Apple Tree Man

You may not see him, but he is always there peeking out from behind a tree or stump, perched up in the limbs or under the cover of tall grass; the Apple Tree Man is watching.

Folklore says the Apple Tree Man lives in the oldest tree in the orchard, which is twisted, bent, and crooked.

He is the spirit of the orchard, guarding the fruit against would-be thieves or chasing away a badger that comes to dig a new burrow under a tree.

Folks may doubt him, but that does not stop many from coming to the orchard on Christmas Eve to pour cider over the roots of his tree and shoot guns to drive away the witches just to be on the safe side.

The cunning folk know he exists. He helps make predictions about finding a person’s lost item by bending the branches of his tree in the direction of the lost item after receiving his due in cider.

Folks say the Apple Tree Man and the Hob are best friends, and on nights when the moon is full, dance to the crickets’ fiddling until the cows come home.

So the next time you walk down the orchard’s rows, see if you can spot his home and offer a bow of thanks. Better still, a splash of tasty cider on the roots will do the trick.

Be sure to make a wish; perhaps the Apple Tree Man will put in a good word for you to Lady Luck.