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Tom Potts

Traditional song

1 min
estimated reading 3
complete sections 5.68
algorithmic grade estimate

Before you read

Use the article and the local dictionary together

The complexity label is calculated from sentence length and syllable estimates; it is guidance, not an assessment of you. Open any highlighted word below for its full local dictionary page.

Words
88
Native text
605 characters
Dictionary match
77%
Revision
1361618039 · 2026-06-29T02:15:45Z
Key vocabulary

Words to check before reading

wedding2 uses in this article father2 uses in this article traditional1 uses in this article assistance1 uses in this article procession1 uses in this article regardless1 uses in this article challenge1 uses in this article Cophetua1 uses in this article generous1 uses in this article heroine1 uses in this article unequal1 uses in this article asking1 uses in this article ballad1 uses in this article common1 uses in this article suitor1 uses in this article angry1 uses in this article Child1 uses in this article groom1 uses in this article match1 uses in this article motif1 uses in this article

Overview

Tom Potts (Roud 66, Child 109) is a traditional English-language folk ballad.

Synopsis

The heroine rejects a rich suitor, Lord Fenix/Phenix, for her poor true love, Tom Potts. Her angry father makes arrangements for the wedding regardless. She sends word to Tom. He sends back word that he will be there and goes to his lord, asking for assistance. The lord is generous with him. Tom interrupts the wedding procession to challenge the groom. He wins. Her father agrees to their marriage and makes Tom his heir.

Motifs

The unequal match is a very common motif in ballads and romances, such as Richie Story and King Cophetua.

Language & communication

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