[ [131] ] Nine is a mystical number as well as seven.
[ [132] ] Ahti, the God of the Waters.
[ [133] ] A sacred tree in Eastern Europe, as it is in the British Isles.
[ [135] ] Tont is a common name for a house-spirit.
[ [136] ] Talking trees are common in Esthonian tales; I do not remember another instance of bleeding trees.
[ [137] ] Else.
[ [138] ] Pussy.
[ [139] ] It must be remembered that the dominant race in Esthonia is German, and that the gentry, even if not fairies, would be expected to speak a language unintelligible to the people. It is significant that the very word for lady in Esthonian is proua, a corruption of Frau. Everything particularly fine is called "Saxon."
[ [140] ] In some countries the beard is regarded as a symbol of power, as well as of age and wisdom. Compare the account of Schaibar in the story of Prince Ahmed ( Thousand and One Nights ).