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Scottish Folklore Trivia Quiz

Scottish history is full of all kinds of strange myths and legends. Test your knowledge or just educate yourself on the numerous Scottish beasties.

A multiple-choice quiz by mehdi. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
mehdi

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
208,985

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
1292

Last 3 plays: Superfi (5/10), Guest 195 (4/10), Guest 80 (5/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Lets start with a creature that everyone knows, the Mermaid. Scottish mermaids are different from the stereotypical mermaid; do you know the difference? Hint

They are human in shape but covered with silvery scales.

They are human in form when out of water.

They have fish heads and human legs.

Scottish mermaids are actually male.

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Question 2 of 10

2. A creature known as a Ceasg is similar to common mermaids. If you were to meet a Ceasg which of these things are likely to happen? Hint

You will be granted three wishes by the Ceasg.

The Ceasg will demand that you marry her.

The Ceasg will attack and devour you.

You will be dragged into the water and drowned.

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Question 3 of 10

3. The Kelpie is another obscure Scottish tale. This fabulous immortal beast is to be avoided at all cost. But do you know what everyday animal the Kelpie looks like? Hint

A Horse

A Dog

A Deer

A Sheep

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Question 4 of 10

4. The Fey-folk (fairies, trolls, mermaids, witches etc) are all very powerful but there is one metal in particular which can protect against them; what is it? Hint

Iron

Tin

Copper

Lead

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Question 5 of 10

5. Now we can't talk about Scottish folklore and not have a question on the Loch Ness Monster! Do you know which ancient reptile (Dinosaur) the Loch Ness Monster is similar to? Hint

Stegosaurus

Velociraptor

Plesiosaurus

Brontosaurus

6. Staying with Nessie, it was first spotted by one of Saint Columba's monks while swimming in the Loch. The Saint then commanded the monster to let him be. Do you know what year this first sighting was made? Hint

475 AD

580 AD

510 AD

565 AD

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Question 7 of 10

7. In the Highlands the season of winter (1st November-1st May), known as the "dark year", was believed to be caused by a fearful elemental spirit. What was her name? Hint

The winter witch.

The bringer of darkness.

The cursed ice maiden.

The blue hag of the highlands.

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Question 8 of 10

8. Killing a butterfly can be extremely bad luck as it is believed that they carry the souls of the dead. True or false?

True

False

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Question 9 of 10

9. Michael Scot was a well known Scottish wizard and was numbered amongst the sorcerers in the eighth circle of hell! It is even rumored that he built Hadrian's wall with the help of devils. Where is this evil man buried? Hint

He was burned at the stake.

He was buried at sea with large stones tied to his feet so that he could not break free.

He did not die as he is immortal.

Melrose abbey.

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Question 10 of 10

10. A mischievous water sprite known as the Shellycoat was well known for his pranks. One of his favorites would be to lead travelers away from their trail so that they would get lost. Now, how did he do this? Hint

Bewitch the travelers and lead them on a false trail.

Pretend to drown and lead the rescuers up stream.

Disguise himself as a beautiful woman to divert the travelers attention.

Leave a trail of gold leading away from the track and then steal the gold back later.

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 12 2024 : Superfi: 5/10
Mar 20 2024 : Guest 195: 4/10
Mar 11 2024 : Guest 80: 5/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Lets start with a creature that everyone knows, the Mermaid. Scottish mermaids are different from the stereotypical mermaid; do you know the difference?

Answer: They are human in shape but covered with silvery scales.

Scottish mermaids, unlike other mermaids, do not sing to lure sailors to their doom, but they are noted for their lovely singing.

2. A creature known as a Ceasg is similar to common mermaids. If you were to meet a Ceasg which of these things are likely to happen?

Answer: You will be granted three wishes by the Ceasg.

Although you may be granted three wishes, if the Ceasg thinks that these wishes are silly or selfish then she may very well drown you!

3. The Kelpie is another obscure Scottish tale. This fabulous immortal beast is to be avoided at all cost. But do you know what everyday animal the Kelpie looks like?

Answer: A Horse

The Kelpie looks like a noble stallion with a glossy coat. It appears to have a placid nature and can be found next to rivers and lochs. The Kelpie seems almost to invite the weary traveler to ride upon its back but if you do it will ride into the loch then drown and devour you (a common theme in Scottish folklore!).

4. The Fey-folk (fairies, trolls, mermaids, witches etc) are all very powerful but there is one metal in particular which can protect against them; what is it?

Answer: Iron

Iron can sometimes be fatal to the fey-folk but even if not they will refuse to stay in a place or near a person bearing iron.

5. Now we can't talk about Scottish folklore and not have a question on the Loch Ness Monster! Do you know which ancient reptile (Dinosaur) the Loch Ness Monster is similar to?

Answer: Plesiosaurus

The monster is said to be between 40 and 70 feet long and has grayish skin and large flippers.

Answer: 565 AD

Apparently the Monster has never hurt anyone since then.

7. In the Highlands the season of winter (1st November-1st May), known as the "dark year", was believed to be caused by a fearful elemental spirit. What was her name?

Answer: The blue hag of the highlands.

Some people believe that the blue hag is full of wisdom and deals kindly with those who seek her learning. They also believe that she changes from the withered crone of winter into the pure young beauty of spring.

8. Killing a butterfly can be extremely bad luck as it is believed that they carry the souls of the dead. True or false?

Answer: True

The butterflies carry the souls to a place called Tir Nan Og (the land of the young) where they rest for a while before being reborn as human infants.

Answer: Melrose abbey.

Michael Scot was known to be a philosopher and a physician and for some time he lived at the court of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II.

Answer: Pretend to drown and lead the rescuers up stream.

The Shellycoat gets his name from the coat of shells that he wears. It jingles softly when he moves. He was most often heard and very rarely seen.

Source: Author mehdi

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