Whether as the mothers of the Norse God Heimdall, Morgan and her sisters on Avalon, the nine sisters at the heart of the founding myth of the Gikuyu of Kenya, or witches battling with the Irish St Patrick, stories of nine women, often attending a goddess or linked to a heroic or divine male, exist across much of our world. Triggered by a local story still told in his native Dundee, Stuart McHardy has traced what seems to be memories of groups of nine women, most likely some kind of priestesses, across much of Europe and as far as Siberia, Korea, India and Africa. Whether as Pictish saints, Muses, Valkyries, Druidesses or witches, the tales of these groups of nine women transcend a vast range of cultural and linguistic boundaries. The painting of nine women dancing round a priapic male in a Catalonian cave painting over fifteen thousand years old suggests these groups may well have been one of the oldest cultural institutions humanity has known.

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.

Reviews

Written and arranged in a way that is both accessible and scholarly, this is an excellent addition to the growing body of work on the Picts.The Courier on A New History of the Picts

A New History is a very valuable contribution to historical debate and cultural understanding. It also serves to bring issues often reserved to specialists to a general readership.Donald Smith, Scottish Storytelling Centre on A New History of the Picts

Two of the city's leading storytellers... have sifted through the centuries to compile the remarkable guide to Edinburgh's famous landmark. Arthur's Seat: Journeys and Evocations draws on folklore tales and real life stories to create a unique walkers' guide to the famous ridges, crags and valleys that make up the hillEdinburgh Evening News, on Arthur's Seat

Inspired by the NVA's Speed of Light, this is a salute to the ancient tradition of storytelling, guiding the reader around Edinburgh's famous 'Resting Giant' with an exploration of the local folklore and customsScottish Review of Books, on Arthur's Seat

Edinburgh Old Town; Journeys and Evocations is a welcome addition to the seemingly endless explorations in print of a city which continues to fascinate and inspire citizens and visitor alike, and which will doubtless appeal to both. Edinburgh Guide, on Edinburgh Old Town

With its captivating and often gruesome tales of heroic warriors in battle, bold heroines, deceitful aristocracy, and supernatural creatures this is a journey into the cultural heritage of a nation. Scottish Review of Books on Scotland the Brave Land

Scotland the Brave exposes the beating heart of Scottish storytelling. Edinburgh Life, on Scotland the Brave Land

Stuart McHardy's new collection of tales beautifully renders the mythology that has flourished in the oral tradition, alongside and in response to Scotland's awe-inspiring natural landscape. Edinburgh Life, onScotland the Brave Land

McHardy examines the Jacobite tales to create a vivid historical picture of Scotland's Stuart past.Scottish Review of Books on Tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites

McHardy recasts the standard narrative in a fresh, alternative light. Edinburgh Life on Tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites

(Stuart McHardy's ) findings 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

Book Information
ISBN 9781804250914
Author Stuart McHardy
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Luath Press Ltd
Publisher Luath Press Ltd