Fairies and Folk of Ireland

"Fairies and Folk of Ireland" by William Henry Frost is a compilation of Irish myths and legends from the 1800s that follows the O'Brien family as they navigate the challenges of poverty in their small Irish cabin. The story alternates between the everyday lives of the family—a young couple and their grandmother— and the grandmother's vibrant renditions of Irish folklore, complete with fairies, spirits, and legendary kings such as O'Donoghue. While the O'Briens grapple with their grim existence, they find moments of hope and inspiration in these ancient narratives, particularly in the tales of King O'Donoghue, who represents the promise of prosperity and good fortune. The narratives showcase the strength and perseverance of the Irish people in the face of difficulties, intertwined with their unwavering fascination with a mythological time, offering respite from the grim realities of the present.