There's a massive whirlpool off of the west coast of Scotland, in the Gulf of Corryvreckan. Legend has it that this whirlpool came about because the witch-goddess Cailleach (pronounced kai-lyuck) used the Gulf to furiously and compulsively wash her plaid, effectively changing the seasons. How did that happen, exactly? One of the stories I'm going to tell you will explain everything about the whirlpool, while another will explain the amazing story behind the connections between Cailleach, Brighde (pronounced Brigid,) and the seasons. Does anyone really know how the story of how the beautiful, rugged, and almost pristine Scottish Highlands (the mountainous northwestern area of the country) were formed? Or the folk stories behind the changing of each season? The Scottish Celts know that Cailleach had a lot to do with it, and there are many stories in their folklore to back them up.

Most people, when they think of Scotland (the country in the United Kingdom to the north of England) either associate it with Ireland (I can tell you from first hand experience that this will offend the tar out of some people and is not a good idea), European football, the Loch Ness Monster, or Trainspotting. Oh, and bagpipes. Basically, most Americans don't have the slightest idea of what Scotland is all about, or even where it is, since it gets forgotten as part of the UK and lumped in with the Celtic history of Ireland. Yet Scotland is a magical place all on its own, a land of clear blue water, towering mountains, rugged cliffs, and islands that seem to be enchanted. There is far more to Scotland than bagpipes and kilts!

The story of the goddess Cailleach ranges from creation myth to explanations for naturally occurring events and everything in between. She's the mother of all Scottish Celtic gods and goddesses, the creator of hills and mountains, the overseer of winter, and the bringer of death. She is also, without question, absolutely hideously ugly and considered to be a "hag." In fact, the word "cailleach" is translated as witch or hag. Her influence has been so great over the Scottish land that many places - such as Beinn na Caillich (pronounced Been na Callih) on the Isle of Skye - still carry her name thousands of years later. Cailleach is known both for her creative and destructive tendencies, and legend has it she is responsible for everything from fierce winter storms to the mountains of the Highlands. She carries a hammer with her at all times to destroy and reshape the landscape with every mood swing that she's known to have. The antithesis to Cailleach is the spring goddess Brighde, who epitomizes youth, beauty, and renewal. In February, the Scots celebrate Là Fhèill Brìghde (pronounced 'feel'), the Feast of Brighde, in hopes that spring will come shortly and Cailleach will disappear until the next winter. These legends and festivals have formed the very basis of Scottish folklore, shaping a very unique and little-known country.


Introduction | Beira | Brighde | A'Cailleach | Samhainn