Thanks to Jim M and Malcolm for keeping the dialog going on this. I am more intrigued than ever with this ballad and with the possible explanations given.

I did look at the links, Malcolm, but found it rough to read online, and prefer when I can to copy the material to a document and study the printed material. I am copying your notes on the Bronson tune and plan to work on it in the next few days when I have a bit of free time.

Jim, your reasoning on ros-mer makes sense to me; I did look at the site-- very interesting, yet brings up lots more questions in my mind about the seal lore and potential connections with Scandinavia and the Saami. (I studied for a while with a Norwegian Sami man who teaches shamanism and while he had lots to say about other animal spirits he never said anything about seals really.) I am wondering if there are variants of the ballad still known in Denmark? Would any of the scholars you mentioned be likely to know?