Kitterland facts for kids
Kitterland in the Calf Sound
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Calf Sound |
| Area | 4 ha (9.9 acres) |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 (2011) |
Kitterland (called Famman Kitterland in the Manx language) is a small island, also known as an islet. It is located in the Irish Sea, specifically in the Calf Sound. This sound is a narrow stretch of water between the Isle of Man and the Calf of Man.
Kitterland is a very small island, covering less than 4 hectares (about 10 acres). No one lives on Kitterland. It is part of the Rushen parish on the Isle of Man. The name Famman Kitterland in Manx means "Tail of the Rocky Isle."
Contents
About Kitterland's Wildlife
Today, Kitterland is owned by the Manx National Trust. This organization helps protect the island's natural environment. Kitterland is home to lots of interesting wildlife, especially birds and marine animals. It's an important spot for nature.
The Legend of Baron Kitter
There's an old legend about how Kitterland got its name. The story says the island was named after a powerful Norwegian ruler, Baron Kitter. He supposedly ruled the Isle of Man a long time ago.
Baron Kitter's Hunting Trip
Baron Kitter loved to hunt. He hunted all the deer, bison, and elk on the main part of the Isle of Man. After that, he decided to go hunting on the nearby Calf of Man. While he was hunting there, something terrible happened back at his castle.
The Castle Fire and the Witch's Spell
His castle at South Barrule accidentally caught fire. When Baron Kitter saw his home burning across the water, he quickly rushed back. But his boat sank, and he drowned. That's how the islet was supposedly named after him.
Another part of the Manx legend explains more about the fire. The people of Mann were worried Baron Kitter would start hunting their own animals. So, they asked the island's wisest witches for help.
One day, while Baron Kitter was on the Calf, his cook, Eaoch of the Loud Voice, fell asleep. A witch named Ada put a spell on the cooking pot. The pot boiled over, and this caused the castle to catch fire.
The King's Promise
Baron Kitter's friends on the Calf thought Eaoch had worked with the witch to harm the Norwegians. They brought Eaoch before King Olaf, who was also Norwegian. King Olaf sentenced Eaoch to death.
Eaoch was allowed to choose how he would die. He asked to have his head placed on the king's legs and cut off with the king's own sword, Macabuin. This sword was special. It was made by Loan Maclibuin, a famous smith, and could cut through even the hardest rock.
The Norwegians begged the king not to agree, but King Olaf would not break his word. He ordered his men to prepare. However, the witch Ada was there. She told them to place many layers of special items, like twigs and eggs, over the king's legs. When the sword touched Eaoch's neck, it cut through everything instantly. The king's legs were saved only by the witch's magic.
See also
In Spanish: Kitterland para niños
