The Lore Of Scotland

Scotland's rich past and varied landscape have inspired an extraordinary array of legends and beliefs, and 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.

An intensive study of Scotland’s folklore and a detailed evaluation of the characteristic features that brought Celtic lore into prominence. This volume includes comparative notes and historical summaries of stories of alien intrusions, settlements, and expulsions. First published in 1935, the data presented in this text was gathered from Scottish schools during the recruiting period of the Great War. Featuring the following chapters: - The People, Their Origins and History - The Celtic Theory - Intrusions of Aliens - Language and Customs - Swine Cults: Sanctity and Abhorrence of Pig - Giant Lore of Scotland - Ancient Goddess Forms - Fairies and Fairyland - Demons of Land and Water - Festivals and Ceremonies

A historical survey of the myths, legends, and superstitions of Lowland Scotland. First published in 1908, this volume gives an insightful overview of Scottish folklore and the traditional beliefs found in early-twentieth-century Lowland Scotland. Featuring many historical folk tales, Eva Blantyre Simpson’s volume is not to be missed by those interested in ancient Scottish myths and legends. The contents of this volume feature: - Beltane and the Vanished Races - The Romans and Wells of Water - The Scandinavians - Fairies - Fishermen’s Superstitions - Flowers and Birds - Witches and Wizards - Fairs, Festivals, and Funerals - Adages and Omens

"The distinctive features of Scotch Folk-lore are such as might have been expected from a consideration of the characteristics of Scotch scenery. The rugged grandeur of the mountain, the solemn influence of the wide spreading moor, the dark face of the deep mountain loch, the babbling of the little stream, all seem to be reflected in the popular tales and superstitions. The acquaintance with nature in a severe, grand, and somewhat terrible form must necessarily have its effect on the human mind, and the Scotch mind and character bear the impress of their natural surroundings. The fairies, the brownies, the bogles of Scotland are the same beings as those with whom the Irish have peopled the hills, the nooks, and the streams of their land, yet how different, how distinguished from their counterparts, how clothed, as it were, in the national dress!" "Folk-Lore and Legends: Scotland" is a collection of Scottish legends. Some titles therein included are: 'Canobie Dick and Thomas of Ercildoun', 'Coinnach Oer', 'Elphin Irving', 'The Ghosts of Craig-Aulnaic' and 'The Doomed Rider'.