Gheeldyn, Gheeldyn

Childhood Nursery Rhyme

Photo by Stefan Pflaum from Unsplash. This post is part of the Hallowtide Files established by R. M. Greta and Hylia. Please read here for more information:

"Hallowtide Files: The Gheeldyn" Request for Materials

Message posted to the Community Board on 10/1/2025 3:22AM

Hey there Shauna & Melissa, I heard you are gathering stories of the Gheeldyn? I have a nursery rhyme that my mother told us about but it’s kinda dark. She was singing it to the beats of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and I know I am missing a verse in here somewhere about the church. My friend Samson might remember it. It was a big deal growing up that you did what you were told and you were told to go to church. There was always some conflicting information about where the Gheeldyn came for you whether it be in the woods or in the fields, but the consensus was don’t stray too far into any wild areas alone. Anyway, here’s my what I can remember from the nursery rhyme. I hope this is helpful and maybe gives some leads for more info.

Gheeldyn, Gheeldyn, evil beast

Stay in the woods, I’m no feast

Flowers, honey, and sunshine,

Keeps you locked up in the pine.

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Eat your veggies, brush your teeth,

Or the Gheeldyn comes beneath.

Do not hang a wreath ‘til snow,

You’ll invite her coming fro.

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[Verse about the church was here I think]

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Trapped by the edge of the wood

Poppies save me here I’m stood

She stares with guilt-hungry eyes

One more day to live our lives.

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Keep all your guilt locked up tight

For the Gheeldyn comes at night

A mimic of the deceased

Gheeldyn, Gheeldyn, evil beast