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COLLECTION DOCUMENT
Notion: MYTHS AND HEROES – Topic: The SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND
“To what extent do Scottish heroes/Myths embody defiance?”
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Introduction - Link the topic (Spirit of Scotland) to the notion of Myths and Heroes: - Ask your question: That is why I will try to define the Scottish Spirit through Scottish emblems and heroes in order to answer the question “…………………….” - Announce your plan: Example
1. Mythic emblems (Choose the ones you prefer) For a little country, Scotland has a LOT of color, tradition, superstition and magic into its history.
The thistle, with purple or blue flowers and thorns, is Scotland’s national flower, it is common in the Scottish landscape. The flower is said to have played a crucial role in maintaining Scottish freedom in the 13th century when a group of Viking warriors from Norway were about to carry out a secret attack they had planned. Indeed, the Norse intended to take Scottish clansmen by surprise while they were asleep, but one of the Vikings accidentally trod on a thistle, which hurt him so much, that he couldn’t help but shout out in pain. This woke up the Highlanders who were then able to engage in battle and defeat their assailants. The thistle symbolizes resistance to invaders, freedom, tenacity, and heroism.It is quite unlikely that this story be true, which is why it is called a legend. However, the fact that it is associated to the national flower gives the latter a mythic dimension by justifying the choice of this weed for an emblem.
The tartan is a piece of fabric, which is typically Scottish. It is associated to the Scottish clans, such as the MacBeans for examples. The piece of cloth recalls many different stories. To begin with it sends us back to the middle of the 18th century when, after being defeated by the English in a historic battle, the Scottish apparently decided to wear it in an act of resistance and defiance precisely because the British had banned it. Then it played a role in November 1969 in the Apollo 12 space mission when one of the astronauts, Allan MacBean, decided to make a flag out of this piece of cloth and planted it on the surface of the moon where it remains to this day. The tartan represents the idea of respecting one’s past, kinship (family), and belonging to a land, therefore to a community or a nation. It also is representative of Scottish stubbornness. Clearly the tartan played a great role at different times in history, and it still does today. Its role, however, has evolved and goes beyond the frontiers of Scotland, thus reaching a world-famous mythic status.
The pipes have a sharp and easily recognizable sound; they are also called Highland bagpipes. The pipes are said to have played a crucial role in Scottish battles in frightening the enemy and encouraging the Scottish troops, and in celebrating the heroic warriors who died on the battlefield by being played by pipers whilst walking around the Highland castles. Courage on the battlefield / respect for war heroes. Apparently the stories about the use of the pipes in Scottish wars and culture was pretty much invented in the early 19th century by the Scottish middle classes who wished to rediscover and glorify their past. The pipe can be considered as mythic not only because the belief has been perpetuated in the popular culture, but also because it has been spread around the globe.
“Scots Wha Hae” is a Scottish anthem but it is not official. It Is probably sung at events such as football matches to support Scottish teams. It was written in a Scottish language in the 18th century by a poet called Robert Burns. The anthem evokes a part of Scottish history when the Scots fought for their independence against the English rulers, which are portrayed as tyrants since they are associated to “chains and slavery.” Freedom, patriotism, valor, courage, resilience. Although the song seems to retell a historical event, it is obvious that the poet aimed at making it sound mythic in order to make an impression on those who listen to it. Indeed, by associating only positive values to the Scottish, and negative traits to their opponents, he gives a biased version of history, thus turning it into a myth. This dimension has been further developed thanks to the fact that it is repeated and sung until nowadays in national events to galvanize sportsmen before they play for example. 2. Immortal Heroes (Speak of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce but choose only one or two other heroes among the following ones!) These mythic emblems enhancing the Scottish spirit of defiance are all related to immortal and fearless Scottish Heroes.
In 1040,Duncan I, King of Scotland, launched an attack into Macbeth’s ruling area (Moray) and was killed in action by Macbeth’s troops. Therefore, Macbeth succeeded him as king of “Alba”, the Scottish Gaelic name for Scotland, and reigned for 17 years. In the battlefield, his bravery and determination to defeat the enemies speak for themselves. Indeed, he is known as a fearless warrior and an inspiring leader. But when the English Earl Seward led an invasion in Alba, Macbeth troops were defeated. However, Macbeth continued to rule for further three years before dying up on Malcolm’s sword, a partner of earl Seward. Shakespeare’s Macbeth is one of the most iconic characters ever created but few people realize that Macbeth was also a real man. However, it is thinks to Shakespeare’s play that a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he would become King of Scotland, which reinforces the mythic dimension.
William Wallace (1270 – 1305) was a Scottish knight who rose to prominence leading the Scottish revolt against the rule of English under King Edward I. William Wallace was one of the main leaders of the Scottish Independence Wars of the Thirteenth Century; after his death, he attained iconic status as a rebel leader. Rise of a hero William Wallace was born in Elderslie, in the county of Renfrewshire, Scotland in 1272. Little is known about his early life, though he seems to have been educated in Greek and Latin. At the time of Wallace, Scotland had recently been conquered and there was resentment at the policies of the English, which involved higher taxes and conscription for military service in France. There was also division amongst the Scottish nobility about who should be the rightful King of Scotland. Edward I offered to intervene to prevent internal dispute amongst the Scots – but only on the condition, they submitted to Edward I as the rightful King of Britain. Some nobles did agree to Edward’s demand, but some including John de Balliol refused. In 1297, Wallace murdered the English Sheriff of Lanark, which was a spark to set off a resistance movement. Soon he attracted a growing band of supporters around his independence movement. ‘This is the truth I tell you: of all things freedom’s most fine. Never submit to live, my son, in the bonds of slavery entwined.’ Stirling Bridge Victory On 11th September, Wallace and Murray achieved a remarkable victory at Stirling Bridge. Though outnumbered, the Scottish armies defeated the English. 5,000 English were killed including Hugh Cressingham, the hated Treasury of Edward I. It is said the Bridge at Stirling collapsed as the English forces were coming through the narrow gap. Buoyed by his success, William Wallace led raids into Northern England to torment Edward. The price on Wallace’s head grew and the English later invaded Scotland to find and defeat Wallace. The Battle of Falkirk, fall of a hero A year after the Battle of Stirling Bridge, Wallace lost the Battle of Falkirk, when English archers helped to defeat the Scottish defenders. However, Wallace escaped and for the next seven years, he lived as an outlaw, always on the run from Edward I. Though only a knight, Wallace was made Commander of the Army of the Kingdom of Scotland – as lieutenant of John Balliol. It was unusual at the time, for a knight to have so much influence and power. William Wallace became known throughout Europe, and he even travelled to France to seek an alliance with the French against Edward I. Arrest and execution In August 1305, John de Menteith, a Scottish knight loyal to Edward I betrayed William Wallace and had him arrested for treason. William Wallace was brought to London where he was given a summary trial and sentenced to death. Wallace’s trial was briefest with the outcome a foregone conclusion, but, when charged with treason he replied: “I could not be a traitor to Edward, for I was never his subject.” At the time, treason implied a long drawn out execution of being hung, drawn and quartered. Wallace’s limbs were displayed in different parts of England. But, his legend only grew after his death, becoming a symbol of a rebel leader. Scottish King Robert later took up the Bruce his cause.
Robert the Bruce (or Robert I) is known for being Scotland’s most successful monarch. He was a nobleman from the south west of the country. He was made ruler of Scotland and won the country’s independence in the early 14th century. IN DETAIL : Robert the Bruce was born in July 1274. He was part of the Bruce family dynasty who freed Scotland from English rule. Indeed, we can’t talk about Robert the Bruce without mentioning his role in the battle of Bannockburn in 1314 which is a significant Scottish victory in the First War of Scottish Independence and a landmark in Scottish history. Robert I is Queen Elizabeth II’s 19th great-grandfather. He was not the first in his family lineage, nor the only one to make attempts to the Scottish throne. Nevertheless, he became King of the Scotts in 1306. Robert the Bruce is known for having many heroic values. Indeed, he embodies exceptional courage, nobility and honesty. To conclude, he was a warrior who had a great role in Scotland’s independence from England.
King James the First was born on19th July 1566 and died on 27 March 1625. He was the first man to be King of both Scotland as James VI and England (Ireland too) as James I. He is a historical figure because he became king at the age of one. He never met his parents Mary and Henry Stuart; his father died in an explosion and his mother was executed by her cousin Elizabeth I of England. He liked to party and celebrate his kingship. James also wrote “Basilikon Doron » (Royal Gift) a book explaining the role of the king as a shining example, and upholding the idea that God had chosen him to be a monarch - the doctrine of the Divine Right of Kings. Books and scholarship lay at the heart of the reign of this 'peaceful King'. He was very popular, and loved by his people. James was well read, had an extensive library, and commissioned a new translation of the Bible - the Authorized Version (‘King James Bible’), published in 1611. This King was known for his chastity and showed very little interest in women. He preferred male company. During his trip to Denmark, he became obsessed with witchcraft and even helped to torture women he thought were witches. - Robert Roy MacGregor (Rob Roy 17th-18th) Rob Roy Macgregor is an ingenious, fearless and courageous scottish hero and did actually exist in the 18th century. It was his reputation as a cattle dealer (which means that he was dealing cows), outlaw, soordsmen, clan leader and supporter of the poors as he was known as the scottish Robin Hood, stealing money from Marquis to give it to people in need. But some say that he was a criminal praised as a hero. All of this made him a real legend that is imbeded in scotland's history.
We saw in class that Scottish women embody the spirit of pride, resilience and resistance too:
Agnes Randolph or commonly called Black Agnes was Patrick Dunbar’s wife and therefore countess of Dunbar. She is a historical figure, known for defending her castle during an English siege in the 13th century. She refused to surrender even if the English men had more resources. Therefore, she declared to them « Of Scotland’s King I haud my house, I pay him meat and fee, and I will keep my gude auld house, while my house will keep me » showing great strength and a sense of bravery. One of her many qualities is her smartness because she always found a way to counteract the plans of her enemies making her a mighty opponent. She was very resourceful, determined and loyal to her husband and country as well as hardworking, dedicated and patient since the siege lasted for about 5 months before the English men gave up. Black Agnes fierce defender of the Dunbar Castle embodies some important Scottish values such as patriotism, family, belonging, roots, tenacity but also the values of independence and freedom. Black Agnes is a one-of-a-kind legend because she took part in one of the most emblematic conflicts between the English and the Scots in the 14th century, but especially because she was one of the only feisty women of the time. However, the figure she incarnates in the 14th century is quite the opposite of what she symbolizes today. Indeed, there is a dark side to Black Agnes related to her statue in a graveyard in Montpelier, in the State of Vermont USA). The stories tell that whoever dares to sit on her lap might be cursed and die in very mysterious ways.
Mary Queen of Scots reigned over Scotland from 14 December 1542 to 24 July 1567. She was an empowering, educated and beautiful woman. Crowned Queen of Scots in the Chapel Royal, she was sent in France in 1548 to escape English invasions. Scotland at this time was in the throes of the reformation and a widening protestant-catholic split. She got married 3 times and gave birth to her only child, James who was belonged to the throne. She overcome hard trials of life liker her emprisonment in Lochleven Castle and she is sentenced to death and executed on february 1587 by the Queen Elizabeth 1.
Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie (which means “blessed” in Scottish), was the elder son of Edward Stuart and claimant to the throne of Great Britain after 1766. He is also known for leading the Second Jacobite Uprising of 1745 to overthrow King George II. At the time, Jacobitism was a political movement in Great Britain that aimed to restore the Roman Catholic Stuart King James II of England and Ireland. In April 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie had to flee his country after losing the battle of Culloden. This is where begins the daring mission undertaken by Flora MacDonald. She was a young highland woman who risked her life out of compassion for a fugitive. She also was a member of the Clan MacDonald’s Of Sleat, remembered for helping Charles Edward Stuart evade. The mission began in 1764 on the Outer Hebridean island of South Uist, and the plan was to smuggle the Prince, disguised as “Betty Burke”, an Irish maidservant, “over the sea to Skye”. This is where the song “Skye boat song”, published in 1824, comes from. This song immortalises the wilderness, resistance and defiance of Bonnie Prince Charles. It also pays tribute to Flora MacDonald’s sense of compassion and boldness, values that made her a major figure of heroic gesture. 3. The spirit lives on There are still Scottish heroes but the image of a modern hero has evolved over the centuries. Actually, they no longer wage wars with an army but they are role models for the Scots insofar as (because) they continue to fight for their values and principles.
Modern day Scottish heroes are no longer warriors or Ladies who show their valour in times of war. They are more ordinary people who have a special talent such as sportsmen (world famous tennis player Andy Murray, stunt biker Danny MacAskill) or politicians (Scottish National Party MP Mhairi Black, Scottish MEP Alyn Smith). However, their role has not changed because they still represent and fight for their nation’s ideals and values and represent it outside their borders. The modern-day heroes we talked about, Danny MacAskill, Andy Murray and Alyn Smith or Mhairi Black, are associated to the nation’s myth in the popular mind because, just like William Wallace, they fight in a very idealistic way and do not care if they may encounter resistance and maybe even lose a battle. Boisdale talks about the “mythology of Scottish heroism against the odds”. This shows that the modern day heroes’ attitudes are linked to historic heroes to a much larger degree than in just one or two instances. Indeed, when we read the way in which Mhairi taunted her politic opponents, we cannot help but be reminded of Lady Macbeth’s unruly skill at provoking and challenging in order to convince. In the same way, Alyn Smith’s patriotic plea at European parliament bears strong similarities with William Wallace’s speech and attitude to summon his fellow countrymen to resist. Conclusion (answer your question and express your opinion) As a conclusion I believe that every nation needs its heroes for various reasons. Indeed, these heroes are always the ones who are sent out to represent their fellow countrymen, their ideals and values, even their culture, but their purpose runs deeper than this. Indeed, when today’s Scottish heroes perform in other countries or promote their own nation as it is the case for Danny MacAskill in the advertising campaign #Scotspirit for VisitScotland, it sparks national interest as well as international interest. Within a country the people gather to watch and cheer their heroes, then they will discuss their exploits, and retell them later to their friends and children, thus fuelling the national myth and strengthening national cohesion at the same time. Outside the country it nurtures interest, shows the country is to be counted with, and makes the heroes’ homeland seem more attractive. Therefore, I would say that not only does every country need its heroes for social and cultural reasons, but every nation also resorts to myths and heroes for political and economic reasons. Branch out: (prepare it!) - Either on Moroccan myths and heroes = same notion (Myths and Heroes) but a different topic (Morocco) - Or on Scotland’s struggle for independence / on the Brexit and Scotland (Seats and forms of power) = same topic (Scotland) but a different notion (Seats and forms of power). - Or on famous Scots around the world | DOCUMENTS - EXAMPLES - LINKS Famous quotes to define The Spirit of Scotland: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/authors/35-great-quotes-about-scotland-and-the-scots/ Prezi general presentation [pic 1] [pic 2] The piece of Tartan taken by Alan McBean on the 1969 Apollo 12 voyage [pic 3] [pic 4] SCOTTISH FLAG [pic 5] MACBETH Movie:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q3EnDtbg8w [pic 6] WILLIAM WALLACE [pic 7] Movie:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NJO0jxBtMo [pic 8] [pic 9] ROBERT THE BRUCE [pic 10] JAMES I [pic 11] ROBERT ROY MACGREGOR Movie :https://youtu.be/w0-2kzujLA8 [pic 12] BLACK AGNES [pic 13] MARY, QUEEN OS SCOTS Movie: https://youtu.be/wnqjSgMU36U [pic 14] FLORA MACDONALD [pic 15] DANY MACSKILL Video of the making of MacAskill’s documentary : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFD-jCFUNNk [pic 16] ANDY MURRAY [pic 17] ALYN SMITH Video of Alyn Smith’s speech at the Parliament https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlUETtTofmE [pic 18] MHAIRI BLACK |
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