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Weaving Remembrance of the Scottish Witch Hunts
STORYTELLING SESSIONS
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As a Scottish storyteller I like to tell in the ‘mither tongue’ and also write short stories in Scots. I can provide sessions on most themes and often weave them together with some associated folklore. Some of these stories are my versions of traditional folktales and some are original tales of my own making. Many of the stories I tell are aimed at adults and are more suitable for age 12 upwards due to their supernatural content. See the booking page for information on recommended prices from the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
STORIES FROM THE MYTHIC WORLD
Scotland is a country that is alive with many traditional tales and folklore that has survived for thousands of years. Some of these mythical beings are believed to be creator deities, or ancestral figures. Stories from the mythic world will transport you to a magical time in Scotland's past. In this ancient place, you can meet the Cailleach and Bodach, Oison and Fionn, True Thomas and the Queen of Elf-land and many more mythical beings.
STORIES FROM THE SUPERNATURAL WORLD
Scotland is home to an unrivalled number of supernatural stories. Terrible tales of fair folk, witches, wizards, giants, beasties, monsters and shapeshifters. It was once believed that almost every place in the landscape especially hills, lochs, and rivers were inhabited by supernatural creatures who lived alongside mankind in the visible world. Some friendly, some not so friendly. It was this deep cultural belief that keep our stories alive.
STORIES FROM THE OTHERWORLD
Ghost stories are not just for when the veil between the world of mortals and the world of spirit grows thin. Tales of terror can be told on any night of the year and are especially delicious when told outside beside a bonfire. Even better if the moon is as dark as the tales being told. Scotland is alive with stories that will chill you to the bone. In case you didn't know, we even have our own vampires!
STORIES FROM THE SHORE - THE DEVILS PLACE
The liminal place where land and sea meet is full of magic and mythical creatures. The cruel sea claimed many lives, so those that sailed it upheld many superstitions and rituals to keep themselves safe. Many of these old tales have endured for this reason. This session is an immersion in folklore and tales of selkies, mermaids, superstitious seafarers and weather witches that sold the wind for a living.
STORIES FROM THE SCOTTISH WITCH HUNTS
I te;ll the stories of real people accused of witchcraft and reimagined stories that are based on real people who were condemned as witches during the burning times. Factual and fictional tales are from several sources including the database at Edinburgh University, parish records, historical and academic literature. I channel the spirit of the accused and embody the places they lived when I write these stories.
"Rowan is such a gifted storyteller that her words create a rich tapestry of experience! As a listener, you become the book itself and for every breath Rowan takes to deliver new words. A new page is opened in your life, magically and beautifully! Take this moment seriously and ride it like the wind! For she will guide you along the way".
(Pete Bengry)​