What is the original version of lord randall a boiled eel or fried eel?

The original version of "Lord Randall" does not specify whether the eel is boiled or fried. The lyrics simply state:

"There's a fish in the well, mother, mother,

There's a fish in the well.

He's been caught by a man, mother, mother,

And he's been caught by a man."

The type of fish is left intentionally vague to enhance the mysterious and ominous nature of the song.

It's worth noting that "Lord Randall" is an ancient folk ballad, and various versions exist with different details. Some variations might mention the eel being cooked, but this isn't part of the earliest known versions.