
The Cailleach
It was the first day of May and Linnie was visiting with Nan McFann. Linnie enjoyed her visits with the old woman—she’d been kind to them since they’d retreated to the bothy on the north bank of Loch Lyon after the events on Drumossie Moor.
“’Tis Beltane today,” said Nan, “Time to bring the Cailleach and her family out into the sun.”
“The Cailleach?”
“Aye, the Goddess. She’s looked after our lands for longer than time remembers—as long as we look after the stones. She’s the Goddess of creation, though she’s not amiss to a bit of destruction when it takes her fancy. Mayhap you can tell her your wishes after.”
“I dinna think my wishes can come true,” said Linnie. What could she wish for? That Da hadn’t died at Culloden? That Charles Edward Stuart had never left Spain? That all the redcoats would die of the pox? That she hadn’t become a grown woman at the age of twelve? Defeated, she let her shoulders slump.
Nan led her up the glen until they came to a turf-roofed shieling.
“This is Tigh nam Bodach,” said Nan and reached inside the shieling, reverently pulling out a stone that was vaguely human-shaped. “And this is the Goddess Cailleach. She comes out with her husband, Bodach, her eldest daughter Nighean and her nine younger children every Beltane, where they remain under the light of the sun until Samhain.”
Linnie felt the power of the ancient stones as she helped Nan to stand them in front of the shieling.
“Now, tell Cailleach what is in your heart, child,”
Linnie held her hands as if in prayer, losing herself in her thoughts for several minutes. With a sigh she said, “There’s been enough destruction already. We need Cailleach to help build a stronger Scotland, to help us recover.” She looked to Nan.
The older woman took Linnie’s hands in her own and nodded in approval. They walked back down the glen together and when they reached Nan’s croft, she gave her a warm embrace before gathering her basket and heading for home.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI like this story for the historical content and the fact I had to scramble for my dictionary.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Margarida. I’m glad it inspired you to reach for your dictionary—it makes the hours of research I did for this one worth it 🙂
Carrie, can you provide a little background on Culloden, please.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHi Margarida, thanks for the query, it’s quite extensive reading,but the Wikipedia page on the Jacobite rising of 1745 is probably the best for information as it gives you the background behind the events leading up to the Battle of Culloden https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobite_rising_of_1745
Linnie’s hopeful and positive wish for the future of Scotland is the perfect ending to a story so rich in history. A history you bring so wonderfully to life, Carrie. I savoured every word!
Thank you, Linda. I was astounded when I came across the information about Tigh nam Bodach. Apparently this event still occurs now, it has done since before christianity. Some people even make it part of a pilgrimage. It was a little known practice until earlier this century when the site was put under threat by a local dam and they had to put it under protected status. I just had to craft… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou never fail to inspire us to learn more while entertaining us, Carrie. A sobering, thoughtful story in many ways and a very satisfying ending. Well done ?
Thank you, Sandra. I love it when I can learn something new when I’m writing too. I’m glad you found the ending satisfying 🙂
I learned a new word today, Carrie. I never knew what a Cailleach was, nor how to pronounce it! I especially liked the ending, where Linnie wished for something that was not just for herself, but for the whole of Scotland.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI learned new stuff when I wrote it too, Marianna. It gives me a nice feeling as an author when someone learns something from my writing. I always find the books I read more satisfying when I learn as I read. I’ve learned for more about history from reading novels than I ever did at school ?
Hello, Carrie. Thanks for the new words and for bringing me to Scotland. And the ending was really beautiful. I love it. Well done.
Thank you, Lotchie. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the story. I would love to make the pilgrimmage myself to see the Cailleach, but I don’t think I’m fit enough to go climbing up the glen anymore!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou’re welcome, Carrie.
Another wonderfully written story. Keep it up, Carrie. ?
Thank you so much, Steven. I was fascinated by the story of the Cailleach when I discovered it and just had to include it in Linnie’s story.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleA truly captivating story that immerses you in the culture of Scotland and the history that surrounds the beautifully crafted world you have built. Wonderful writing as always, Carrie!
Thank you for your kind comment, Bella. I’m so glad you found the story interesting 🙂