School: Drumloughan (Dromlachan) (roll number 15665)

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1. A Cruel King (continued)

   

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   the wise mans hiding place and he put three questions. "What he liked best? What best liked him? and who was his greatest enemy?" He knew only the wise man could answer them and this would make known whether he was still alive and where he dwelt. No one could answer the questions and the king sent for the old mans son and put the questions to him. The sone returned home and told his father what the king wanted with him. "Ah! said the old man, "Well he knows I am living but he cannot find me out. No matter saddle your horse tomorrow and put your son before you, and your wife behind you and your dog along-side. When you reach the palace and when he asks you what you like best, say it is before you, and when he asks you what likes you best say it is alongside you; and when he asks you what is your greatest enemy say it is behind you. The son started off to the palace as directed and when he arrived to answer the questions, the king asked. "What do you like best young man." "It is before me oh King" said the youth. "What likes you best young." man." said the king. It is alongside me oh king" replied the youth. "And what oh youth is your greatest enemy" asked the

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   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Folktales index

   AT0852: The Hero Forces the Princess to Say, “That is a Lie.”

   Language

   English

   Collector

   P. Mac Giolla Choinnigh

   Gender

   Male

   Informant

   John Mc Kiernan

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   60

   Occupation

   Farmer

   Address

   Sunnagh More, Co. Leitrim