Scottish Myths And Legends Quiz: Trivia!

1. A Kelpie is a magical pig that produces bacon when near thunder.

True

False

The mythical kelpie is a supernatural water horse that was said to haunt Scotland’s lochs and lonely rivers. The kelpie would appear to victims as a lost dark grey or white pony but could be identified by its constantly dripping mane. It would entice people to ride on its back, before taking them down to a watery grave.

Explanation

The mythical kelpie is a supernatural water horse that was said to haunt Scotland’s lochs and lonely rivers. The kelpie would appear to victims as a lost dark grey or white pony but could be identified by its constantly dripping mane. It would entice people to ride on its back, before taking them down to a watery grave.

2. A Wulver is the scottish version of a werewolf.

True

False

A werewolf in Shetland, that is said to have had the body of a man with a wolf’s head. It was reported to have left fish on the windowsills of poor families.

Explanation

A werewolf in Shetland, that is said to have had the body of a man with a wolf’s head. It was reported to have left fish on the windowsills of poor families.

3. Sidhe is the name of fairies in Ireland and Scotland.

True

False

Sidhe (pronounced 'shee') literally means "people of the (fairy) hills". It is the Gaelic name for the fairies in both Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland. Usually, these fairies are attracted to those who are beautiful as well as wealthy.

Explanation

Sidhe (pronounced 'shee') literally means "people of the (fairy) hills". It is the Gaelic name for the fairies in both Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland. Usually, these fairies are attracted to those who are beautiful as well as wealthy.

4. The Devil is called Black Donald in Scotland!

True

False

In Scottish folklore, Black Donald is the Devil. It is said that the Devil is good at all jobs except for one, tailoring because when the Devil is among the tailors they close up shop so he has never learned to baste. He can take many disguises including an old man in a black suit but whatever disguise he takes, he's always giving himself away because of his cloven feet which cannot be shod.

Explanation

In Scottish folklore, Black Donald is the Devil. It is said that the Devil is good at all jobs except for one, tailoring because when the Devil is among the tailors they close up shop so he has never learned to baste. He can take many disguises including an old man in a black suit but whatever disguise he takes, he's always giving himself away because of his cloven feet which cannot be shod.

5. A Brownie in Scotland is a brown elf!

True

False

Good-natured, invisible brown elves or household goblins who live in farmhouses and other country dwellings in Scotland. While people are asleep, they perform their labors for them. They are known to be protective creatures and they become attached to a certain place of family. Even if the family should move to another continent, the brownies will accompany them in their migration. If offered payment for their services or if they are treated badly, they disappear and are never seen again. The little hairy brownies, with their flat faces and pinhole nostrils, are not very attractive, but their happy smiles and extrovert characters makes up for that. The innocent nature of children allows them to see the brownies, but disbelieving adults will never get a glimpse of them. This however does not prevent the brownies from helping adults in countless minor ways.

Explanation

Good-natured, invisible brown elves or household goblins who live in farmhouses and other country dwellings in Scotland. While people are asleep, they perform their labors for them. They are known to be protective creatures and they become attached to a certain place of family. Even if the family should move to another continent, the brownies will accompany them in their migration. If offered payment for their services or if they are treated badly, they disappear and are never seen again. The little hairy brownies, with their flat faces and pinhole nostrils, are not very attractive, but their happy smiles and extrovert characters makes up for that. The innocent nature of children allows them to see the brownies, but disbelieving adults will never get a glimpse of them. This however does not prevent the brownies from helping adults in countless minor ways.

6. Sawney Bean is the Scottish version of Santa Claus.

True

False

According to legend, Sawney Bean was the head of a criminal, cannibalistic family in the 15th century, during the reign of King James I of Scotland. It is claimed that he, his wife, and 46 children and grandchildren killed and fed on over a thousand people before they were captured and executed.

Explanation

According to legend, Sawney Bean was the head of a criminal, cannibalistic family in the 15th century, during the reign of King James I of Scotland. It is claimed that he, his wife, and 46 children and grandchildren killed and fed on over a thousand people before they were captured and executed.

7. Samhain is the name of a magical mountain in the Northern part of Scotland, it used to house a druid who sold elixirs to warriors.

True

False

Samhain is a Gaelic festival marking the end of harvest and the beginning of the darker half of the year.

Explanation

Samhain is a Gaelic festival marking the end of harvest and the beginning of the darker half of the year.

8. Red Cap is an evil old man that has long gray hair and lives in ancient ruins.

True

False

Red Cap is a thoroughly evil creature. He is a short, stocky old man with long gray hair and claws in stead of hands. He lives on the Scottish Border in ancient ruins of castles, especially in those with a bloody history of war and murder. He owes his name to the fact that he wears a red hat, which is colored by the blood of his victims. Red Cap moves with remarkable speed, despite the fact that he wears iron boots. He can overcome even the strongest man, unless the intended victim remembers to quote a few words from the Bible.

Explanation

Red Cap is a thoroughly evil creature. He is a short, stocky old man with long gray hair and claws in stead of hands. He lives on the Scottish Border in ancient ruins of castles, especially in those with a bloody history of war and murder. He owes his name to the fact that he wears a red hat, which is colored by the blood of his victims. Red Cap moves with remarkable speed, despite the fact that he wears iron boots. He can overcome even the strongest man, unless the intended victim remembers to quote a few words from the Bible.

9. Huldufòlk is the name of a hidden people that lives among fairies and rocks.

True

False

Huldofòlk is an actual myth, but it belongs to Iceland.

Explanation

Huldofòlk is an actual myth, but it belongs to Iceland.

10. Shellycoat is the Scottish nickname for the English Queen.

True

False

The Shellycoat is a Scottish bogeyman who haunts the rivers and streams. He is covered with shells, which rattle when he moves, announcing his presence. He enjoys misleading wanderers and often puts them on the wrong track. The Shellycoat is playful but rather harmless. Generally, the creatures who inhabit rivers are less dangerous than those who live in lakes and seas.

Explanation

The Shellycoat is a Scottish bogeyman who haunts the rivers and streams. He is covered with shells, which rattle when he moves, announcing his presence. He enjoys misleading wanderers and often puts them on the wrong track. The Shellycoat is playful but rather harmless. Generally, the creatures who inhabit rivers are less dangerous than those who live in lakes and seas.