Myth, Superstitions, Lore Trivia Quiz

Answer: Macbeth

This theatrical classic is considered the unluckiest play in theatre. It is associated with so much bad luck that actors do not like to mention the title. They refer to it as 'The Scottish Play' or 'Mr. and Mrs. M' or 'That Play'. One explanation for this is, that often it would go hand-in-hand with the fact that the company was not having the best ticket sales throughout the season, and because of this the company would decide to show this popular play at the end of the season to boost flagging ticket sales. Even with this last ditch attempt, many theatrical companies still had made too much of a loss to survive. Therefore, the fear of "Macbeth" was generally the fear of bad business and of the entire staff losing their jobs.

"MacTavish" is the subject of a Celtic based song which is another story. "Braveheart" is a movie about William Wallace which is also another story. "39 Steps" is a gripping Alfred Hitchcock thriller set in Scotland.

Answer: It is a witch disguised as a butterfly

The myth is that these beautiful creatures are manifestations of witches!
These creatures have no known connection to sway the fate of turnip harvests! Nor is there any known myth about a red butterfly predicting annual salmon numbers or illness epidemics in Scotland.

Answer: It brings great luck and prosperity

In Scottish superstition a black cat in the close vicinity of a home means good things.

A sudden mouse infestation is not usual when a cat turns up. Usually the opposite would happen with rats/mice swiftly packing their suitcases and catching the next bus out of town! The cat would probably not care too much if there are fleas in the house as long as he is invited in for food and a warm bed.

Answer: Causleen

There is a fairytale called, 'Habetrot and Scantlie Mab' which references 'Causleen' as the evening star. In the story, the ugly women who spin the flax and sing the story of the star.
Morag is a Scottish girls name.
A shining lassie would mean a shiny girl. There are too many bright stars in the sky to name it 'Bright Star'.

Answer: Kelpie

In lowlands of Scotland, this spirit appears in a variety of shapes. The most common description is in the form of a horse and it is named the Kelpie. It haunts fords and streams and will lure any unwary traveler to their doom! It is said that a Kelpie haunts Loch Ness in Scotland.

Dobbin is a common general horse name. Angus is a Scottish male name. MacTrotter is fabricated (at least it is unlikely to be a name in Scotland, so apologies and commiserations in advance to any possible MacTrotters reading this!).

Answer: The devil

In Scottish folklore, this guy is the devil. He can take many disguises including an old man in a black suit but whatever disguise he takes, he is always giving away his identity because of his cloven feet which cannot be shod.

There may be a coal miner with the name of Donald and could become offended at it being implied that he looks dirty with coal dust. Robbers are not named this, in particular. It could be construed in some minds that a taxman is almost as bad as the devil! but he is officially 'not' this time!

Answer: In the coronation of ancient kings

Also known as the Stone of Scone, it is said that it was originally used by the biblical character Jacob to lay his head on. Eventually however, it was used in coronations by the kings of Dalriada and arrived in Scone around 840AD. It was taken to London in 1296 and it was put in Westminster Abbey. Finally, in 1996, it was taken back to Scotland, to Edinburgh Castle. In 1292 the last Scottish king, John Balliol was crowned upon it.

Weapons could be sharpened without rite or ceremony on any normal whet stone. It was and still is too small to be used for laying out dead folk (unless there are any munchkins for the job!). If anyone was executed upon it then it was never recorded.

Answer: St Columba

It was first noted around the year 565AD, when St Columba summoned a water monster from the River Ness, and then he banished it.
This story could be a symbolism of the struggle for supremacy between the new and the old religions. A Mr. Mackay and his wife were the first people of modern times recorded to have seen it in 1933, which revived the vigorous interest which we know of to this day.

St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, whereas St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. St Jude is the patron saint of lost causes.

Answer: Grey Lady

You have heard of Queen Elizabeth II? Well, her mother and sister were both actually born there!

Long ago in ancient times, the extremely young and pretty, Lady Glamis was accused of being a witch by King James V of Scotland and the poor woman was burned at the stake! Her ghost is named the 'Grey Lady of Glamis'. There are many other ghosts in the world whom have been described as some of the other colors mentioned above, but not from this location.

Answer: Souls of dead, drowned sailors

It is considered unlucky to kill this creature. Nowadays fishermen know better (hopefully!). These creatures usually predict the weather before humans do and come inland before it happens so therefore are making good luck omens. They follow the fishing boats on the off-chance that there will be a big catch, which is more hopeful than a premonition! There is no known myth that seagulls are spirits of long gone Vikings in particular.