"Hares on the Mountain" is one of the best known songs from southern England
and was published by Cecil Sharp in his Folk Songs from Somerset.
He collected nine separate versions. The tune is similar to
"Sally My Dear".
The concept of magical transformation in pursuit of sex is very similar to
"The Two Magicians"
(Child #44).
It has been recorded by The High Level Ranters, Steeleye Span and others. I learned it from the Steeleye Span recording. |