Ballads often explore a range of themes, including love and romance, heroism and bravery, and tragedy and loss.

Ballads typically consist of four-line stanzas with alternating rhyme, known as ballad stanzas.

Lord Thomas and Fair Annet is a tragic ballad that tells the story of a young woman named Fair Annet who is forced to marry a man she does not love.

In the ballad 'The Cruel Mother', the mother who kills her children is punished in various ways, including being turned into a bird, cursed to wander the earth forever, and driven mad by guilt.

The Devil and Daniel Webster is a famous American ballad that tells the story of a young man named Daniel Webster who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for wealth and power.

Tam Lin is a Scottish ballad that tells the story of a young woman named Janet who is abducted by a fairy king.

The Bonny Earl of Murray is a Scottish ballad that tells the story of a young man named James Stewart, Earl of Murray, who is forced to choose between his love for a woman and his loyalty to his king.

In the ballad 'The Twa Sisters', the sisters die when they are drowned in a river by their jealous brother.

St. George and the Dragon is a famous English ballad that tells the story of a young woman who is rescued from a dragon by a brave knight named St. George.

The Werewolf is a classic ballad that tells the story of a young man named Lycaon who is transformed into a werewolf by Zeus.

The Maid of Asculum is a tragic ballad that tells the story of a young woman named Asculum who is forced to choose between two lovers.

In the ballad 'The Twa Corbies', the corbies (ravens) symbolize death and decay.

The Two Friends is a tragic ballad that tells the story of a young man named Johnie Cock who is betrayed by his best friend.

The Giant of St. Michael's Mount is a Cornish ballad that tells the story of a young woman named Mary who is rescued from a giant by a brave knight named Sir John.

The Highwayman is a famous English ballad that tells the story of a young man named Dick Turpin who is forced to flee his home after killing a man in a duel.