Research log 10

Going over the incomplete manuscript again, and I found an interesting tidbit that wasn't very much elaborated upon. It's definitely something to look into, ask about with my next round of local interviews.

This is alluding to forced servitude by a supernatural figure, either for protection of community, or as a kind of debt repayed in kind for wealth rendered. This is pretty standard behavior for these types of malignant or semi-malignant creatures; if you look at the fairytale Water Nixie recorded by the Brothers' Grimm, you can see a prime example of many existing stories.

They also have an example of abduction in exchange for prosperity and good fortune in The Nixie in the Millpond. The story indicates that even while a child's life may be forfeit, they might not be collected by the water demon until well into adulthood-- another interesting parallel to The Man in the Woods, where he appears to people of all ages are said to be taken by him. But given the vulnerability of youths, this is where the bulk of the abductions tend to be.