Scottish Folk Tales And Legends

Folktales tell the stories of clans, mermaids, castles, fairies, giants, and adventurers.

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.

This enchanting collection of stories gathers together legends from across Scotland in one special volume. Drawn from The History Press' popular Folk Tales series, herein lies a treasure trove of tales from a wealth of talented storytellers. From the Spaeman's peculiar advice and a laird who is transformed into a frog, to a fugitive hiding in a dark cave and the stoor worm battling with Assipattle, this book celebrates the distinct character of Scotland's different customs, beliefs and dialects, and is a treat for all who enjoy a well-told story.

Slithering stoorworms, mischievous brownies, fierce kelpies and magical selkies are exquisitely brought to life for children in Theresa Breslin's enchanting tales and Kate Leiper's otherwordly illustrations.

A complete collection of Scottish fairy tales, myths and legends, bound in a beautiful new edition. From the mysterious cat-faced lady whose magic allows a servant girl to attend a prince's ball, to the princess who meets an enchanted frog; from ogres and hooded crows, to faery bagpipers and shape-shifting monsters... This book includes traditional favourites that readers will love to spot, alongside classic myths and legends from Scottish heritage.

Sixteen lively tales tell of giants rumbling down mountainsides, of a magic wand that turns stone pillars into warriors, of gods and goddesses, evil hags, powerful forces, and more.

The blue-skinned old woman who made the mountains. Finfolk, seal-people and the Makers of Dreams. Within these pages are the little-known stories of Scotland, collected and retold by an oral storyteller who performs them throughout the world. From folk-tales and local legends to ancient epics, these stories will astonish and delight readers everywhere. Daniel Allison is an acclaimed oral storyteller who performs everywhere from schools and prisons to global festivals. He hosts the House of Legends Podcast and is the author of The Bone Flute, Silverborn, Scottish Myths & Legends and Finn & The Fianna. 'A masterpiece... Celtic myths and legends at their fantastic best. Mythical, flirty, thumpingly violent and divinely nasty!' Jess Smith reviewing Finn & The Fianna 'A tremendous read... no end of dramas, surprises and reversals of fortune... wonderful stuff' Fay Sampson reviewing The Bone Flute 'The best mythology podcast I've heard' House of Legends listener review

Folk and fairy tales come from all around the world, but Scottish stories have an age-old atmosphere which sets them apart. The fourteen in this collection are varied and each has at least one classic folk talk ingredient - fairies, ghosts, wizards, sea monsters, frog-princes, mermaids and tiny green men are just some of the characters to be found in these ancient legends.

Treasury of fanciful, picturesque narratives tell of brownies, kelpies, mermen, and other supernatural creatures that assist, annoy, and otherwise meddle in the lives of simple Scottish country folk. A delightful collection of imaginative and entertaining nursery and fairy tales, animal fables, witchcraft lore, and stories with a comic twist.

A collection of ten Scottish legends passed down through the ages Scottish culture is rich with mythology. There are tales of monks and saints, fairies and witches, kings, nobles, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Some stories were never written down, shared instead through retellings that turned storytelling into an art form. In Thistle and Thyme, Sorche Nic Leodhas brings together ten folktales that were passed down through the generations as part of Scotland’s vibrant oral tradition. In this volume, stories about the changeling and the stolen child, the bride who was cursed to silence by a water kelpie, and the beekeeper who found a rabbit under a spell are just a handful of the thousands of local myths that make up Scotland’s colorful history.