After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Scotland's Darkest Folklore
Apr 7, 2025
Donald Smith, founding director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre and an expert in folklore, takes listeners on a thrilling dive into Scotland's dark myths. He brings to life the enigmatic Cailleach, the dangerous Kelpies, and the poignant tales of Selkies caught between worlds. Smith reveals the deep-rooted connections between these stories and nature, stressing their moral lessons on respect and redemption. He also uncovers the fate of Janet Boyman, a healer unjustly accused of witchcraft, highlighting the cultural clash of ancient wisdom against oppressive laws.
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Quick takeaways
- The Cailleach symbolizes the cyclical changes of seasons and the powerful interplay between nature and femininity in Scottish folklore.
- Kelpies serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of treacherous waters, reflecting societal concerns and survival lessons in nature's unpredictability.
Deep dives
The Kayach and Scottish Folklore
The Kayach is a significant figure in Scottish folklore, often regarded as a weather goddess associated with the forces of nature. She embodies the cyclical changes of seasons and exemplifies the power dynamic between winter and spring, as represented by her daughter, Bride. The Kayach’s lore has persisted through time, evidenced by numerous place names and local traditions, despite efforts to suppress her story amid religious views that favored male deities and rejected feminine power. This connection to nature and its phenomena reflects a deep-rooted belief in the Kayach's influence on the landscape and seasonal changes, showcasing the intersection of myth and reality in the Scottish cultural narrative.
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