The song "Scarborough Fair" is a traditional English folk ballad, and its original author is unknown. The song likely dates back to the 16th or 17th century and has evolved over time through oral tradition. Its lyrics share similarities with a Scottish ballad called "The Elfin Knight," which dates as far back as 1670. The song refers to the medieval Scarborough Fair, a large trading event in the English coastal town of Scarborough. The most famous modern version was popularized by the folk duo Simon & Garfunkel in 1966, who learned the song from British folk singer Martin Carthy. Paul Simon adapted it and combined it with part of his own song "Canticle." Despite Simon & Garfunkel's arrangement being copyrighted by Paul Simon, the original song remains a traditional folk work with no credited single songwriter.