Tamlane
When Janet hears a strange horn from her window, she is drawn into the forest and meets Tamlane, a human boy raised by fairies. But to free him from their grasp, she must hold him through terrifying magical transformations in this Scottish fairy tale of courage and love.
This story was written and illustrated by real humans.
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Spark a conversation with your child and connect the story to real-life lessons.
Vocabulary
- Ember
- A glowing piece of fire that can grow into a flame, like a little hope or feeling.
- Mantle
- A cloak or cape worn on the shoulders, often seen in fairy tales.
- Filigree
- Very fine, lace-like decoration used to describe delicate things like fairy clothes.
- Selkie
- A magical creature from stories that can change from a seal to a human.
- Circlet
- A small crown or headband worn on the forehead, like a fairy queen’s.
- Samaras
- Twirling seeds that spin as they fall from trees, like helicopter blades.
- Transform
- To change into something else completely, often magically.
- Ether
- The sky or heavens, where fairies and magic are said to disappear.
Context
Tamlane is a Scottish fairy tale retold in poetic prose. It tells the story of Janet, a girl who falls in love with a man raised by fairies. To rescue him, she must hold him through magical transformations during a fairy procession. The story includes rich vocabulary and folkloric symbols like mantles, horns, and enchanted forests. It supports literacy through lyrical language and encourages cultural knowledge and emotional growth. Children reflect on bravery, love, and identity in this magical journey.
Courage
- Why do you think Janet chooses to go into the forest even though she feels scared?
- What does it take to hold on to someone you love when they are changing into frightening shapes?
- Can you think of a time when you had to be brave for someone else?
Love
- How does Janet show her love for Tamlane throughout the story?
- What do you think love means when someone says, “I will not let go”?
- Why do you think love makes people do difficult or even dangerous things?
Identity
- Tamlane was raised in Fairyland but wants to return to the human world. What does this say about his identity?
- How do you think Janet’s identity grows or changes through the story?
- If you had to live in a magical world but could never return home, what would you miss most?
Conversation
- What magical elements make this story a fairy tale?
- How do the fairies use magic to try and keep Tamlane under their control?
- Would you rather live in the human world or a magical one? Why?
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FAQs about ‘Tamlane’
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Credits
This story was brought to life by these awesome real humans!
- Written by: Jade Maitre
- Illustrated by: Anthony E. Leah
The post Tamlane first appeared on Bedtime Stories.
