Gillean of the Battle Axe facts for kids

Gillean of the Battle Axe, also known as Gilleain na Tuaighe in Scottish Gaelic, was a very important person in Scottish history. He is seen as the first leader, or "chief," of a famous Scottish family called Clan Maclean. He is also the ancestor of Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie. His name is special because it means he was the person who started these clans.

Who Was Gillean?

Gillean was born to a man named Rath. He lived around the year 1250. He was known as Gilleain na Tuaighe because he always carried a battle axe with him. It was his main weapon and a constant companion. People thought he was a very important and special person.

The Story of the Battle Axe

There is a famous story about Gillean and his battle axe. This story might explain why the Maclean family crest looks the way it does today. The crest shows a battle axe between a laurel branch and a cypress branch. You can still see this on their coat of arms.

One day, Gillean was hunting deer with friends on a mountain called Bein 'tsheata. He got separated from his group while chasing game. Suddenly, a thick mist covered the mountain, and he got lost.

For three days, Gillean wandered around, unable to find his way back. By the fourth day, he was very tired. He found a cranberry bush and decided to rest. He stuck the handle of his battle axe into the ground and lay down.

Later that same day, his friends found him. They saw the head of his battle axe sticking out above the bush. They found Gillean lying on the ground, unconscious, with his arms wrapped around the axe handle. This story shows how important his battle axe was to him.

Gillean's Family

Gillean of the Battle Axe had three sons:

• Malise mac Gilleain
• Bristi mac Gilleain
• Gillebride mac Gilleain