time as a weaver was walking home late from Douglas to Glen Meay. He had often been boasting that he had never seen any of the Little People. Well, this night he was coming along the St. John’s Road, and when he got near to the river a big, big bull stood across the road before him. He took his stick and gave it one big knock. It went into the river and he never saw it any more.
After that, when he got to the Parson’s Bridge, he met a little thing just like a spinning wheel and there was a little, little body sitting where the spool is. Well, he lifted his stick again and struck the little body that was sitting on the spool a hard knock with his stick. The little body said to him:
‘Ny jean shen arragh!’ which means, ‘Don’t do that again!’
He walked on then till he got to Glen Meay and told what he had seen in a house there. Then another man said he had seen the little old woman sitting on the top of the spool of the spinning wheel and coming down Raby Hill at dark. So it took her a long time, for the first man met her at six and the second at eleven, and there isn’t two miles between the two places.
So they were saying, when the cycles came in, that the Little People had been before them! And this is a true story.
Story DNA
Moral
Respect the unseen forces and traditions, for they may hold unexpected wisdom or consequences.
Plot Summary
This collection of Manx folk tales details three distinct encounters with the 'Little Fellows' or 'Themselves'. The first tells of a man who, following a fairy's advice, finds a fortune under a thorn-tree at his own home, guided by a stranger's dream. The second recounts two brothers witnessing the Little Ones spinning at their unattended wheel one winter night, confirming their father's warnings. The third describes a skeptical weaver's journey home, where he encounters and strikes a supernatural bull and then a tiny, speaking spinning wheel creature, solidifying his belief in the Little People.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to wonder | skepticism to belief | discovery to prosperity
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The stories reflect a time when belief in fairies was common in rural communities, particularly on the Isle of Man. The mention of 'cycles' (bicycles) coming in suggests a period of transition, likely late 19th or early 20th century, where traditional beliefs were juxtaposed with emerging modernity.
Plot Beats (14)
- A Manx man is advised by a Little Fellow to seek a fortune at London Bridge.
- At London Bridge, he meets another man who recounts a dream about a fortune under a thorn-tree at a specific house in the Isle of Man.
- The first man recognizes the house as his own, returns to the Isle of Man, and digs under the thorn-tree.
- He finds an iron box of gold and a Latin letter, which a boy translates as 'Dig again and you’ll find another.'
- He digs again and finds a second box of gold, thereafter blessing the Little Fellows nightly.
- A man named James Moore recounts a 'true story' from his childhood about his family's encounter with the Little Ones.
- His family prepares for bed, with the father suggesting they let the 'Lil’ Ones in to a bit of shelter'.
- During the night, James and his brother wake to a bright light and the sound of their spinning wheel in the kitchen.
- They realize it's not their mother and conclude it must be the Little Ones, hiding under the covers in fear.
- In the morning, their father confirms it was likely the Little Ones, noting their poor spinning quality and the mother's oversight in not removing the spinning wheel band.
- A skeptical weaver, boasting he'd never seen the Little People, encounters a large bull blocking his path on St. John’s Road and strikes it into the river.
- Further on, at Parson’s Bridge, he meets a tiny spinning wheel with a little body on it and strikes it.
- The little body speaks in Manx, warning him, 'Don’t do that again!'
- The weaver recounts his experience, and another man confirms seeing a similar creature, leading to the local saying that the Little People were 'before' cycles.
Characters
The Man from the Isle of Man (Fortune Seeker) ★ protagonist
A man of average build and height, likely weathered from outdoor life on the Isle of Man. His hands would be calloused from manual labor.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for a working man in the Isle of Man in the late 19th or early 20th century. This would include sturdy wool trousers, a thick linen or flannel shirt, and a waistcoat, possibly a rough wool jacket for travel. Earthy tones like browns, greys, and muted blues.
Wants: To find a fortune and improve his life.
Flaw: Lack of formal education (cannot read the letter).
Transforms from an ordinary man seeking fortune to a wealthy and grateful individual who acknowledges the Little Fellows daily.
Trusting (of the Little Fellows), persistent, curious, grateful, somewhat uneducated (cannot read Latin).
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged Manx man of average height and sturdy build, with a weathered face and practical, short brown hair. He wears sturdy dark grey wool trousers, a cream linen shirt, and a dark brown wool waistcoat. He is kneeling beside a small, gnarled thorn-tree next to a stone chimney, holding a metal spade. He has a look of determined curiosity. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Little Fellow (Fortune Giver) ◆ supporting
Small in stature, often described in Manx folklore as resembling tiny humans, but with an ethereal quality. Their exact features are left to the imagination, but they are not menacing.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but in Manx folklore, they are often associated with green or earthy tones, simple, old-fashioned clothing, perhaps with pointed hats or caps.
Wants: To guide humans to their fortunes, perhaps for amusement or a sense of order.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but they are sensitive to human disrespect (as seen with the weaver).
Remains consistent, a mysterious helper.
Helpful, mysterious, benevolent, playful.
Image Prompt & Upload
A tiny, ethereal humanoid figure, no taller than a human's knee, with delicate features and pointed ears. It wears a simple, moss-green tunic and small brown breeches, with a pointed cap on its head. Its eyes are bright and knowing, with a slight, enigmatic smile. It stands lightly on its feet, as if ready to vanish. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Man in London (Dreamer) ○ minor
An ordinary man, likely a laborer or common person in London, perhaps with a slightly disheveled appearance from his work.
Attire: Practical, somewhat worn clothing suitable for a working man in London, such as dark trousers, a simple shirt, and a cap. Likely muted colors.
Wants: Curiosity about the digging man's activities.
Flaw: Skepticism, which prevented him from acting on his own dream.
Remains static, serving as a plot device.
Skeptical, conversational, perhaps a bit regretful (for not acting on his dream).
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man of average height and build, with a slightly tired but curious expression. He has short, dark, somewhat unkempt hair. He wears a dark grey wool jacket over a plain white shirt, dark brown trousers, and a flat cap. He stands with his hands in his pockets, observing. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
James Moore (Storyteller) ◆ supporting
An older man, likely with the signs of age and a life lived on the Isle of Man. Perhaps a bit stooped from years of work, but with a keen gaze.
Attire: Comfortable, traditional Manx clothing for an older man at home, such as a sturdy wool cardigan or jacket over a simple shirt, and dark trousers. Earthy, practical colors.
Wants: To share a true personal experience of the Little Ones.
Flaw: His initial skepticism might make him slow to accept new ideas.
Remains consistent as a wise elder sharing a past experience.
Skeptical of most stories, but a firm believer in what he has seen, earnest, traditional.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly Manx man with a kind, wrinkled face, a full white beard, and short, neat white hair. He wears a thick, dark green wool cardigan over a simple cream linen shirt and dark brown trousers. He is seated comfortably in a wooden chair, leaning slightly forward with an earnest expression, one hand gently raised as if making a point. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Father (of James Moore) ◆ supporting
A sturdy Manx man, likely a farmer or fisherman, with a strong build. His face would show the marks of a life of labor.
Attire: Traditional Manx working clothes for a man at home: sturdy wool trousers, a simple shirt, and a waistcoat or thick jacket. Practical, muted colors.
Wants: To provide for his family, uphold tradition, and ensure the well-being of his household, including the Little Ones.
Flaw: None explicitly shown.
Remains consistent as a figure of authority and tradition.
Pious (reads the Bible), traditional, respectful of the Little Ones, practical, understanding.
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged Manx man with a strong, weathered face, a short dark beard, and neatly combed dark hair. He wears a thick, dark blue wool jacket over a white linen shirt and dark brown trousers. He is seated in a large, sturdy wooden armchair, holding an open, leather-bound book in his hands, looking calm and thoughtful. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Mother (of James Moore) ◆ supporting
A hardworking Manx woman, likely of average build, with hands accustomed to spinning and household chores.
Attire: Traditional Manx women's clothing for home: a long, practical dress or skirt and bodice, with an apron. Likely made of sturdy linen or wool in muted colors like browns, greys, or deep blues.
Wants: To care for her family and maintain the household.
Flaw: Her forgetfulness regarding the spinning wheel band allows the Little Ones to use it.
Remains consistent as a diligent homemaker.
Hardworking, observant, traditional, a bit forgetful (of the spinning wheel band).
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged Manx woman of average height and sturdy build, with a kind, slightly tired face and long, dark brown hair neatly braided and coiled at the back of her head. She wears a long, dark blue linen dress with a cream-colored apron tied at the waist. She is seated on a wooden stool, her hands busy at a large wooden spinning wheel. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Young Weaver ★ protagonist
A young man, likely strong from his trade as a weaver, but perhaps a bit cocky in his demeanor.
Attire: Practical, sturdy clothing suitable for a weaver, such as dark trousers, a work shirt, and a jacket. Perhaps a bit disheveled from his late walk.
Wants: To get home, and perhaps to prove his bravery or lack of fear of the supernatural.
Flaw: His initial arrogance and disrespect towards the Little People.
Transforms from a skeptic and boaster to someone who has personally encountered and learned to respect the Little People.
Boastful, skeptical (initially), courageous (strikes the bull and the Little One), learns respect.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young Manx man in his early twenties, with a lean but strong build, short dark hair, and a clean-shaven, initially confident face that now shows surprise and a hint of fear. He wears a practical dark grey wool jacket, a light blue linen shirt, and dark brown trousers. He holds a sturdy wooden walking stick in his right hand, slightly raised. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Little One (Spinning Wheel) ⚔ antagonist
A tiny, almost imperceptible body, sitting on the spool of a spinning wheel. Its form is not fully described, suggesting it's more of an essence or a very small, indistinct figure.
Attire: Not described, as it's a 'little, little body' on a spool.
Wants: To travel or perform its unseen duties, and to deter human interference.
Flaw: Can be physically struck, though it retaliates with a verbal warning.
Remains consistent, a mysterious entity enforcing boundaries.
Protective of its space, capable of speech, warns against disrespect.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, antique wooden spinning wheel, about knee-height, with a tiny, indistinct, shadowy humanoid figure no larger than a thumb sitting on its spool. The figure is barely discernible, a mere suggestion of a form. The spinning wheel appears to be moving on its own. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Manxman's Cottage
A traditional Manx thatched cottage, likely a croft, with a small thorn-tree growing beside its chimney. The interior would be simple, with a hearth for a fire.
Mood: Humble, domestic, later filled with surprise and fortune.
The man discovers two fortunes of gold by digging under the thorn-tree, guided by a dream and a cryptic letter.
Image Prompt & Upload
A weathered, single-story Manx thatched cottage, its stone walls partially covered in creeping ivy. A small, gnarled thorn-tree with dark berries grows right beside the rough-hewn stone chimney, casting a short shadow in the late afternoon sun. The cottage door is ajar, revealing a glimpse of a warm, simple interior. The ground around the chimney is disturbed earth. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Manx Thatched House (James Moore's)
A traditional Manx thatched house, later pulled down for the Big Wheel. It had two rooms divided by a six-foot-high wall, open to the 'scrahs' (turfs) laid across the rafters. Features a hearth and a spinning wheel.
Mood: Cozy, domestic, but with an eerie, magical undertone when the Little Ones appear.
James Moore and his brother witness the 'Little Ones' spinning at their wheel in the middle of a winter's night, illuminated by a 'big light'.
Image Prompt & Upload
The interior of a rustic Manx thatched cottage on a dark winter's night. A warm, flickering peat fire glows in a stone hearth, casting long shadows across the low, timber-beamed ceiling. The walls are simple, plastered stone, and a spinning wheel stands prominently in the corner, illuminated by an unearthly, soft, glowing light emanating from its mechanism. Rain streaks down the inside of the chimney. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
St. John's Road near the River
A rural road on the Isle of Man, leading from Douglas to Glen May, passing near a river. The road is likely unpaved or gravel.
Mood: Solitary, mysterious, a place of unexpected encounters.
A weaver encounters a phantom bull and then a tiny spinning wheel with a 'little body' on it, revealing the presence of the Little People.
Image Prompt & Upload
A narrow, winding dirt road on the Isle of Man, flanked by low stone walls and sparse, windswept gorse bushes, under a moonless, star-dusted night sky. The road descends gently towards the unseen glint of a river. In the foreground, a dark, indistinct shape of a large bull stands across the path. The air is cool and still. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.