Tam Lin

Young Tamlane and Burd Janet 2 were deeply in love, but their marriage was interrupted when he mysteriously disappeared into the magical realm of Elfland. Years later, Janet wanders into a forbidden wood and encounters her lost love, who reveals he is trapped as a knight to the Queen of Elfland. He explains that he is scheduled to be sacrificed to the Nether world in seven years unless she helps him escape. Tamlane instructs Janet to meet him at Miles Cross on Hallowe'en night with holy water and a protective circle. She must identify him among three passing courts by his bare left hand and starry crown, then seize him before he is turned into terrifying forms. Janet follows the instructions precisely, waiting anxiously in the dark until the eldritch crew rides past. When the third court appears, she spots Tamlane on a milk-white steed and pulls him from his mount. The magical creatures immediately surround them, trying to prevent her from keeping hold of him through sheer force of will. They transform Tamlane into frozen ice, roaring fire, and various dangerous animals like adders and snakes. Janet clings tightly to him despite the painful transformations that test her courage and resolve. The elves finally turn him into a red-hot blade, which she plunges into a pool of water to break the spell. Once he returns to his human form, she covers him with her green mantle, securing him as her own. The Queen of Elfland sings a song of regret but allows them to depart without further harm. Burd Janet 2 and young Tamlane return home safely, ready to finally fulfill their long-awaited union.