A FOLK CHARACTER OF THE NEW ENGLAND COAST
Stormalong was a hearty sailor who roamed the sea off of
the New England Coast. He was an inspiration to his ship mates and accredited with
accomplishments that no ordinary sailor could begin to attempt. Stormalong was strong,
quick, and friendly to a fault. It is said that he was able to stand in the middle of the
ship he signed to serve on, during the crisis of a storm, and held fast the wide and
plentiful masts of the ship, saving everyone and bringing them safely back to port.
Stormalong laughed at the thunder and the lightening and knew that they held no sway over
his undaunted courage and happy go lucky countenance, his only problem was the huge power
of his breath in stirring winds and waves, and the snoring sometimes shaking the rafters
of the ship to such an extent that ol’ Stormalong had to be kept awake by being a
faithful watch on deck so that the ship would stay in one piece to again reach the nearest
port safely.
COMMENTARY:
A character that personified the times and the trials of
living along the coast of New England, and in being the Folk Hero that was able to do the
extraordinary feats that made him a legend.
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