Stories from the sea, rivers and lakes. The Blue Men of the Minch! A Witchy Wednesday article.

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Wood block print of a merman.
Domain free image. 

Welcome to my series of folk stories from the sea, rivers and lakes. 

This weeks Witchy Wednesday is about the sea creatures known as The Blue Men of the Minch. 

The Blue Men of the Minch (or na fir ghorma) are mythical water-dwelling spirits in Scottish folklore that inhabit the Minch, a turbulent strait between the northern Outer Hebrides and mainland Scotland. They are described as human-sized, blue-skinned creatures with grey faces who cause storms and shipwrecks, often challenging ship captains to rhymes to avoid being sunk. 

Location

They dwell in underwater caves, particularly around the Shiant Isles, which is known for treacherous tides.

Appearance & Behavior

They have been reported as having blue skin, green or pale white beards, and long, strong arms used for maneuvering through waves and dragging ships down. When the sea is calm, they are said to be sleeping, but when they wake up they create terrible storms.

The Rhyming Challenge

A key part of their legend involves the leader rising from the waves to challenge ship captains to a contest of wits. The chief of the Blue men speaks two lines of poetry, and if the captain cannot respond with two lines of his own to finish the verse, the Blue Men sink their ship.

Origin Theories

Theories include them being "fallen angels" , some becoming fairies, some the Merry Dancers or Northern Lights, personifications of the stormy sea, or even rooted in historical memories of North African (Moorish) slaves abandoned by Vikings, often nicknamed "blue men" due to their clothing. The joy of folklore stories are they are often based on some facts that have been woven into a tale! So even if the mermen might be a fable the origins of the tales may be true!


Interesting articles to read 

https://scotlands-stories.com/blue-men-of-the-minch/


https://nuairathigairduinethigairuile.wordpress.com/2017/10/11/the-blue-men-o-the-minch/


Some interesting vlogs I found on YouTube which I thought would be fun to share. 





My own artwork. Designed, drawn and coloured by hand on a ATC. 
 







Thank you for visiting my blog, please join me again next week for another Witchy Wednesday special. 

Have a magical week. 

Kat 😊

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