John Barleycorn

A rustic deity or character in Britain who was identified with the last sheaf of the harvest. In that form, he was burned as a sacrifice, thus ensuring a good harvest the following year.

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"Inspiring bold John Barleycorn,
What dangers thou canst make us scorn!" - Robert Burns. Tam o' Shanter, 105, 106.

References

Source

  • Dixon-Kennedy, Mike. (1997). European Myth & Legend. London: Blandford.