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A series of 40 original artworks inspired by traditional Manx folklore.
These beautiful images by Mark Kinrade were created during 2018-2019 through a commission by Culture Vannin which resulted in an exhibition at the Isle Contemporary gallery in St. John's. The story behind the images appears below each image. More information about the Whispering in the trees: Images of Manx folklore project is available here.
She could hear them whisper in her ears
This image by Mark Kinrade was inspired by a traditional piece of Manx folklore about the Mooinjer Veggey.
It comes from Edward Faragher's ‘Folklore Notes, Cregneish,’ published in Mannin No.3, May 1914
I have not heard anything about fairies this long time. There is no one hearing them but the woman in the little shop.
She was telling me the other day that she went out one night this winter about twelve o’clock and she heard them among the elder trees, and they were talking away in some language that she could not understand, and they came as near to her that she could hear them whisper in her ears, but could not understand what they were saying. So she got fearful, and got in the house as fast as possible and shut the door after her.
I fancy they must be foreign fairies that are visiting the Island, for all the fairy tales I have heard from the old folks are Manx. But it appears the Manx fairies are gone away, or have changed their language like the Manx people, and it is no wonder when the people gave over talking Manx.
Perhaps the fairies could not understand English, and changed their language as well for spite, for I have heard that some of them were very spiteful when offended.
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