Death, dismemberment, and wholesale slaughter are not only permitted in folk songs, but are really required for proper 'tone' in some...as long as they are not merely gratuitous...
....i.e., they must have a 'reasonable' justification ...such as getting rid of pregnant girlfriends (or unwanted babies) or recovering your horse, or setting an example for those who disagree with you! High standards, I know, but important.