The Legend of Queen Scathach of the Isle of Skye

The Legend of Queen Scáthach of the Isle of Skye - According to legend, Queen Scáthach was a great warrior queen, a martial arts teacher, a formidable magician and a prophetess, who lived in the fortress Dun Scaith on the Isle of Skye around 200 BC. Dun Scaith means ‘the fortress of shadows.’

One legend recounts that Queen Scáthach was the daughter of the King of Scythia. She made, ‘promising heroes into formidable warriors, training them in military prowess and martial arts.’ Queen Scáthach was believed to have trained some of the greatest Celtic warriors. She also features prominently in the ‘Ulster Cycle,’ which recounts that she trained the legendary hero Cú Chulainn in the art of combat. Today, the ruins of Dunscaith Castle in Skye are believed to stand on the old site of Queen Scáthach’s fortress Dun Scaith. Interestingly, Scáthach’s name in Gaelic means ‘the shadowy one.’

Illustration of a Celtic warrior woman by RottenRagamuffin