|
IRISH FAR GORTA
The Far gorta (man of hunger) is an emaciated fairy who during
famine times must beg for alms. He is often represented as a
traveling mendicant, a gaunt figure, miserably clad who begs
for food from passers-by. Hardly a layer of flesh clings to his cheeks; and his arms,
thin as striped sticks, barely have strength to hold the alms
cup.
Even in winter, his rags scarcely cover his modesty. Some
turn from him in disgust; some, in their selfishness, avoid
him; but all those who, despite the desperate times, freely
give alms will be blessed forever with prosperous good luck
for the rest of their lives, while those refusing suffer some
calamity and are reduced to poverty themselves and must
quickly learn how the gnawing pangs of hunger feel.
Another variation is a patch of enchanted grass called
'hungry grass'. It was believed that certain patches of land
were bewitched and that if a stranger passed over them that he
would suffer uncontrollable pangs of hunger and if assistance
were not given immediately he would die right there on the
spot. |
IRISH CLIPART
IRISH HOME
IRISH SOLITARY FAIRIES |
Some say that the hungry grass grows where an 'uncoffined' corpse is laid on its way to burial, but most know
that it is a curse planted by the fairies. As far as curses
go, it is short-term and easily overcome with enough food.
To tread on (or even pass over) the hungry grass brings on an
incredible hunger that cannot be satisfied.
Irish peasants used to sprinkle the grass with any left-over
crumbs from their meals in order to stave off the hungry grass
which is supposedly sent as a warning from fairies against
lack of generousity. Hungry grass is also known as 'fairy
grass'.
Variants:
fear gorta,
fear gortah, féar gortach, fód gortach, féar gortha, fear gurtha, hungry
grass.
Heartsome Ireland,
winsome Ireland,
Charmer of the sun and sea,
Bright beguiler of old anguish,
How could Famine frown on thee?
Sidney Lanier, Ireland
(1880)
|
