Robin Goodfellow- A Man for All Seasons.

I was approached by a wonderful new shop called ‘The Woodlands Realm’ in Skibbereen, County Cork (https://www.woodsmansrealm.com) to supply them with straw craft. They were looking for traditional straw designs, but with a more mythical and folkloric twist. I was delighted to do so, as what has always fascinated me about corn dollies is why they were originally created?

Many designs were given as a traditional house blessing, or used to protect the home from harm. Others brought fertility to a newly wedded couple, and their land and livestock. Others were believed to bring good luck and prosperity, or traditionally hung up to keep away negative influences.

Most of the oldest designs have their roots buried so deeply in the past, that they are almost forgotten. However, their basic purpose can often still be uncovered, if you dig a little into the cultural folklore. So, it was not long before I was sending them a wide variety of corn dollies.

The owners, Marie & Craig then asked if I might make something unique for their shop. They had opened with Covid looming and were then forced to close for three very long lockdowns here in Ireland. Their website still ran, but their stunningly beautiful shop, had stood empty for months like so many others. Knowing they would be open for their first ever Samhain, which in Ireland is ‘Summers End” and the beginning of winter (or Halloween for many others), they wanted to make this a special event.

So, I was asked to create a Wicker Man for their shop. These massive structures were traditionally made, it was claimed, by Druids to house offerings at this time of the year; to the land and the gods of the Celts. Having seen the classic 1973 film of the same name, I must admit at first to being a little reticent. I was not quite sure this was going to set the right tone locally and was also not keen on my Wicker Man then being given to the flames!

After several delightful conversations with Marie, we decided upon a slightly different focus. Rather than being burnt, I would make him more as a mascot for the shop. Then in place of traditional offerings, they would ask customers to send them personal messages; be they of gratitude, release, hope, kindness, moving on, a new start, health or happiness. Each to be left unread and carefully placed into a bowl.

The Wicker Man would then guard them all until Samhain Eve, when they would each be committed to the flames. An event which people could watch live on Facebook. So, I set about creating my first Wicker Man.

I decided to use oats, as they had more length. As I have been asked to make traditional Straw Boys and Mummers costumes quite often here in Ireland, I thought that technique might also give the same impression of something rustic, and roughly shaped like a man. I was also aware it needed to be a certain height, so would need a firmer structure to base it upon as well.

Oats now attached to the basic frame of the Wicker Man.

Originally we had discussed a bag within the structure for the wishes to be kept in, so I created a bag that was suspended inside the figure. Then I began to cover the structure with oats and build up the straw boys exterior.

A bag to hang within the internal structure of the Wicker Man ,to hold all their customers wishes before being committed to the flames.

I also decided that he might look better with the two antlers I had found while walking in the local forest. So slowly he was taking shape. I worked outside in the fine weather, much to the constant fascinating of all the local farmers passing by!

Two deer antlers that I had found while walking over the mountain, which provided the Wicker Man with his crowning glory!

Eventually he was complete, and I was going to be sad to part with him, as he had become part of the family at this point! I also made a few smaller corn dollies to attach to him as offerings, which were fun to make as well.

Small corn offerings to be attached to the Wicker Man once he was complete.

I now realised that he needed a name too, so sat with him and asked him to show me what he wanted to be called? At which point the wind dropped, all the animals were silent and 4 very bold robins suddenly perched around us and burst into deafening song! It was glorious and I had to laugh as it also made so much sense; he obviously wanted to be called Robin!

We then drove him down to Skibbereen in Cork to deliver him to the shop, and even walking down the high street we were stopped numerous times and asked what was he?

We also stopped beside the sea before visiting Marie and Craig; to enjoy the scenery and Robin was keen to join us as well, luckily it was a stunning day! He then graced the shops front window running up to Samhain, guarding the wishes bowl and seemed to happily settle into his new home.

Robin in his new home, ‘The Woodmans’s Realm’ in Skibbereen, County Cork.

An illuminated Robin guarding the Samhain wishes bowl.

The first day he was on display, a lady even asked to buy him, which was quite unexpected. Marie was very polite but said he was family now, and not for sale!

That was autumn 2021 and since then Robin has watched over that wonderful shop and its amazing owners. He is often featured, as the seasonal wheel of the year turns once more.

Craig also added to his name and he soon became ‘Robin Goodfellow’, a character from myth. It also appears that he has definitely found a very magical new home in beautiful County Cork.

Robin Goodfellow in beautiful Country Cork!

The Woodsman's Realm is Ireland's first independent Pagan shop for Witches, Druids, Wiccans, Shamans & Vikings. Shop online at www.woodsmansrealm.com for a magical selection of Pagan art, Wiccan crafts, esoteric books, altar goods & magical herb craft.

17a, Bridge Street, Skibbereen, County Cork, P81 WR96

Telephone Number: 083 087 0890

Email: woodsmansrealm@hotmail.com

Website: https://www.woodsmansrealm.com/