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.
[Illustration: Story page titled 'Fleur-de-Lys' with a black and white
sketch of blooming irises on the upper left and three toads in the grass
at the bottom left.]