Brownie of Fernden

While Brownies traditionally live in large houses or mills, a rare few made their homes out in the wild. One famous Brownie lived in an ancient woodland in Angus called Fern Den. True to his hard-working nature, this little creature still helped around a nearby farm and became incredibly fond of the farmer and his wife.

The couple’s servants didn't trust the Brownie and he didn’t like them much either. They were lazy and this little creature showed them up with how hard he worked. Even though they would never have got their work done without him, the servants spread malicious rumours about how dangerous the Brownie of Fern Den was.

Then one day, the farmer's wife got sick. Things were so bad that the farmer didn't think she would last until morning. He would have fetched a healer himself but was too scared to leave his wife in case she died without him there to comfort her. He ordered the servants to ride to the village instead, as fast as they possibly could.

They argued between themselves about who would have to go out into the dark night and ride through the Brownie's den. After spreading those lies about him, it might be dangerous for them there after all!

Little did they know the Brownie was hiding around the corner listening in disbelief. They were wasting precious time. He couldn't stand it any longer so grabbed the farmer's horse, threw on a long cloak and big hat, then set off to the healer's cottage.

When he arrived at the door, the healer looked confused at the short man hiding beneath the hat. He told her the situation and that there was no time to lose before rushing her up onto the horse behind him. Galloping along the road, the healer noticed they were heading straight for Fern Den.

"What if we meet the terrifying Brownie?!" she asked.

Her companion replied "I can assure you madam; we won't meet any creature more dangerous than I am."

Once they arrived at the farmhouse, the Brownie helped the healer down and his hat fell off in the process. She looked shocked and asked what exactly he was!

He told her it wasn’t important, but if anybody did ask then just tell them she had ridden with the Brownie of Fern Den!