Myths and Tales of Ossian: The Shortbread Tin

 

Images of Ossian

Myths and Tales of Ossian

There is strong evidence that the tales of the Odyssey, are based on Greek myths and legends passed down the centuries. But was Homer ever a real person? The oral tradition. 

The tales and myths of Ossian by James Macpherson – were collated from many ancient Gaelic legends and stories.  But there are disputes over whether Ossian was ever a real person. 

At a time in the highlands when, after Culloden, the young Macpherson saw the outlawing of Scots language, music, dress and culture. These tales became popular with American presidents and European rulers and inspired the Romantic movement – he was the first Scotch Bard.

The Shortboard Tin - Is a new theatre production for the National Theatre of Scotland and explores the story of James MacPherson, who in 1750, introduced Scotland and the world to Ossian, a third century bard. He collected all the old Gaelic stories, but it was later disputed who the Ossian bard really was. 

There are many other tales, legends and myths. The tale of King Arther or Robin Hood – were they authentic or real? There’s much dispute over where king Arthur actually lived – or who Robin Hood actually was – did he rob the rich to ever give to the poor.

King Arthur is a legendary king of England from medieval stories and folklore. He is known as a brave leader who fought enemies, gathered loyal heroes at the Round Table, and ruled from the magical court of Camelot.

The Legend

• The Sword: Arthur pulled the magic sword Excalibur from a stone to prove he was the true king.
• The Wizard: He was guided by the wise and powerful wizard Merlin.
• The Queen: He married Queen Guinevere.
• The Knights: His brave fighters sat at a Round Table so no single knight was higher than the others.
• The Quest: His knights searched far and wide for the Holy Grail. 

 

 

Is He Real?   Historians cannot prove that King Arthur was a real person. Experts think the stories might come from an early 6th-century Celtic warrior who defended England against invaders, but the tales grew much larger over hundreds of years through poems and books. 

 

• Excalibur and the Lady of the Lake
• Sir Lancelot and the fall of Camelot
• Real places in Britain linked to the Arthurian legend

Also - Robin Hood is a legendary outlaw of English folklore. He was a highly skilled archer and swordsman. He may have fought in the crusades. His lands may have been taken by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, who assists King John.. He may have robbed the rich to give to the poor. His lover maid Marion,