Sir Hugh is a traditional British folk song, Child ballad # 155, Roud # 73, a folkloric example of a blood libel.
According to Roud and Bishop
This song was collected in England and Scotland and was even more common in North America, but less well known in Ireland. ... The subject matter, however is disturbing, and reminds us that folklore is not always nice and cosy. Indeed, racists, xenophobes, political zealots and religious fundamentalists have always used legends, rumours, songs, jokes and other lore to support and spread their beliefs and to indoctrinate their young, and in particular to denigrate and stereotype outsiders and the victims of their bigotry.
Read more about Sir Hugh: Synopsis, Commentary, Music, See Also, External Links
Famous quotes containing the words sir and/or hugh:
“From alle wymmen mi love is lent
And lyht on Alysoun.”
—Unknown. Alison. . .
Oxford Book of English Verse, The, 1250–1918. Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. (New ed., rev. and enl., 1939)
“He kicked the ball with his right foot,
And catched it with his knee,
And through and through the Jew’s window
He gared the bonny ball flee.”
—Unknown. Hugh of Lincoln (l. 5–8)