Na Gurnaidh update - Oidhche Shamhna
We at Na Gurnaidh have safely weathered another Oidhche Shamhna - Eve of All Hallows, despite the many bodachain and glastig who visited us. We did run low on the bribe of sweets, but luckily Jonah had some so we didn't actually run out. (I replaced what I borrowed from him, I hasten to assure.)
I was glè thoilichte to see some hatchlings out and about, with handlers in attendance, of course, as they were quite young. Older hatchlings, fledgelings and mature dragons do duty on Oidche Shamhna, guarding the bounds against the more dangerous of creatures from Faerie.
One of our main tasks here at Na Gurnaidh takes place the day before Oidche Shamhna. Once, long ago, before the Valley was the Valley, they say it was just an ordinary place, with no connection to the Dragon Preserve. There was an entrance to Underhill, but ... really. Name me one neighbourhood in the Isles with OUT such an opening!
But to this place came a couple, seeking refuge until their child was born. Famhairean they were. Giants. Driven out of their home to wander. The people of the Valley took them in, built them a home in a sheltered spot on what is now the Na Gurnaidh estate, and made them welcome. Being Otherfolk, naturally they did not give their names - or if they did, the good folk of the shire had the sense not to record them even in beul-aithris. No, they were... and are ... called Bodach (old or magic man) and Cailleach (old woman or witch). When Nighinn (daughter) was born, the connection to the Dragon Preserve, and so the Valley, came into being.
Bodach, Cailleach and Nighinn resided in the Valley for many years, but at last, they had to leave. By then, the people of the Valley were accustomed to living so near to dragons and the first hatcheries had already been established. (I regret that Na Gurnaidh was not among them but perhaps it is just as well.) They begged the Famhairean not to go. In gratitude for the friendship and hospitality shown to them, the Famhairean left this blessing.
So long as the people of the Valley remembered them, and kept their home ready, the Valley would remain connected to the Dragon Preserve and the lands that lay beyond.
The physical rembrance of the Bodach, the Cailleach and Nighinn are a trio of clachan-cuimhne, remembrance stones. These are located near the clearing where the home of the three is located, on Na Gurnaidh grounds. Every year, on the day before Oidche Shamhna, the home is given a good cleaning and the clachan-cuimhne are moved inside, to keep them comfortable throughout the winter. Every year on the day before Bealltain, they are moved outside so they can enjoy the summer.
Because the house is located here at Na Gurnaidh, we are responsible for maintenance and for hosting the event. If ever the house were to fall into disrepair, or the Famhairean were not honoured, the dragons would go away.
I was glè thoilichte to see some hatchlings out and about, with handlers in attendance, of course, as they were quite young. Older hatchlings, fledgelings and mature dragons do duty on Oidche Shamhna, guarding the bounds against the more dangerous of creatures from Faerie.
One of our main tasks here at Na Gurnaidh takes place the day before Oidche Shamhna. Once, long ago, before the Valley was the Valley, they say it was just an ordinary place, with no connection to the Dragon Preserve. There was an entrance to Underhill, but ... really. Name me one neighbourhood in the Isles with OUT such an opening!
But to this place came a couple, seeking refuge until their child was born. Famhairean they were. Giants. Driven out of their home to wander. The people of the Valley took them in, built them a home in a sheltered spot on what is now the Na Gurnaidh estate, and made them welcome. Being Otherfolk, naturally they did not give their names - or if they did, the good folk of the shire had the sense not to record them even in beul-aithris. No, they were... and are ... called Bodach (old or magic man) and Cailleach (old woman or witch). When Nighinn (daughter) was born, the connection to the Dragon Preserve, and so the Valley, came into being.
Bodach, Cailleach and Nighinn resided in the Valley for many years, but at last, they had to leave. By then, the people of the Valley were accustomed to living so near to dragons and the first hatcheries had already been established. (I regret that Na Gurnaidh was not among them but perhaps it is just as well.) They begged the Famhairean not to go. In gratitude for the friendship and hospitality shown to them, the Famhairean left this blessing.
So long as the people of the Valley remembered them, and kept their home ready, the Valley would remain connected to the Dragon Preserve and the lands that lay beyond.
The physical rembrance of the Bodach, the Cailleach and Nighinn are a trio of clachan-cuimhne, remembrance stones. These are located near the clearing where the home of the three is located, on Na Gurnaidh grounds. Every year, on the day before Oidche Shamhna, the home is given a good cleaning and the clachan-cuimhne are moved inside, to keep them comfortable throughout the winter. Every year on the day before Bealltain, they are moved outside so they can enjoy the summer.
Because the house is located here at Na Gurnaidh, we are responsible for maintenance and for hosting the event. If ever the house were to fall into disrepair, or the Famhairean were not honoured, the dragons would go away.