Scotland's Sacred Goddess

About the Book: 

In Scotland’s Sacred Goddess, Stuart McHardy explores the pre-Christian beliefs of the Scottish people. Before the monks arrived, the Scots had a rich mythology, with stories that explained the creation and workings of the world. McHardy demonstrates that these ancient beliefs are not lost but can be seen in today’s landscape if one knows how to look.

Using a mix of ancient oral tales, place names, local rhymes and landscape shapes, McHardy reveals the echoes of ancient beliefs whilst determining the characteristics of the Cailleach Goddess and although the stories have changed over the millennia since she was fi rst thought to have inhabitted the land, her stories are still being told. Many tales, especially those involving witches and the Devil, trace back to ancient mythologies. These narratives highlight a fundamentally feminine power in creating and understanding the world.

The perfect read for historians, folklorists, students and Scotland enthusiasts, McHardy’s work shows that the ancient goddess and her stories, though transformed, continue to shape Scotland’s cultural and physical landscape.

Reviews: 

(Stuart McHardy’s) fi ndings are set to shake established Arthurian thinking, which points to the West Country or possibly Wales as his likely resting place. The Scotsman, on The Quest for Arthur

This is a journey into the cultural heritage of a nation. Scottish Review of Books on Scotland the Brave Land

About the Author:

STUART MCHARDY is a writer, historical scholar, poet, musician, folklorist and renowned lecturer about Scottish history and culture, at home as well as abroad. His unique understanding of tradition comes from a thorough immersion in the storytelling arts and history alike. Former President of the Pictish Arts Society and the Director of the Scots Language Resource Centre, McHardy has occupied leadership positions with organisations working towards the aim of rediscovering Scottish national identity.