Skye, Isle of

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

Skye, Isle of [ScG An t-Eilean Sgiathanach, the winged isle]. Largest island (670 square miles) in Scotland's Inner Hebrides, often known as ‘the Misty Isle’, frequently cited in Irish and Scottish Gaelic narrative and well endowed with its own oral tradition. Known by Ptolemy (2nd cent. AD) as Sketis, but badly misplaced on his map. Notable in early Irish literature as the home of Scáthach [ScG Sgàthaich], the amazonian teacher of Cúchulainn and other heroes. The Irish name for a fort on the island was Dún Scáthaig(e), implying that it was named for her. The ruin Dunscaith (1), once belonging to the barons of Sleat, is attributed to her. See DUNVEGAN. See also J. A. McCulloch, The Misty Isle of Skye, 3rd edn. (Stirling, 1927); Otta F. Swire, Skye: The Island and Its Legends (London, 1952).

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JAMES MacKILLOP. "Skye, Isle of." A Dictionary of Celtic Mythology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 29 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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