English, Scottish, and English, Scottish, and Irish BalladsIrish Ballads

DefinitionDefinition Narrative songs about the adventures of ordinary Narrative songs about the adventures of ordinary

people and legendary heroespeople and legendary heroes

Known today as “popular,” “traditional,” or “folk”Known today as “popular,” “traditional,” or “folk”

Originated in Medieval times – 15Originated in Medieval times – 15thth century mostly century mostly

Came from the traditions of the common peopleCame from the traditions of the common people

Oral TransmissionOral Transmission

Word of mouth onlyWord of mouth only

Early ballads had no written scoresEarly ballads had no written scores

Cannot trace authors or find original Cannot trace authors or find original version of songsversion of songs

Subject MatterSubject Matter

Everyday life of common folkEveryday life of common folk Themes: TragicThemes: Tragic

– Disappointed loveDisappointed love– JealousyJealousy– RevengeRevenge– Sudden disasterSudden disaster– EnvyEnvy– Deeds of adventure, daringDeeds of adventure, daring– BraveryBravery– loyaltyloyalty

Story-telling DevicesStory-telling Devices Simple, direct narrativeSimple, direct narrative Single incident related in dramatic fashionSingle incident related in dramatic fashion Not much attention to characterization or Not much attention to characterization or

descriptiondescription Little or no background information givenLittle or no background information given Story developed through dialogueStory developed through dialogue Narrative hinted at, not detailedNarrative hinted at, not detailed Sometimes must guess what happens Sometimes must guess what happens

between stanzas or who is speakingbetween stanzas or who is speaking

More Story-telling DevicesMore Story-telling Devices

Written in regular meter and rhymeWritten in regular meter and rhyme Refrain:Refrain:

Last line or two of each stanzaLast line or two of each stanza repeatedrepeated

Incremental repetitionIncremental repetitionRepetition of previous line or lines Repetition of previous line or lines with slight variation each timewith slight variation each time

Musical, meant to be sungMusical, meant to be sungOne voice on stanzas, group joins on One voice on stanzas, group joins on refrainrefrain

Ballad – French word that means “to dance”Ballad – French word that means “to dance”People used to dance to themPeople used to dance to them