Countess: Scottish Mythology: Introduction

Thomas the Rhymer and the Fairy Queen

"Thomas the Rhymer and the Fairy Queen.” Illustration by Meredith Morris Williams. Published in The Scottish Fairy Book by Elizabeth Grierson (1910), Frederick A. Stokes Company.

Thomas the Rhymer

This is a link to a poem written by Sir Walter Scott. In the poem we see Thomas the Rhymer's story is one of magic, prophecy, and the power in knowing what you are not suppose to. The author describes how was an ordinary human. But after meeting the "Queen of Elfland" and living with the fairies for seven years Thomas is forever changed. He comes back to the human world and finds he is no longer able to lie, and can predict the future for Scotland's royalty.

Thomas the Rhymer by Ellen Kushner
ISBN: 9780553586978

Publication Date: 2004-06-01

"Award-winning author and radio personality Ellen Kushner's inspired retelling of an ancient legend weaves myth and magic into a vivid contemporary novel about the mysteries of the human heart. Brimming with ballads, riddles, and magical transformations, here is the timeless tale of a charismatic bard whose talents earn him a two-edged otherworldly gift. A minstrel lives by his words, his tunes, and sometimes by his lies. But when the bold and gifted young Thomas the Rhymer awakens the desire of the powerful Queen of Elfland, he finds that words are not enough to keep him from his fate. As the Queen sweeps him far from the people he has known and loved into her realm of magic, opulence--and captivity--he learns at last what it is to be truly human. When he returns to his home with the Queen's parting gift, his great task will be to seek out the girl he loved and wronged, and offer her at last the tongue that cannot lie." - Book Synopsis

The Smith and the Fairies

A fairytale that includes a father and son, changelings, and magic. Unlike the first story this one takes a darker route with the fairies role in the human world. A smith lives with his son, when one day his boy falls ills and is bed ridden. When the smith speaks to an old man about his concerns the man reveals it might not be his son at all but a changeling! To prove this the smith had to make the creature laugh. After he found the changeling was not his beloved son, the smith went into a green round hill to rescue him. With a Bible, dirk and crowing chicken he was able to rescue his son and escape.

We later find out the boy learned impressive smithing techniques that would make the pair constantly employed and famous throughout the land.

Tales of Wonder Every Child Should Know by Kate Douglas Wiggin
ISBN: 1681950189

Publication Date: 2015-08-16

A collection of stories all around the world. However, The Smith and the Fairies can be found on page 10. An exciting tale of what a father is willing to do for his son, and how fairies are more than the kind creatures modern fairytales would lead you to believe.

Welcome

Scottish mythology is a reflection of Scotland's rich history and connection with the natural world. From deities capable of making mountains and lochs (lakes) to creatures dragging you into the water, Scotland's myths and lore continue to inspire people to this day. Due to the close geographical locations of Scotland, England, and Ireland a lot of the gods and fairytales are clumped together under the term "Celtic". However, there are certain legends and supernatural creatures that are unique to Scotland.

Books

Celtic Mythology by Philip Freeman
ISBN: 9780190460488

Publication Date: 2017-02-01

"Most people have heard of the Celts--the elusive, ancient tribal people who resided in present-day England, Ireland, Scotland and France. Paradoxically characterized as both barbaric and innocent, the Celts appeal to the modern world as a symbol of a bygone era, a world destroyed by the ambition of empire and the spread of Christianity throughout Western Europe. Despite the pervasive cultural and literary influence of the Celts, shockingly little is known of their way of life and beliefs, because very few records of their stories exist. In this book, for the first time, Philip Freeman brings together the best stories of Celtic mythology.Everyone today knows about the gods and heroes of the ancient Greeks, such as Zeus, Hera, and Hercules, but how many people have heard of the Gaulish god Lugus or the magical Welsh queen Rhiannon or the great Irish warrior Cú Chulainn? We still thrill to the story of the Trojan War, but the epic battles of the Irish Táin Bó Cuailgne are known only to a few. And yet those who have read the stories of Celtic myth and legend-among them writers like J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis-have been deeply moved and influenced by these amazing tales, for there is nothing in the world quite like them. In these stories a mysterious and invisible realm of gods and spirits exists alongside and sometimes crosses over into our own human world; fierce women warriors battle with kings and heroes, and even the rules of time and space can be suspended. Captured in vivid prose these shadowy figures-gods, goddesses, and heroes-come to life for the modern reader." - Book Synopsis
The Lore of Scotland : A guide to Scottish legends by Sophia Kingshill, Jennifer Beatrice Westwood
ISBN: 9781409061717

Publication Date: 2012

"In The Lore of Scotland, Jennifer Westwood and Sophia Kingshill bring together many of the finest and most intriguing: stories of heroes and bloody feuds, tales of giants, fairies, and witches, and accounts of local customs and traditions. Their range extends right across the country, from the Borders with their haunting ballads, via Glasgow, site of St Mungo's miracles, to the fateful battlefield of Culloden, and finally to the Shetlands, home of the seal-people. More than simply retelling these stories, The Lore of Scotland explores their origins, showing how and when they arose and investigating what basis - if any - they have in historical fact. In the process, it uncovers the events that inspired Shakespeare's Macbeth, probes the claim that Mary King's Close is the most haunted street in Edinburgh, and examines the surprising truth behind the fame of the MacCrimmons, Skye's unsurpassed bagpipers. Moreover, it reveals how generations of Picts, Vikings, Celtic saints and Presbyterian reformers shaped the myriad tales that still circulate, and, from across the country, it gathers together legends of such renowned figures as Sir William Wallace, St Columba, and the great warrior Fingal. The result is a thrilling journey through Scotland's legendary past and an endlessly fascinating account of the traditions and beliefs that play such an important role in its heritage." - Book Synopsis

Videos

This video by "The Great British Channel" takes a deep dive into Scotland's well know myths and sites locals would be more familiar with. It covers a wide range of Scotland's rich mythical history.

A shorter video describing historical figures that turned legendary, famous haunted locations and mythical figures. These two videos give a detailed overview of Scottish legends, creatures, and urban legends that hopefully inspire you to dive deeper into Celtic lore.

Student Researcher

Taylor Cole

The Flag of Dunvegan Castle

Photo of the legendary flag from Historic UK

There are many interpretations of how this flag came to be, but it is accepted no matter the legend that it has mystical powers that protect the MacLeod clan. The flag can be unfurled in battle three times and victory will come no matter how dire the stakes. The flag has been used twice, and there is now only one guaranteed victory left.

A gift from the fairies:

The Scotsman

A love story between a Chief of the MacLeod's clan and the princess of the fairy folk. They were allows to be together for one year and a day, during that year they were a happy couple who welcomed a son. However, the time for the princess to go back to her home came. The chief made a promise to never allow their son to cry. After she left, the people threw a party for their Chief to lift his spirits, it was during this party that the son began to cry. His mother heard it, and as a final gift to her human family she left a shawl wrapped around her child. That shawl is now known as the Fairy Flag of Dunvegan.

A crusaders bounty:

Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

A MacLeod on a crusade to the Holy Land met a hermit in the mountains and is warned about an evil spirit called the "Daughter of Thunder". She is a destroyer of true believers that guards the pass to the True Cross. After the clans man defeated the spirit, she revealed the future of his clan and gave him her girdle (the flag) to protect the MacLeod's future.

Isle of Staffa

The Isle of Staffa is a famous location known for its natural beauty and the myth that surround it.

The legend has been cemented in poetry and music, although the legend was apparently passed by oral traditions starting with Ossian, the son of Irish giant Fingal.

Fingal's Cave, the Poems of Ossian and Celtic Christianity by Paul M. Allen; Joan D. Allen
ISBN: 0826411444

Publication Date: 1999-05-01

"To understand Fingal and his importance to Celtic culture, we must understand the poems of Ossian and ancient Celtic Christianity. The authors describe the history and importance of Fingal's Cave and the poems of Ossian, showing why they influenced such diverse figures as Medelssohn, Jefferson, Napoleon, and Turner." - Part of book synopsis