Legend has it that at the half way point between the two islands there is a clan of people known as "The Blue Men Of Minch". They are known to conduct the nature of the sea ; if they were at peace or sleeping then the waters would be calm but if they were in a foul mood then they had the ability to conjure up storms as they pleased. People that lived on the surrounding islands believed that these existed and stated that they were in human form from the torso upwards which could only be seen but their lower half resembled that of a mermaid.
Some people even went as far to bring the blue men gifts. Pouring things like ale into the sea as they thought that their generosity towards the blue men would be reciprocated in the form of extra seaweed washed up on the island shores that could be used as fertilizer. A candle was lit on the night of Halloween and a small festival took place every year to pay respect to the clan.
The reason for the people paying so much honour was that the blue men were known to be very temperamental, especially if not cherished in the way that they thought was fitting. If a boat tried to pass and had the blue men not been serviced or treated correctly then you would be in great danger. They would gather at the half way point in the sea and form a border demanding to speak with the captain of the ship.
When faced with the skipper of the vessel they would engage in a rhyming confrontation which consisted of chanting a rhyme and if the captain could impress the chief of the blue men then the ship would be allowed to pass as they would be impressed by their sharp wit and appreciation shown. Those who were unfortunate enough to not have that sharp of a tongue would be dragged under the water and drowned horrifically
A famous Scottish folklore expert .named Donald Alexander Mackenzie (24 July 1873 - 2 March 1936) has said that this was an account of a rhyming engagement that was passed by a former captain of a ship;
Chief of the Blue Men:
Man of the black cap, what do you say
As your proud ship cleaves the brine?
Skipper answers;
My speedy ship takes the shortest way,
And I’ll follow you line by line.
Chief of the Blue Men:
My men are eager, my men are ready
To drag you below the waves--
Skipper answers:
My ship is ready, my ship is steady,
If it sank it would wreck your caves.
The impressive nature of the answer had impressed the chief of the blue men and the ship was waved by safely.
The origins of these people are said to be truly unknown. People have gave their theories such as that these were once slaves of North Africa that the Vikings took with them to Scotland many years ago and then disposed of into the sea once they were no longer able to work or needed.
If you are ever in the beautiful region of The Minch then you will see all the lovely surroundings that it has to offer but remember that under the water lie these people that truly give a different meaning to the phrase "Respect the Sea"
No comments:
Post a Comment