Scottish folklore (Scottish Gaelic: Beul-aithris na h-Alba) encompasses the folklore of the Scottish people from their earliest records until today. Folklorists, both academic and amateur, have published a variety of works focused specifically on the area over the years. Some creatures of Scottish folklore are Loch Ness Monster, brownies, bogles, kelpies, selkies, the wulver, the bean-nighe, and the blue men of the Minch.
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👉 Scottish folklore in the context of Brownie (folklore)
A brownie or broonie (Scots), also known as a brùnaidh or gruagach (Scottish Gaelic), is a household spirit or hobgoblin from Scottish folklore that is said to come out at night while the owners of the house are asleep and perform various chores and farming tasks. The human owners of the house must leave a bowl of milk or cream or some other offering for the brownie, usually by the hearth. Brownies are described as easily offended and will leave their homes forever if they feel they have been insulted or in any way taken advantage of. Brownies are characteristically mischievous and are often said to punish or pull pranks on lazy servants. If angered, they are sometimes said to turn malicious, like boggarts.
Brownies originated as domestic tutelary spirits, very similar to the Lares of ancient Roman tradition. Descriptions of brownies vary regionally, but they are usually described as ugly, brown-skinned, and covered in hair. In the oldest stories, they are usually human-sized or larger. In more recent times, they have come to be seen as small and wizened. They are often capable of turning invisible, and they sometimes appear in the shapes of animals. They are always either naked or dressed in rags. If a person attempts to present a brownie with clothing or baptize it, it will leave forever.
In this Dossier
- ⭐ Core Definition: Scottish folklore
- 👉 Scottish folklore in the context of Brownie (folklore)
- Scottish folklore in the context of Culture of Scotland
- Scottish folklore in the context of British folklore
- Scottish folklore in the context of John Barleycorn
- Scottish folklore in the context of Welsh folklore
- Scottish folklore in the context of Loch Ness Monster
Scottish folklore in the context of Culture of Scotland
The culture of Scotland includes its distinct legal system, financial institutions, sports, literature, art, music, media, cuisine, philosophy, folklore, languages, and religious traditions. Scots law is separate from English law and remains an important part of Scotland’s identity. The country has its own banking and currency systems. Sports like golf, rugby, and shinty are widely played. Scotland has a significant literary tradition and contributions to art and music. The media landscape includes Scottish-focused outlets. Traditional and modern Scottish cuisine are notable. The country has made contributions to philosophy and has a strong tradition of folklore. Multiple languages and religious practices are present in Scottish society.
Scottish folklore in the context of British folklore
British folklore includes topics such as the region's legends, recipes, and folk beliefs seen throughout the United Kingdom or Britain. British folklore includes English folklore, Scottish folklore and Welsh folklore. Many of these shared tales are tied to real modern and ancient geographical features that have inspired stories of mythical creatures and characters. The traditions inherited from folklore of generations past also still continue to influence present British culture in regards to current local festivals, literature and preserved customs.
Scottish folklore in the context of John Barleycorn
"John Barleycorn" is an English and Scottish folk song. The song's protagonist is John Barleycorn, a personification of barley and of the beer made from it. In the song, he suffers indignities, attacks, and death that correspond to the various stages of barley cultivation, such as reaping and malting.
The song may have its origins in ancient English or Scottish folklore, with written evidence of the song dating it at least as far back as the Elizabethan era. It is listed as number 164 in the Roud Folk Song Index. The oldest versions are Scottish and include the Scots poem "Quhy Sowld Nocht Allane Honorit Be". In 1782, the Scottish poet Robert Burns published his own version of the song, which influenced subsequent versions.
Scottish folklore in the context of Welsh folklore
Welsh folklore is the collective term for the folklore of the Welsh people. It encompasses topics related to Welsh mythology, folk tales, customs, and oral tradition.
Welsh folklore is related to Irish and Scottish folklore due to its Celtic traditions, as well as English folklore. It also shares similarities with Breton and Cornish folklore due to shared history.
Scottish folklore in the context of Loch Ness Monster
The Loch Ness Monster (Scottish Gaelic: Uilebheist Loch Nis), known affectionately as Nessie, is a mythical creature in Scottish folklore that is said to inhabit Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. It is often described as large, long-necked, and with one or more humps protruding from the water. Popular interest and belief in the creature has varied since it was brought to worldwide attention in 1933. Evidence of its existence is anecdotal, with a number of disputed photographs and sonar readings.
The scientific community explains alleged sightings of the Loch Ness Monster as hoaxes, wishful thinking, and the misidentification of mundane objects. The pseudoscience and subculture of cryptozoology has placed particular emphasis on the creature.