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Quiz about Scottish Folklore
Quiz about Scottish Folklore

Scottish Folklore Trivia Quiz


Scottish history is full of all kinds of strange myths and legends. Test your knowledge or just educate yourself on the numerous Scottish beasties.

A multiple-choice quiz by mehdi. Estimated time: 5 mins.
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Author
mehdi
Time
5 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
208,985
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Tough
Avg Score
5 / 10
Plays
1296
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Question 1 of 10
1. Lets start with a creature that everyone knows, the Mermaid. Scottish mermaids are different from the stereotypical mermaid; do you know the difference? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. A creature known as a Ceasg is similar to common mermaids. If you were to meet a Ceasg which of these things are likely to happen? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. The Kelpie is another obscure Scottish tale. This fabulous immortal beast is to be avoided at all cost. But do you know what everyday animal the Kelpie looks like? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. The Fey-folk (fairies, trolls, mermaids, witches etc) are all very powerful but there is one metal in particular which can protect against them; what is it? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. Now we can't talk about Scottish folklore and not have a question on the Loch Ness Monster! Do you know which ancient reptile (Dinosaur) the Loch Ness Monster is similar to? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. Staying with Nessie, it was first spotted by one of Saint Columba's monks while swimming in the Loch. The Saint then commanded the monster to let him be. Do you know what year this first sighting was made? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. In the Highlands the season of winter (1st November-1st May), known as the "dark year", was believed to be caused by a fearful elemental spirit. What was her name? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. Killing a butterfly can be extremely bad luck as it is believed that they carry the souls of the dead. True or false?


Question 9 of 10
9. Michael Scot was a well known Scottish wizard and was numbered amongst the sorcerers in the eighth circle of hell! It is even rumored that he built Hadrian's wall with the help of devils. Where is this evil man buried? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. A mischievous water sprite known as the Shellycoat was well known for his pranks. One of his favorites would be to lead travelers away from their trail so that they would get lost. Now, how did he do this? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Lets start with a creature that everyone knows, the Mermaid. Scottish mermaids are different from the stereotypical mermaid; do you know the difference?

Answer: They are human in shape but covered with silvery scales.

Scottish mermaids, unlike other mermaids, do not sing to lure sailors to their doom, but they are noted for their lovely singing.
2. A creature known as a Ceasg is similar to common mermaids. If you were to meet a Ceasg which of these things are likely to happen?

Answer: You will be granted three wishes by the Ceasg.

Although you may be granted three wishes, if the Ceasg thinks that these wishes are silly or selfish then she may very well drown you!
3. The Kelpie is another obscure Scottish tale. This fabulous immortal beast is to be avoided at all cost. But do you know what everyday animal the Kelpie looks like?

Answer: A Horse

The Kelpie looks like a noble stallion with a glossy coat. It appears to have a placid nature and can be found next to rivers and lochs. The Kelpie seems almost to invite the weary traveler to ride upon its back but if you do it will ride into the loch then drown and devour you (a common theme in Scottish folklore!).
4. The Fey-folk (fairies, trolls, mermaids, witches etc) are all very powerful but there is one metal in particular which can protect against them; what is it?

Answer: Iron

Iron can sometimes be fatal to the fey-folk but even if not they will refuse to stay in a place or near a person bearing iron.
5. Now we can't talk about Scottish folklore and not have a question on the Loch Ness Monster! Do you know which ancient reptile (Dinosaur) the Loch Ness Monster is similar to?

Answer: Plesiosaurus

The monster is said to be between 40 and 70 feet long and has grayish skin and large flippers.
6. Staying with Nessie, it was first spotted by one of Saint Columba's monks while swimming in the Loch. The Saint then commanded the monster to let him be. Do you know what year this first sighting was made?

Answer: 565 AD

Apparently the Monster has never hurt anyone since then.
7. In the Highlands the season of winter (1st November-1st May), known as the "dark year", was believed to be caused by a fearful elemental spirit. What was her name?

Answer: The blue hag of the highlands.

Some people believe that the blue hag is full of wisdom and deals kindly with those who seek her learning. They also believe that she changes from the withered crone of winter into the pure young beauty of spring.
8. Killing a butterfly can be extremely bad luck as it is believed that they carry the souls of the dead. True or false?

Answer: True

The butterflies carry the souls to a place called Tir Nan Og (the land of the young) where they rest for a while before being reborn as human infants.
9. Michael Scot was a well known Scottish wizard and was numbered amongst the sorcerers in the eighth circle of hell! It is even rumored that he built Hadrian's wall with the help of devils. Where is this evil man buried?

Answer: Melrose abbey.

Michael Scot was known to be a philosopher and a physician and for some time he lived at the court of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II.
10. A mischievous water sprite known as the Shellycoat was well known for his pranks. One of his favorites would be to lead travelers away from their trail so that they would get lost. Now, how did he do this?

Answer: Pretend to drown and lead the rescuers up stream.

The Shellycoat gets his name from the coat of shells that he wears. It jingles softly when he moves. He was most often heard and very rarely seen.
Source: Author mehdi

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