The Lore of Scotland

The Lore of Scotland PDF Author: Sophia Kingshill
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 140906171X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 596

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Book Description
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.

The Lore of Scotland

The Lore of Scotland PDF Author: Sophia Kingshill
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 140906171X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 596

Get Book

Book Description
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.

A History Book for Scots

A History Book for Scots PDF Author: Walter Bower
Publisher: Birlinn
ISBN: 1788853261
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 431

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Book Description
Riveting selections from a 15-century account of Scottish history, one of Scotland’s national treasures. Writing on a small island in the Firth of Forth in the 1440s, Walter Bower set out to tell the whole story of the Scottish nation in a single huge book, the Scotichronicon— “a history book for Scots.” It begins with the mythical voyage of Scota, the Pharaoh’s daughter, from Egypt with the Stone of Destiny. The land that her sons discovered in the Western Ocean was named after her: Scotland. It then describes the turbulent events that followed, among them the wars of the Scots and the Picts (begun by a quarrel over a dog); the poisoning of King Fergus by his wife; Macbeth’s usurpation and uneasy reign; the good deeds of Margaret, queen and saint; Bruce’s murder of the Red Comyn; the founding of Scotland’s first university at St. Andrews; the “Burnt Candlemas;” and the endless troubles between Scotland and England. Weaving in and out of the events of Bower’s factual history are other subjects that fascinated him: harrowing visions of hell and purgatory, extraordinary miracles; the exploits of knights and beggars, merchants and monks; the ravages of flood and fire; the terrors of the plague; and the answers to such puzzling questions as what makes a good king, and why Englishmen have tails. This monumental work, in which the original Latin text appears side by side with a translation in modern English, was completed in 1998. It includes an introduction and notes that guide the reader through the complexities of Bower’s history and its background.

Wonder Tales from Scottish Myth & Legend

Wonder Tales from Scottish Myth & Legend PDF Author: Donald Alexander Mackenzie
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Folklore
Languages : en
Pages : 246

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Book Description


The Myth of William Wallace

The Myth of William Wallace PDF Author: Susan Wallner
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 3898212696
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 122

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Book Description
This book examines literary examples concerning William Wallace against the background of various historical sources and evaluates the construction, the changes, and the relevance of this Scottish national myth.For over 700 years, William Wallace has been fascinating people. What he achieved for his country is almost unbelievable. Already during his lifetime, Wallace's reputation must have been legendary. Over the centuries, a powerful myth has been created around his person, which was fostered by diverse writers, and even by Hollywood. There have been several periods throughout Scottish history when the interest in William Wallace intensified enormously, resulting in an increase of literary publications on the freedom fighter. These climaxes appeared whenever the Scots were dissatisfied with the English rule and brought the old animosity between England and Scotland to new life. These tensions caused many writers to revive memories of Wallace and his ideals by projecting the medieval story into their own time. Thus, more and more bits and pieces were added to the myth whose message seems to have had tremendous effects on the Scots. Wallace's unfulfilled quest of freeing Scotland even became an issue in several programs of political parties.With the release of the film "Braveheart" in the mid-1990s, the Wallace cult was reborn once more. Was it the prevailing political situation that stimulated such an overwhelming enthusiasm for William Wallace again? Did the Wallace myth influence the Devolution Movement? Is Wallace's spirit still alive today? Do the Scots still cherish what he fought for, and will they finally achieve his goal of a fully independent Scottish Nation? With regard to the current political situation, the author finds interesting answers to these questions and discusses the chances for a possible Scottish independence.

Legendary Scotland

Legendary Scotland PDF Author: Katrina Patrick
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781845358921
Category : Folklore
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description


The Scottish Legendary

The Scottish Legendary PDF Author: Eva von Contzen
Publisher: Manchester University Press
ISBN: 1526100274
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 325

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Book Description
This study places the Scottish compilation of saints' legends within the hagiographic landscape of medieval Britain.

Scottish Urban Legends

Scottish Urban Legends PDF Author: Aaron Mullins
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
A huge collection of Scottish Urban Legends, Myths and True Stories. The definitive guide to the legendary stories that reveal Scotland's mysterious past. Featuring 50 captivating Scottish folklore stories, you'll embark on a journey through the shadowy alleys of Edinburgh, the misty moors of the Highlands, and the forgotten corners of Glasgow, discovering the secret myths and legends of Scotland that have been passed down through generations. Each tale is dazzlingly retold for a modern audience. Gather around the fireside and hear incredible stories from a land filled with magic and mystery. Feel the rich history brought to life through folktales passed down through generations. Hear the true stories that lurk amongst these myths, things that the author has witnessed with his own eyes, revealed for the very first time. Where is the most haunted road in Scotland? Who got caught cheating while playing cards with the devil? Which ancient rhyme can summon a violent poltergeist? Haunted places, ghost stories and Celtic folklore, this enchanting collection has them all. From spooky tales of great battles to pagan rituals that are still performed today. Discover the cursed locations where you can see and feel these experiences for yourself if you dare. Huddle closer to the fire, immerse yourself in the dark history of Scotland, and discover which of these unforgettable legends are true.

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures

An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Mythical Creatures PDF Author: Theresa Breslin
Publisher: Illustrated Scottish Treasuries
ISBN: 9781782501954
Category : Animals, Mythical
Languages : en
Pages : 192

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Book Description
"Mysterious selkies, bad-tempered giants, devious fairies, and even Loch Ness's most famous resident--these are the mythical beasts of Scottish folklore. In the ... companion volume to ... An Illustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fairy Tales, ... Breslin brings together a ... collection of tales from across Scotland"--Amazon.com.

Celtic Mythology

Celtic Mythology PDF Author: Josh Drake
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781661813000
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 134

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Book Description
Celtic Mythology Are you interested in ancient cultures, meaningful tales, and entrancing folklore? Because if you are, this book has much in store for you. Do you know that the Celtic culture and folklore, though with a primarily Irish origin, has widespread branches across the globe - as far as the British, Scottish, and Welsh cultures of Europe, and right into the Euro-Asian territory of Turkey? It is a culture that was as interesting as it was mysterious and has passed its knowledge of mythological creatures and deities from generation to generation, developing a holistic view of the universe. This book can provide you with a combination of all the aspects of Celtic mythology - from its Irish and Welsh origins to its Scottish and Brittany sides - allowing you to have a complete 360-degree view of the world with a perspective that is much more interesting and spiritually accurate than the contemporary ones. In this book, you will be discovering a completely different side of the universe and looking at deities that seem to have much in common with the Greek Gods but are believed to be different. It accounts for all the Tales, Gods, Legendary Creatures and Beliefs that have dominated the Celtic folklore and been conveyed by it - being handed down generation to generation for centuries. The book conveys Who the Celts were and what beliefs they shared? Why and how their tales were passed down from generation to generation Tens of the interesting myths and tales that the Celtic people shared Comprehensive insights into their culture and how far and wide their branches spread Details of their Gods and other religious concepts

The Great Scot

The Great Scot PDF Author: Duncan A. Bruce
Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
ISBN: 1429932228
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306

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Book Description
Robert the Bruce was Scotland's greatest King ever. The Bruce, as he was known, was crowned King of Scots in 1306, a time when the ancient kingdom of Scotland was under harsh and illegal English occupation. As soon as King Robert began his reign, his army was treacherously attacked at Methven, resulting in a calamitous defeat for the Scots which forced the Bruce into hiding. Yet, steadily between 1307 and 1313 King Robert won battle after battle, shunning pitched medieval clashes, and fighting as a guerilla force, a form of warfare which he, perhaps, invented. The war peaked in 1314 when the Bruce faced a formidable English invasion. With brilliant tactics and resolute bravery the vastly outnumbered Scots defeated and routed the knights, archers, and foot soldiers of mighty England at the Battle of Bannockburn. And that's only the first part of this epic tale of the Bruce's long and event-filled life. The Great Scot is a novel filled with valor, treachery, passionate love, journeys great and small, and people of every rank and situation-all from the pages of Scottish history.