In another thread we discussed Archer Taylor's argument, mentioned by Bronson, that this particular ballad travelled from Britain to Scandinavia rather than the other way. I find Taylor's argument persuasive, Steve G doesn't, but that's OK.

Whichever way it went, the English "Edward" version does indeed seem inauthentic.

Taylor also goes at some length into the details of the son's "nuncupative will"*, the means and implications of his departure from his country, and the series of impossible events that will precede his return.

*A will that is declared orally and not written down.