I've nothing to add to this except to say that if i was really really forced to say which, of all the folk songs I have ever heard, was my favourite one, it would have to be this one.

There is so much contained in just a few verses. There's a hero who has done nothing worse than poach a few deer, there is a heroine who tries to bargain the highest price of all for the sake of her lover (her children), there's a bit of a 'robin hood' element to it and it is extermely sad (an important qualifier for me).

Most important of all, it makes the hairs stand up on the back of my neck - even after all those years. (think I first heard it aged nine - quite a bit ago.)

Catrin - a 'geordie fan'

Oh yes, the tune is wonderful too.