Highland Myths and Legends

A collection of traditional oral stories from Scotland, mainly the Highlands, many never before published. The stories are myths and legends as well as cultural history. They include traditional methods of treating diseases, Druidical customs and rituals, stories of Selkies, shapeshifters, heros, Vikings, faeries, giants and magic.

Storytelling is a traditional art form which has survived through the centuries and is still being enjoyed today. These tales of Celtic Heroes, Magicians and Vikings were originally told around 200 AD, and have been passed down orally, often verbatim, through generations of storytellers. The oldest Gaelic storybook, dating 260 AD, is preserved in the Housemann Museum in Switzerland and contains many of the stories which are recounted today. The whole idea of the preservation of the Scottish culture is at the root of this fascinating tradition, with established storytellers taking on apprentices until the Disarming Act of 1746 made it difficult and dangerous to do so. Storytelling became family centred. This collection of stories convey the imagination, hopes, fears, and passions of an ancient people. The personalities and culture of people long gone are brought to life by the storyteller's words.