Nana and the Dream Stalker
Hello, Dear Friends. As you know, I’m currently writing Book Two of the Dream Stalker series, and part of that process includes expanding the history behind Lily Scott’s power to dream-walk.
It starts on Scotland’s Isle of Skye and an ancient Celtic myth about a woman named Scáthach (pronounced skah-hak, and sounding something like ‘sky hawk’). Like most myths, this one has been told since before recorded history. It also plays an important role in other modern stories, such as Michael Scott’s novel, The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicolas Flamel, and Carlo Gebler’s The Bull Raid. You can even find online games that play upon the Scáthach myth.
The Encyclopedia Britannica summarizes the Scáthach myth, telling us that name means “the shadowy one,” and that Scáthach was a female warrior who trained students daring enough to scramble across hills and rocks and swim the moat that surrounded Dun Scaith, Scáthach’s castle, which stood on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea.
Above image from https://www.britainexpress.com/scotland/Skye/dunscaith-castle.htm
The most famous Irish hero, Cú Chulainn, trained with Scáthach in the arts of pole vaulting, underwater fighting, and combat with a barbed harpoon of Scáthach’s invention, called the gáe bolg. Scáthach also had a warrior sister named Aífe (pronounced EE-fuh). Since this is a myth, the two sisters, of course, went to war with each other.
What’s a fiction writer to do with a wonderful myth about a powerful female? Rework it into a new tale of love and betrayal that moves through time until we arrive in modern Salem and meet Lily Scott. In another blog, I’ll share my recreated myth.
Because my grandmother, Sadie MacAskill, had ancestors from the Isle of Skye, I dedicate my fictionalized version of Scathach’s story to Sadie’s memory. I even had the great good fortune of visiting this beautiful island with my granddaughter, Bella, five years ago. Photos below are from that trip.
Walking the hills of the Cuillin range.
Bella and friends making Scottish scones.
Portree, the capitol of Skye.
Our room on the Isle of Skye.
If you’d like an armchair visit to the Isle of Skye, here’s a six-minute YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FpvzUfn6Qs
And for your enjoyment, here’s a link to a Scottish scone recipe. https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/worlds-best-scones-from-scotland-to-the-savoy-to-the-u-s-60270179378cc1668cf0515f
Finally, anyone who sends me an email or makes a comment here about this blog by May 16, 2022 is entered to win a paperback copy of a brand new short story anthology! A new story about Flo and Rose appears in the anthology, but you can enjoy a lot more short stories from many accomplished writers. My email is nancygardner@nancygardnerauthor.com
I was so interested in learning about The Isle of Skye and your connections with it. Beautiful pictures. Thank you for expanding my knowledge of myths, and your inspirations.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate you taking time to check it out Namaste!
Nancy
I’m so glad I stopped to check this out. The images of the Isle of Skye are absolutely gorgeous. I hope that you enjoyed delicious scones and pots of hot tea during your stay there. I don’t imagine you will find a better scone anywhere else in the world.
Hi Kiri,
And I’m glad to see you! Thanks! You’re right about the scones–they were yummy!
XOXO,
Nancy
Eagerly awaiting the reincarnation of the myth as a Lily Scott story!
Hi Ann,
Soon! And that’s when I hope to see you at the Cape 🙂
I love this post, Nancy! Especially the paragraph:
“What’s a fiction writer to do with a wonderful myth about a powerful female? Rework it into a new tale of love and betrayal that moves through time until we arrive in modern Salem and meet Lily Scott.”
That is so exciting and it makes me really keen to read your story! Looking forward to it!
Thanks, Irene! I particularly appreciate seeing what you enjoyed!!!
Cheers,
Nancy
Scotland is a beautiful place and it certainly looks like you have a dandy of a location here.
Thanks, Matt! I’m looking forward to interviewing you for the June blog post! And you’re the first to enter the contest! Yay!!!