Mythological Locations A to Z: F is for Fiddler's Green
Mythological Locations A to Z: F is for Fiddler's Green

He woke up on a shore, green grass sloping up into low rolling hills. Next to him was a long wooden staff, broad and flat at one end and blunt at the other. A path wove its way up the slope and between a pair of hills.

He was alone, barefoot, wearing white trousers and a white shirt which were torn and encrusted with sea salt.

He stood and started walking, using the oddly-shaped staff as he labored up the hill.

He walked for hours, never getting tired. The sun never sank in the sky. He kept walking until, cresting a hill, he saw a small village. Walking in to the village, he came to the main square. A woman looked at him curiously. "What're ye carryin', sir?"

"I don't know. I found it next to me."

"Ye look to've been walking some time. P'rhaps ye might wish to rest a bit." She pointed to an inn, and he heard a haunting and half-familiar tune wafting from the open door.

Inside, he saw men and women he recognized, but could not name. Eight men sat upon a low stage, playing a cheerful dance tune.

He sat at a table and a glass was set in front of him. A pipe, full of tobacco, was to one side of the glass.

After a time, a young man approached him. "Beggin' yer pardon, sir, but I- we- wanted to let ye know we're glad ye made it."

"Where am I, lad?"

"Where ye belong, sir. Where ye belong. Welcome to Fiddler's Green, Cap'n Smith."

On the stage, the dance band, late of the White Star Line's Titanic, began playing "Nearer My God To Thee". Captain John Edward Smith was home, at peace, with his crew.