The Rowan.
Reading edition
All the fairies and pixies are very fond of this tree, with its beautiful scarlet berries, and people say the good fairies take special care of the children who carry a few of the berries in their pockets.
In Scotland, rowan trees are often planted near the cottages and cow-stables, and then it is supposed no wicked sprites or elves can harm those who live in them.
There is a legend in Norway about this tree that the great god, called Thor, one day was crossing a deep river, and looking for a stick to help him across, when he saw a rowan. He pulled it up and took it as a staff, and after that it was called Thor’s helper.
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