In Manx folklore, the Wren (yn Drean) plays an important role. Morrison’s book, for example, has the story of ‘How the Wren became King of the birds’.

And today, ‘Hunt’ the Wren (Shelg yn Drean) on St. Stephen’s Day continues to be popular around the Island. Check out the story of the Wren Pole and the tradition.

Two Ravens met once, and one asked the other in Bird language:

‘Is there nothing new at you?’
‘The white Horse is dead,’ said he.
‘Is he fat? Is he fat?’ said the other.
Delicious, delicious,’ said he.
Then he repented that he had told him that, and called out:
‘Bare bones, bare bones!’

From Sophia Morrison’s Manx Fairy Tales.

One of the best-known lullabies in Manx is Ushag veg ruy (Little red bird) and there is a lovely animation of the song available online.

Lhondoo (Blackbird), collected from Tom Taggyrt in Grenaby in the 1920s, is available for listening online.

Another traditional tune is Arrane ny Chlean – Hush thee my Dove, also available for listening online.

A couple of the most obvious references in poetry are Mona Douglas’ poem on the Robin, and Cushag’s poem on the Wren.