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Binnorie

From English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs

This ballad was collected by Joseph Jacobs and published in his English Fairy Tales in the late nineteenth century, though the story itself is far older and appears in variants across Scotland and England. It belongs to a tradition of supernatural ballads in which the dead speak to reveal hidden crimes. The harp made from the murdered girl's body is the story's most haunting image, and it embodies a truth at the heart of many old tales: that guilt and betrayal cannot remain hidden, that the truth will find a voice. This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. The story is worth a young reader's time because it explores jealousy and consequence with unflinching clarity, and because it raises enduring questions about responsibility, justice and the cost of unchecked hatred.

Band

Blue · Independent readers, confidentTypical starting range: ages 12–14

Length

long · about 1063 words in 5 sections · 2 pictures

Source

English Fairy Tales, Joseph Jacobs

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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