Tam Lin

"Tam Lin" is a traditional Scottish Border ballad categorized by Francis James Child as Child Ballad 39. It originates from the border regions of Scotland and England, with variations passed down through oral tradition. The earliest known printed versions of the text date back to the 18th century, though the story is much older.

Janet rescues Tam Lin by waiting for him at a crossroads at midnight during Halloween. When the fairy procession appears, she pulls Tam Lin from his horse and holds him tightly as the Fairy Queen transforms him into various terrifying animals, like a snake and a burning bar of iron. By never letting go, she finally breaks the fairy spell when he turns into a naked man.

The primary setting of the ballad is Carterhaugh, a real estate located in the Scottish Borders near the confluence of the Rivers Ettrick and Yarrow. In the narrative, the woods of Carterhaugh are claimed by Tam Lin, who demands a toll from any maiden who passes through. Historically, the lands belonged to the Murray family.

After Janet successfully holds onto Tam Lin through all the Fairy Queen's magical transformations, the Queen loses her power over him. The Queen throws the naked man into a well, and upon emerging, Tam Lin is finally a mortal human again. He and Janet are then free to marry, leaving the Queen furious at the loss of her knight.