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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The Cailleach's Wrath
- Three hunters wounded a deer in Glen A, angering the Cailleach, a powerful figure in Scottish folklore.
- They found shelter in her bothy but awoke outside its ruins, never hunting there again.
Cailleach: Nature's Goddess
- The Cailleach is a pervasive, ancient figure in Scottish folklore, tied to nature and the weather.
- She's a shapeshifter, often seen as a veiled figure in the mists, embodying the changing seasons.
Janet Boyman's Trial
- Janet Boyman, a healer in 16th-century Edinburgh, consulted spirits at Arthur's Seat for a difficult case.
- This led to her execution for witchcraft, highlighting the clash between folk beliefs and the Church.