Marbhrann do Mhac 'ic Ailein
Track Information
Original Track ID
SA1974.226.5
Original Tape ID
Summary
William Matheson explains that the eulogies and elegies were composed by professional bards. The MacDonalds of Clanranald had two sets of bards working to two separate traditions. One composed eulogies and elegies in syllabic metre, the other in an older stressed metre.
This song is about Allan MacDonald, who was killed at the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715. He was given a charm before the battle to make him invulnerable, but he was shot by a silver bullet. There were said to be weals on his skin where normal bullets had struck. The story is still believed by some people in South Uist.
Item Notes
7 verses. Composed by Iain Dubh Mac Iain 'ic Ailein (John MacDonald), born c. 1665.
Item Subject/Person
Dòmhnallach, Ailean
Recording Location
County - Midlothian
Parish - Edinburgh
Village/Place - Edinburgh
Item Location
County - Stirlingshire
Language
English, Gaelic
Genre
Collection
Source Type
Reel to reel
Audio Quality
Good