Contradictory information regarding the diminutive creatures known to the
Lowland Scots as brownie and to those who speak the Scottish Gaelic as
brùnaidh
abounds. I've seen where the
brùnaidh is mistakenly lumped together
with the
ùruisg and the
gruagach but each is a separate
species of otherworldly creature, the
brùnaidh being of the household,
whereas the others are creatures of nature.
My first exposure to brownies was as a young Girl Scout. Scouting Brownies take
their name from the folklore brownies, as the wee men are a model for the young
girls due to the brownie's penchant to assist in household chores, asking for
only a bowl of cream or a honey cake for payment.
I became reacquainted with the
brùnaidh while doing research for my first romance novel. Thus was born my Highland Gardens
series, which revolves around the MacLachlan clan, who resided at Old Castle
Lachlan on the
shore
of Loch Fyne. The clan
has several legends regarding their clan brownie.
The History and Legends of
Clan MacLachlan, written and edited by James A. Finegan, states, "The
MacLachlan's brounie, known as both Harry and Munn, has been associated with
the clan for so many generations that no one really knows when the brounie
first appeared." The legends are from 1746 and before.
In the classic work,
Faeries, from Brian Froud and Alan Lee—I have the
twenty-fifth anniversary edition—brownies are introduced as a species of
faerie. The brownie is described as a shaggy male of short stature, no more
than twenty-five inches tall, wearing either tattered garments or nothing at
all. It is also suggested that brownies living in the
Highlands
have no fingers or toes, whereas those living in the
Lowlands
have no noses.
Other references tell a different tale. "In appearance, they (brownies)
have been variously described, from squat, shaggy, naked creatures to tall,
handsome and well proportioned. They usually kept to themselves, being mostly
solitaries, unlike the fairies who were notably gregarious." –
Scottish
Fairy Belief by Lizanne Henderson and Edward J. Cowan
Although few brownie names are known, there are some who've achieved notoriety:
Billie Blin, Aiken Drum, Wag-at-the-wa', and Puddlefoot. With Meg Mullach, also
known as Hairy Meg, being one of the few females.
Superstitions of the
Highlands and Islands of Scotland, by John Gregorson Campbell is available
on the internet for download and provides additional references to the wee men.
As historical figures might be included in a story, why not take the folklore
and, using creative license, tweak the nature of these otherworldly beings to
include them in romance novels? In my Highland Gardens series, I
borrowed the incredibly mischievous
brùnaidh of MacLachlan legend.
Since brownies are known to have a keen sense of responsibility, Munn is duty
bound to the Chiefs of Clan MacLachlan. Part of the twist since many accounts
state brownies in general prefer mistresses to masters. In the series, Munn
creates all kinds of havoc for my heroes and heroines.
Some say brownies evolved from the lore of the elf, and in my mind, they have
similar physical characteristics. The included drawing is of an ancient elf,
but his image is similar to the one I imagine for a brownie.
The Brunaidh, whose duty it was to watch over Clan MacLachlan, sat on a
stool near the fire, reciting rhymes for Elspeth. He waved his arms as he
spoke. Dressed for foolery, the brownie wore baggy brown leather trews and a
knee length leine of fine woolen cloth secured at the waist by a thick leather
belt adorned with bronze. Around his shoulders, he wore a green brat held in
place by a bronze brooch with a large clear crystal in the center. He tapped
his feet in rhythm to the cadence of his voice. On those wee feet, he wore
green boots with toes that pointed upward.
"Munn," Patrick bellowed.
The little man twisted around, his whisker-covered face scrunched up more
than usual. Panic flashed in blue-green eyes, and he jumped to his full
three-foot height. His bent nose twitched and he grabbed hold of the
funny-looking pointed green cap he always wore.
Just Beyond the Garden Gate by
Dawn Marie Hamilton
Have you read a story including such creatures? What
do you think of fae creatures in romance novels?
~Dawn Marie
