Connell & The Thunder Hag

Only a small amount of the Great Caledonian Forest survives to this day, much of it in the safety of the Cairngorms National Park. It’s said that a long time ago, trees reached many of the peaks of the mountains but forestry and agriculture eventually took their toll.

In one old story, the Caledonian Forest was destroyed by something much more unnatural than humans. Some called her a witch, others said she was an ancient hag which served the deity known as the Cailleach. What they all agreed upon was that this supernatural figure wanted to destroy all of Scotland’s beautiful, thick woodland.

Every summer, she would fly through the sky disguised by thick, black clouds while throwing fire down amongst the trees of the Caledonian Forest. She loved nothing more than being feared and rejoiced in the sounds of the people below her, screaming in terror at the destruction of her flames.

The people wished that there was something they could do about the regular attacks, to save them from burning down the entire forest and their homes along with it. They needed to get rid of the witch but had no idea where to start. As long as she remained hidden in her cloud, there was no hope of attacking her.

Up stepped a warrior who wasn't just brave, but smart as well. He told the people that he would soon solve their problem, but they had to trust him completely. No matter what they heard, they were to let him finish his task. Desperate times called for desperate measures and they agreed without hesitation.

The warrior immediately got to work, rounding up all of the lambs, foals, kids and calves, then separating them from their mothers. Before long, the young animals started crying out in hunger and the adults started to wail back in response. That sound got louder and louder, creating a racket so horrendous that it could make ears bleed. All the while, the warrior was waiting patiently with his spear on top of the Cairngorm mountains.

When the witch swooped in, hidden by her cloud and ready to start throwing fire, she heard the awful crying of the animals below. She was furious, wondering what could possibly be scaring the animals more than she ever had! Curiosity got the better of her and she poked her head out of her protective cover to get a better look.

The warrior saw his chance. Launching his spear high, he struck the witch right between the eyes. Immediately, her black cloud lost its menace and suddenly it poured with rain. Any small fires left were smothered and what was left of the Great Caledonian Forest had been saved.