The Dewar Manuscripts are a collection of oral folktales of the Scottish Highlands, recorded in writing between 1863 and 1871 by John Dewar. Dewar's writings were first translated from Gaelic to English in 1879 and since then have been published in multiple formats. The collection of the folktales was intended to ensure that they were not forgotten by the population of the Scottish Highlands, and the manuscripts serve today as both a cultural record and historical source.
Concept and creation
The creation of The Dewar Manuscripts has its origin in the vision and works of John Francis Campbell. In the mid-19th century Campbell took it upon himself to record as much Gaelic oral folktale as he was able, for the sake of preventing the loss of this cultural heritage. Unable to make time in his work schedule for this endeavour, Campbell employed others to collect tales from the Scottish Highlands. One of Campbell's most trusted collectors was John Dewar.
Dewar had no formal training in the field methodology of recording folk tales. Instead Dewar developed his own shorthand, by which he would take notes on the stories orally recounted to him, particularly regarding the phrases or words his subjects employed. After compiling multiple accounts of the same or similar folktales, Dewar would combine his notes to produce a single fluid written account of a tale. Dewar is believed to have taught himself to read and write in Gaelic and English, however his accounts were written in Gaelic, the language in which the oral accounts were given to him.
Tales collected by Dewar were first included in Campbell's Popular Tales of the West Highlands, published in 1860. In 1881, Hector Maclean completed an English translation of the complete collection of Dewar's writings, amounting to 19 volumes. Of these, one volume was published in 1964. A collection of John Dewar's notes can be found among the paper of John Francis Campbell in the National Library of Scotland.
Contents
In addition to a foreword by John Campbell, 9th Duke of Argyll, and an introduction by the Rev. John Mackechnie, The Dewar Manuscripts Vol.1 contains 45 of the folktales translated from John Dewar's original notes in Gaelic.
Folktales
Cailean Mór
This story describes an assassination attempt on Cailean Mór (Big Colin) by the Malcolm Clan. Cailean Mor escapes his attackers by ditching his shirt of mail in a pool, giving the pool its name of Linne na Lurich, 'Pool of the Mailshirt'.
Macarthur and Campbell
MacCailen Mor of the Campbells tricks the laird of Strachur into giving up the chief seat at the meeting of the Argyllshire gentry.
The Macfies and Auchry Malcolm
Great warrior of the Malcolm Clan, Big Auchry, makes a brave last stand against the Macfies of Colonsay in his mountain hold.
Macvicar of Dail-Chruinneachd and Mackellar of Mam
A son of Clan Vicar and a daughter of the Mackellars are joined in an extravagant wedding celebration. A fight at the wedding leads to the exile of Angus Mackellar of Kilblaan and the eventual addition of the land of Kilblaan into the land of Argyll.
The Mackellars of Mam
The laird of Glendaruel dreams that his thumb and small fingers switch place. An old woman tell him that his youngest son will be laird rather than his eldest. This comes to pass.
Elegy to the son of Neil Mackellar of Mam
Sir Neil Campbell and the Lamonts
The widow of the baron MacLachlan is harassed by men of the Lamonts, who steal her corn. Sir Neil Campbell sends his army commanded by Mannach of the Big Boots to punish the Lamonts. Fighting ensues, the Lamonts eventually being forced out of Cowal.
The First Duke John
Multiple tales featuring Duke John of Argyll.
Elegy to Sir Neil Campbell of Eilean Dearg
Sir John Campbell of Eilean Dearg
Sir John Campbell inherits the Island of Dearg in Loch Riddon. He is imprisoned for debt and sells the Island to Colonel Campbell.
Lochiel and the Duke of Athol
Locheil and the Duke of Athol meet to negotiate ownership of the land of Aird-raineach.
Traditions of Arrochar
Tales of the theft and recovery of cattle in the region of Arrochar.
The daughter of Duncan Campbell of the Braes
A woman descended from the Braes convinces a band of cattle raiders to return her livestock.
Mischievous Duncan
Duncan Macfarlane burns down some hunting booths, while plundering Athol-men lay asleep inside them.