GARLATHA.A TRADITION OF HARRIS.
At one time it is said the outermost of the western isles formed three separate and independent possessions; the northern part of the Long Island (an t-eilean fada),[22]Lewis (Leòdhais), was held by one Cenmal (Ceannamhaol[baldhead]), who was a king, while the southern portion, Harris (na h-Earra), was owned by a prince; and another king, one named Keligan [thin one], possessed Uist, which is further south. In this way Lewis and Uist had each a king, while there was only a prince in Harris. This prince, who was famed for his courage and bravery, was held in great esteem by those on his land for the good advice (na comhairlean dealbhach) they readily got from him and the benefits he conferred on them. He discouraged bickerings and jealousy (farmad) among his subordinates and neighbours, and spread among them a knowledge of many useful arts. He encouraged manual labour as well as manly exercise and the recitation of poems, romance, etc. His wife, Garlatha, was not less namely for her goodness to those around her, among whom she promoted thrifty and industrious habits, and taught the use and methods of preparing different kinds of roots, grain and plants, for food and healing, and to be kind and tender to the weak and infirm, and to live good lives. In this way the people on their land were contented with their condition and sought no change. Garlatha died, it is said, about 800 A.D.—a long time ago, but whatever it was, she went away, (and it was not to be helped), leaving an infant daughter who was named after her mother, Garlatha. As the girl grew up it was seen that she inherited her mother’s goodgifts, and the people were equally well pleased with her. In time she began to be spoken about and heard of, and was sought in marriage by numerous suitors. The king who ruled in Lewis was eager in pursuit of her (’an tòir oirre), and crossed over to see her. The ruler (fear-riaghlaidh) of Uist came on the same errand. One day then her father said to her, “Daughter, I wish to see you married, before the end of my life comes, to a good man, and I am looking to see which of those men who come to see you is the most suitable, and I see that it will suit you best to take him who is in Lewis.” His daughter preferred the one who owned Uist, but by her father’s advice word was sent to the possessor of Lewis to come and that he would get her. He came, and being well pleased with his reception every arrangement was made, and they were married. Afterwards the bride said to a maid, “You will go in to the entertainment (fleadh) and among the company: I am going to hide myself.” This was done, and the company sat at the feast without the bride, for whose coming a long delay was made. When it was seen that she would not return, the question of what had become of her or where she was, was asked of every one, but no one knew. The maid was asked, but she had not any knowledge or tale (fios no sgeul) to tell of where the lost one was to be found. The time was passing(bha ’n ùineachd ’ruith) and search was made outside for her, but she was not found. Then they looked for her from place to place, where it was possible to find her, but without success. The night passed, leaving the feast untouched and the guests cheerless. Next day the search was renewed along the shores and among the hills, and in every direction from day to day, till there was not a spot between Barra Head and the Butt of Lewis where a bird could sleep, that was not searched, but there was no trace of her (cha d’ fhuaireadh riamh i, cha d’ fhuaireadh idir i). The father continued to wander about, searching in vain, for many years after all hope of finding herwas dead, till at last he was seen to turn every leaf he met with the staff in his hand, and even to look under ragweed (buaghallan). He died, and she was not found. The place, Harris, was then 200 years without any one to own it (thug an t-àite sin dà cheud bliadhna gun duine ann). MacLeod (fear Mac Leòid) then took possession of the country and began to build new houses; the old dwellings had become uninhabitable (air dol fàs); the roof had fallen in (thuit an ceann ’n am broinn). When clearing out one of these an old chest was found, and on lifting it the lower part remained on the ground, with the skeleton of a woman resting in it, each bone according to its place (cnàimh a réir cnàimh), and by its side the wedding-ring, as new as it was on the day it was put on her finger, with the name “Garlatha” engraved on it, and from that the story came.
NOTES:[22]The Long Island includes the whole of the land between the Butt of Lewis and Barra Head.
[22]The Long Island includes the whole of the land between the Butt of Lewis and Barra Head.
[22]The Long Island includes the whole of the land between the Butt of Lewis and Barra Head.