E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Fear Fortress.
An hypothetical castle in a forest near Saragossa. It represents that terrible obstacle which fear conjures up, but which vanishes into thin air as it is approached by a stout heart and clear conscience. The allegory forms the third part of the legend of Croquemitaine.
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“If a child disappeared, or any cattle were carried off, the trembling peasants said, ‘The lord of Fear-fortress has taken them.’ If a fire broke out anywhere, it was the lord of Fear-fortress who must have lit it. The origin of all accidents, mishaps, and disasters was traced to the mysterious owner of this invisible castle.”—Croquemitaine, iii. 1.
