Scotti

A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology | 2004 | 700+ words | Copyright

Scotti, Scoti. Originally one of several Latin names for Irish people (see IRELAND), especially those living in the north-east. The Q-Celtic speaking invaders who crossed from Ulster into Argyll from the 6th century and earlier, founding the petty kingdom of Dál Riada, readily applied the name Scotti to themselves. Three centuries later when these invaders, also known as Gaels, became the dominant partners with the Picts and the P-Celts from Strathclyde, their name easily extended to the entire kingdom of Scotland. The kingdom is still also known as Alba in Scottish Gaelic. Writers of the pseudo-history Lebor Gabála [Book of Invasions] claimed that the Scotti were descended from Queen Scota of Egypt. Elsewhere in the same document the Scotti are confused with the Scythi of Scythia.

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JAMES MacKILLOP. "Scotti." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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JAMES MacKILLOP. "Scotti." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O70-Scotti.html

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