“Edward, Edward” (Traditional Scottish Ballad): A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Edward, Edward” (Traditional Scottish Ballad)

“Edward, Edward,” a traditional Scottish ballad, first appeared in print in Reliques of Ancient English Poetry (1765), a collection compiled by Thomas Percy. The ballad follows the tragic confession of Edward, who, through a tense dialogue with his mother, reveals that he has murdered his father. The poem’s core themes include guilt, betrayal, and the burden of fate, encapsulated in Edward’s final revelation that his mother encouraged the crime: “The curse of hell from me shall you bear, / Mother, mother: / Such counsels you gave to me, O.” The poem’s haunting repetition and incremental questioning build suspense, making it a compelling and psychologically intense narrative. Its popularity endures due to its exploration of moral corruption and tragic destiny, elements that resonate deeply within the oral tradition of Scottish and English balladry.

Text: “Edward, Edward” (Traditional Scottish Ballad)

MODERN TRANSLATION (original below)

“Why does your sword so drip with blood,
      Edward, Edward?
Why does your sword so drip with blood?
    And why so sad are ye, O?”
“O, I have killed my hawk so good,
      Mother, mother:
O I have killed my hawk so good:
    And I had no more but he, O.”

“Your hawk’s blood was never so red,
      Edward, Edward:
Your hawk’s blood was never so red,
    My dear son I tell thee, O.”
“O, I have killed my red-roan steed,
        Mother, mother:
O, I have killed my red-roan steed,
    That once was so fair and free, O.”

“Your steed was old, and we have got more,
      Edward, Edward:
Your steed was old, and we have got more,
    Some other evil ye fear, O.”
“O, I have killed my father dear,
        Mother, mother:
O, I have killed my father dear,
    Alas! and woe is me, O!”

“And what penance will ye suffer for that,
      Edward, Edward?
And what penance will ye suffer  for that?
    My dear son, now tell me, O.”
“I’ll set my feet in yonder boat,
      Mother, mother:
I’ll set my feet in yonder boat,
    And I’ll fare over the sea, O.”

“And what will ye do with your towers and your halls,
      Edward, Edward?
And what will ye do with your towers and your halls,
      That were sae fair to see, O?”
“I’ll let them stand till they down fall,
      Mother, mother:
I’ll let them stand till they down fall,
      For here never more may I be, O.”

“And what will ye leave to your children and your wife,
      Edward, Edward?
And what will ye leave to your children and your wife
    When ye go over the sea, O?”
“The world is large, let them beg through life,
      Mother, mother:
The world is large, let them beg throw life,
    For them never more will I see, O.”

“And what will ye leave to your own mother dear,
      Edward, Edward?
And what will ye leave to your own mother dear?
    My dear son, now tell me, O.”
“The curse of hell from me shall you bear,
      Mother, mother:
The curse of hell from me shall you bear,
    Such counsels you gave to me, O.”

Annotations: “Edward, Edward” (Traditional Scottish Ballad)

Original Line	Explanation (Simple English)	Literary Devices
“Why does your sword so drip with blood, Edward, Edward?”	The mother asks why Edward’s sword is covered in blood.	Repetition, Rhetorical Question
“Why does your sword so drip with blood? And why so sad are ye, O?”	She repeats the question and notices he looks sad.	Repetition, Rhetorical Question, Parallelism
“O, I have killed my hawk so good, Mother, mother:”	Edward lies, saying he killed his beloved hawk.	Irony, Repetition
“O I have killed my hawk so good: And I had no more but he, O.”	He insists the hawk was the only one he had.	Repetition, Parallelism
“Your hawk’s blood was never so red, Edward, Edward:”	The mother doubts him, saying hawk’s blood isn’t so red.	Dramatic Irony, Suspense
“Your hawk’s blood was never so red, My dear son I tell thee, O.”	She insists that he is hiding the truth.	Foreshadowing, Suspense
“O, I have killed my red-roan steed, Mother, mother:”	Edward lies again, saying he killed his horse.	Irony, Symbolism
“O, I have killed my red-roan steed, That once was so fair and free, O.”	He says the horse was beautiful and free.	Symbolism, Imagery
“Your steed was old, and we have got more, Edward, Edward:”	The mother dismisses this, saying they have more horses.	Contrast, Suspense
“Your steed was old, and we have got more, Some other evil ye fear, O.”	She senses he is afraid of something worse.	Foreshadowing, Suspense
“O, I have killed my father dear, Mother, mother:”	Edward finally admits he killed his father.	Climax, Tragic Revelation
“O, I have killed my father dear, Alas! and woe is me, O!”	He regrets his crime and feels deep sorrow.	Pathos, Emotional Appeal
“And what penance will ye suffer for that, Edward, Edward?”	The mother asks what punishment he will accept.	Repetition, Rhetorical Question
“And what penance will ye suffer for that? My dear son, now tell me, O.”	She asks again, pushing for an answer.	Repetition, Suspense
“I’ll set my feet in yonder boat, Mother, mother:”	Edward says he will leave in a boat.	Symbolism, Foreshadowing
“I’ll set my feet in yonder boat, And I’ll fare over the sea, O.”	He will go across the sea, far away.	Foreshadowing, Symbolism
“And what will ye do with your towers and your halls, Edward, Edward?”	The mother asks what will happen to his home.	Repetition, Symbolism
“And what will ye do with your towers and your halls, That were sae fair to see, O?”	She reminds him of his once-beautiful estate.	Imagery, Symbolism
“I’ll let them stand till they down fall, Mother, mother:”	Edward says he will abandon everything.	Symbolism, Tragedy
“I’ll let them stand till they down fall, For here never more may I be, O.”	He will never return home again.	Finality, Symbolism
“And what will ye leave to your children and your wife, Edward, Edward?”	The mother asks about his wife and children.	Repetition, Rhetorical Question
“And what will ye leave to your children and your wife When ye go over the sea, O?”	She wonders what will become of them.	Foreshadowing, Tragedy
“The world is large, let them beg through life, Mother, mother:”	Edward coldly says they must beg to survive.	Irony, Pathos
“The world is large, let them beg through life, For them never more will I see, O.”	He will never see them again.	Finality, Despair
“And what will ye leave to your own mother dear, Edward, Edward?”	The mother asks what he will leave her.	Repetition, Rhetorical Question
“And what will ye leave to your own mother dear? My dear son, now tell me, O.”	She wants to know if he will care for her.	Suspense, Expectation
“The curse of hell from me shall you bear, Mother, mother:”	Edward curses her, blaming her for his crime.	Tragic Irony, Pathos
“The curse of hell from me shall you bear, Such counsels you gave to me, O.”	He says her advice led to his downfall.	Blame, Tragic Ending

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Literary And Poetic Devices: “Edward, Edward” (Traditional Scottish Ballad)

Literary Device	Example from the Ballad	Explanation
Alliteration	“Why does your sword so drip with blood”	The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words enhances rhythm and musicality.
Ambiguity	“Some other evil ye fear, O.”	The line suggests an underlying fear, leaving the full truth uncertain.
Anaphora	“And what will ye do with your towers and your halls”	Repetition of a phrase at the beginning of successive lines for emphasis.
Climax	“O, I have killed my father dear”	The poem builds up to the revelation of patricide, heightening suspense.
Contrast	“Your hawk’s blood was never so red” vs. “I have killed my father dear”	Juxtaposition of seemingly minor sins (hawk, horse) with the extreme crime of patricide.
Dramatic Irony	The audience knows Edward is guilty before he confesses.	The reader suspects Edward’s crime before it is fully revealed, increasing tension.
Ellipsis	“I’ll let them stand till they down fall” (implied meaning)	Omitting words or details forces the reader to infer the meaning.
Emotive Language	“Alas! and woe is me, O!”	Conveys deep sorrow and regret, making the tragedy more powerful.
Epiphora	“Mother, mother”	Repetition of words at the end of successive phrases for emphasis.
Foreshadowing	“The curse of hell from me shall you bear”	Hints at the mother’s involvement before Edward reveals the truth.
Hyperbole	“The world is large, let them beg through life”	An exaggerated statement to emphasize a point.
Imagery	“That once was so fair and free, O.”	Vivid descriptions appeal to the senses, making images more striking.
Irony	Edward blaming his mother while he made his own choice.	The contradiction between Edward’s blame on his mother and his own actions.
Metaphor	“I’ll set my feet in yonder boat” (symbolic journey)	A symbolic comparison where something represents a greater idea (exile, escape).
Parallelism	“Your steed was old, and we have got more” / “Your hawk’s blood was never so red”	Using a similar structure in lines for rhythm and flow.
Pathos	“Alas! and woe is me, O!”	Evokes sympathy and sadness from the audience.
Refrain	“Edward, Edward” repeated at the start of many stanzas.	A repeated phrase or line that creates a musical quality and reinforces themes.
Repetition	“O, I have killed my hawk so good” / “O, I have killed my father dear”	Repetition of words and phrases to emphasize guilt and distress.
Rhetorical Question	“And what will ye leave to your children and your wife?”	A question posed for effect rather than to get an answer.
Symbolism	“I’ll set my feet in yonder boat” (represents exile and escape)	Objects or actions represent deeper meanings (e.g., the boat symbolizes Edward’s departure and guilt).

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Themes: “Edward, Edward” (Traditional Scottish Ballad)

• Guilt and Psychological Torment: One of the most prominent themes in “Edward, Edward” is guilt and psychological torment. The ballad unfolds as Edward gradually reveals his crime, starting with small lies before admitting to murdering his father. His responses are laden with distress and remorse, particularly when he exclaims, “O, I have killed my father dear, / Alas! and woe is me, O!” His sorrow is emphasized by the repeated questioning from his mother, which forces him to confront his actions. His decision to exile himself, saying, “I’ll set my feet in yonder boat, / And I’ll fare over the sea, O.” demonstrates that he feels irredeemable. The weight of his crime leaves him with no other option but to abandon everything he knows, reinforcing the devastating effects of guilt on the human psyche.
• Familial Betrayal and Corruption: The theme of familial betrayal is central to the ballad, culminating in the shocking revelation that Edward was influenced by his own mother to commit patricide. The initial tension in the conversation between Edward and his mother suggests that she suspects something far more sinister than the death of a hawk or a horse. The ultimate betrayal is revealed in the final lines when Edward curses his mother, saying, “The curse of hell from me shall you bear, / Such counsels you gave to me, O.” This suggests that she played a role in manipulating him into killing his father. The ballad, therefore, portrays a deeply fractured family dynamic, where love and loyalty are replaced by deceit and moral corruption, leading to tragic consequences.
• Fate and Inescapable Consequences: Edward’s fate is sealed the moment he commits murder, reinforcing the theme of inescapable consequences. His attempts to downplay his actions by lying about killing his hawk and horse serve as desperate but futile efforts to avoid the truth. However, as his guilt is uncovered, he realizes that his punishment is unavoidable. He accepts exile as his fate, stating, “I’ll let them stand till they down fall, / For here never more may I be, O.” His decision to leave his family behind, including his wife and children, whom he condemns to beg for survival, highlights the permanence of his crime. The ballad reflects a fatalistic worldview where once a great sin is committed, no redemption is possible, and escape is the only remaining path.
• Moral Corruption and the Role of Influence: A key message in the ballad is how individuals can be driven to immorality under the influence of others. Edward’s descent into crime is not just a personal failing but also a result of external manipulation. His mother’s subtle but persistent questioning suggests that she knows more than she initially lets on, and Edward’s final words confirm her role in leading him to commit murder. “The curse of hell from me shall you bear” suggests that she did not just condone the crime but actively encouraged it. This raises a larger moral question about the nature of evil—whether it is innate or cultivated by external forces. The ballad warns of the dangers of corrupt influences, especially within families, where trust should be strongest but can instead be a source of destruction.

Literary Theories and “Edward, Edward” (Traditional Scottish Ballad)

Literary Theory	Application to “Edward, Edward”
Psychoanalytic Criticism	The ballad explores Edward’s guilt, repression, and psychological conflict. His inability to admit his crime at first reflects Freud’s idea of denial and subconscious suppression of guilt. His final self-exile can be seen as an attempt to escape inner torment. “O, I have killed my father dear, / Alas! and woe is me, O!” reflects deep remorse and psychological distress.
Feminist Criticism	The mother’s role in the ballad is complex. She is both an authority figure and a manipulator. Feminist criticism can examine her power over Edward and how she influences his actions. The final curse—“The curse of hell from me shall you bear”—suggests a reversal of traditional gender roles, with the mother exerting control over the son.
Marxist Criticism	A Marxist reading highlights the class implications of Edward’s crime. His abandonment of his wealth—“I’ll let them stand till they down fall”—reflects a rejection of materialism. His decision to leave his wife and children to beg—“The world is large, let them beg through life”—demonstrates the harsh economic realities and injustices in a feudal society.
New Historicism	New Historicism examines the ballad in its historical context, particularly medieval and early modern European justice systems. The emphasis on exile as a consequence—“I’ll set my feet in yonder boat, / And I’ll fare over the sea, O.”—suggests societal views on crime and punishment. The themes of patricide and moral corruption reflect historical anxieties about familial loyalty and power struggles.

Critical Questions about “Edward, Edward” (Traditional Scottish Ballad)

• How does repetition contribute to the tone and meaning of the ballad?
• Repetition is a crucial stylistic element in “Edward, Edward” that enhances the ballad’s tone of suspense, inevitability, and despair. The repeated questioning by Edward’s mother—“Why does your sword so drip with blood, / Edward, Edward?”—creates a rhythmic and interrogative structure that builds tension. Each stanza follows a pattern where Edward initially gives misleading answers about killing his hawk and horse before finally admitting to patricide. This gradual revelation heightens the dramatic intensity of the ballad. The repetition of “Mother, mother” also reinforces the strained relationship between Edward and his mother, suggesting that she is both a source of comfort and a figure of authority pressing him to confess. By the end, repetition serves to emphasize Edward’s complete emotional collapse, particularly in his curse: “The curse of hell from me shall you bear, / Such counsels you gave to me, O.” This repetition of blame shows how Edward shifts responsibility for his crime onto his mother, reinforcing the ballad’s tragic and accusatory tone.
• What role does the mother play in the development of the ballad’s conflict?
• The mother in “Edward, Edward” plays an ambiguous yet central role in the unfolding of the conflict. Initially, she appears as a probing and suspicious figure, pressing Edward for the truth about his bloody sword. Her persistence in questioning—“Your hawk’s blood was never so red”—suggests that she is not easily deceived and perhaps already knows what has transpired. However, her role extends beyond mere inquiry; Edward ultimately blames her for the crime, declaring, “The curse of hell from me shall you bear, / Such counsels you gave to me, O.” This suggests that she may have encouraged, or at least influenced, Edward’s decision to kill his father. The ballad leaves it unclear whether she directly instructed him or if Edward is merely transferring his guilt onto her. This ambiguity adds to the complexity of the mother’s character, making her either a manipulative instigator or a symbolic figure representing a corrupt moral influence within the family.
• How does “Edward, Edward” reflect themes of fate and inescapable consequences?
• The ballad presents a bleak view of fate, suggesting that once a crime is committed, there is no path to redemption—only exile and ruin. Edward, after admitting to his father’s murder, does not seek forgiveness or atonement; instead, he immediately chooses to flee: “I’ll set my feet in yonder boat, / And I’ll fare over the sea, O.” His drastic decision to abandon his home and family highlights a fatalistic perspective, where actions lead to irreversible consequences. Furthermore, his statement “I’ll let them stand till they down fall, / For here never more may I be, O.” underscores his detachment from his past life, suggesting that guilt has made it impossible for him to return. Even his wife and children are forsaken—“The world is large, let them beg through life”—showing that, in his view, his crime has condemned not only himself but also those around him. The ballad, therefore, portrays crime as an act that permanently alters one’s destiny, reinforcing the idea that Edward’s actions have doomed him to a life of isolation and suffering.
• What does the ballad suggest about justice and moral responsibility?
• “Edward, Edward” raises complex questions about justice and moral responsibility, particularly in the way blame is assigned. Edward confesses to the murder of his father, an act that, in many traditional narratives, would be met with a form of legal or divine justice. However, rather than facing direct punishment, he chooses self-imposed exile: “I’ll set my feet in yonder boat, / And I’ll fare over the sea, O.” This suggests that justice in the ballad is personal and psychological rather than external. Moreover, Edward’s curse upon his mother—“The curse of hell from me shall you bear”—shifts the burden of moral responsibility away from himself, implying that he sees himself as a victim of influence rather than an independent agent of his crime. The lack of any formal justice system within the ballad reinforces a sense of lawlessness and moral ambiguity, where guilt and punishment are internalized rather than externally enforced. This ambiguity invites the reader to question whether Edward’s fate is just and whether his mother truly bears responsibility for his actions.

Literary Works Similar to “Edward, Edward” (Traditional Scottish Ballad)

1. “Lord Randal” – This traditional Scottish ballad shares a strikingly similar question-and-answer format, where a mother interrogates her son, who ultimately reveals he has been poisoned. Like “Edward, Edward”, it explores themes of betrayal, death, and familial tension.
2. “The Twa Sisters” (also known as “The Cruel Sister”) – This Scottish ballad tells the story of sibling rivalry and murder, where one sister drowns the other out of jealousy. Like “Edward, Edward”, it portrays a dark and tragic family dynamic with an eerie and fatalistic tone.
3. “The Ballad of Sir Patrick Spens” – This poem also belongs to the Scottish ballad tradition and tells a tragic tale of doom and inevitable fate. Like “Edward, Edward”, it uses repetition and a foreboding atmosphere to depict an unavoidable downfall.
4. “The Wife of Usher’s Well” – A supernatural Scottish ballad about a mother who wishes for the return of her dead sons, only for their spirits to visit her before returning to the afterlife. Similar to “Edward, Edward”, it explores themes of loss, fate, and the inescapability of death.
5. “Barbara Allen” – This ballad tells the tragic love story of Barbara Allen, who coldly rejects a dying suitor and later regrets it, dying of grief. Like “Edward, Edward”, it focuses on sorrow, regret, and the consequences of one’s actions leading to inevitable suffering.

Representative Quotations of “Edward, Edward” (Traditional Scottish Ballad)

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Why does your sword so drip with blood, / Edward, Edward?”	The mother begins her interrogation, noticing the blood and questioning Edward’s actions.	Psychoanalytic Criticism – The mother’s questioning forces Edward to confront repressed guilt and suppressed emotions.
“O, I have killed my hawk so good, / Mother, mother:”	Edward initially lies, claiming he killed his hawk to avoid revealing the truth.	Structuralism – The use of false answers before the final revelation follows a structured narrative pattern common in ballads.
“Your hawk’s blood was never so red, / Edward, Edward:”	The mother doubts his excuse, implying that the blood on his sword must be from something more serious.	Feminist Criticism – The mother asserts dominance over Edward, suggesting a reversal of traditional gender power dynamics.
“O, I have killed my red-roan steed, / Mother, mother:”	Edward continues to avoid the truth, saying he killed his horse, further delaying his confession.	Symbolism – The red-roan steed may symbolize lost freedom or nobility, adding to Edward’s growing despair.
“O, I have killed my father dear, / Alas! and woe is me, O!”	Edward finally confesses to patricide, expressing sorrow and guilt over his actions.	Moral Philosophy – The confession raises ethical dilemmas about guilt, responsibility, and the weight of sin.
“And what penance will ye suffer for that, / Edward, Edward?”	The mother asks what Edward intends to do to atone for his crime, pressing him for a response.	Justice and Punishment – The question implies that some form of retribution or penance is necessary for such a crime.
“I’ll set my feet in yonder boat, / And I’ll fare over the sea, O.”	Edward declares his intent to leave, choosing exile rather than facing consequences at home.	Fate and Free Will – Edward’s decision to exile himself suggests a fatalistic perspective on crime and consequence.
“And what will ye do with your towers and your halls, / Edward, Edward?”	The mother asks about his estate, questioning what will become of his wealth and possessions.	Marxist Criticism – The reference to material wealth highlights the economic implications of Edward’s departure.
“The world is large, let them beg through life, / Mother, mother:”	Edward shows no concern for his wife and children, suggesting they will have to fend for themselves.	Social Responsibility – Edward’s abandonment of his family suggests a theme of detachment and moral failure.
“The curse of hell from me shall you bear, / Mother, mother:”	Edward ultimately blames his mother, claiming that she influenced or encouraged his crime.	Blame and Power Dynamics – Edward’s accusation of his mother shifts responsibility away from himself, reinforcing a theme of manipulation.

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Suggested Readings: “Edward, Edward” (Traditional Scottish Ballad)

1. Niles, John D., and Eleanor R. Long. “Context and loss in Scottish ballad tradition.” Western folklore 45.2 (1986): 83-109.
2. Burrison, John. “‘James Harris’ in Britain Since Child.” The Journal of American Folklore, vol. 80, no. 317, 1967, pp. 271–84. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/537874. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
3. Niles, John D., and Eleanor R. Long. “Context and Loss in Scottish Ballad Tradition.” Western Folklore, vol. 45, no. 2, 1986, pp. 83–109. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/1500038. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.