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Song about Uamh-an-Oir, accompanying story and notes, 1867

 Item
Identifier: Coll-97/CW114/42

Scope and Contents

Song about Uamh-an-Oir probably collected from Roderick MacNeil, aged 88, crofter, Miùghlaigh/Mingulay beginning 'Na minn bheaga na minn bheaga/theaga, Dol eir creagan dol sna creag' composed of thirteen lines. Uamh-an-Oir is described as starting at Cliata cliff and going under Barra to Gearragaal east of Orasay [Uamh an Òir, Cliaid, Orasaigh, Barraigh/Isle of Barra]. The story tells how five men went into the cave with dogs but only the dogs returned and they were hairless. 'The smith of Loch an Duin [Loch an Dùin] put out the torches. Great men sent them in against their will.' Carmichael writes a note to himself to see Mor Iain ic Dhonuil Bhain [Mòr Iain 'ic Dhòmhnaill Bhàin] for the 'oran sith sung here at the luadh...She Knows all about the songs made'. A vocabulary note reads ' "Fiallan fiadhaich" An insect on the brain &c!' Written transversely over the text in ink is 'Transcribed Book No III page 62 A[lexander] C[armichael]'.

Dates

  • Creation: 1867

Language of Materials

Gaelic English

Conditions Governing Access

This material is unrestricted.

Extent

From the Series: 88 folios ; 16.6 x 19.8 cm