In the misty glens of Scotland roams a solitary fae known as Ly Erg. He is often found near a body of water, the element most associated with his nature. Despite his watery affinity, Ly Erg’s overwhelming wish is to be a warrior. His head must be filled with stories of the great olden heroes, and he longs to share their glory. His wears the uniform of a soldier and, seeing him, you might think him one but for his diminutive size.
Although he is not a soldier who fights wars or contributes to an army, Ly Erg does have powers and battle skills. His right hand is red from the blood of those he has slain. Legend goes that in the 17th century, for instance, three separate men encountered Ly Erg, fought him, and died forthwith. By all accounts, any adversary to Ly Erg will not live longer than a fortnight. In case you didn’t know, a fortnight is 14 days or two weeks.
In some cases a boastful man, perhaps a bit tipsy on Scottish whisky or bravado, decides there is no way this small being can best him. He then challenges Ly Erg and meets his untimely fate. In other cases Ly Erg is the one who challenges—by raising his red hand. This has another meaning, however, similar to that of the notorious banshee. Ly Erg’s act of raising his red hand to a person is a portent of death for that unfortunate soul. From this aspect Ly Erg’s affinity to water makes sense. Remember the banshee is seen by the riverbank washing clothes—but only by those for whom death is nigh. Ly Erg’s proclivity toward the lifestyle of a soldier also fits in, since death comes frequently on the battlefield.
If you encounter the Scottish Ly Erg, the best thing to do is make a calm retreat and hope he doesn’t raise his right red hand.
See this picture of Ly Erg on Pinterest.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Paranormal Romance
Scotland is a land full of legends and mysteries, like Romania.
The similarities in many faes or supernatural beings linked to water, forests, mountains makes me think that there must be some truth behind the legend. You know the saying – There’s no smoke without a fire.
I haven’t heard of this fae until now but I find it both scary and awesome in his way of acting.
Thank you for another great Mythic Monday!
Oh, this is so true, Carmen. Throughout the ages we’ve heard of beings, helpers, watchers, and others. I love reading of your Romanian tales too.
I’d not heard of Ly Erg and its a fascinating story. I wonder if his uniform changes with the era he appears in? I’m surely glad I didn’t meet up with him when I visited Scotland.
I was not familiar with Ly Erg either, Daisy. I find the solitary, one of a kind fae so fascinating and think there must be an even deeper story behind it.
What a fascinating creature, Flossie. The Ly Erg is a new being to me. I find it interesting how he haunts glens near water and is someways similar to the banshee. Scotland, like Ireland, is so rich in folklore. Someday I would like to visit both places and roam those moors and glens for myself.
Oh, Mae, that would be my dream–to visit Scotland and Ireland, the home of so much folklore and myth. Yum!
Another intriguing post
I’m glad you found it intriguing, Cathy:)