Sluagh facts for kids
The Sluagh (pronounced "Sloo-ah") are a fascinating part of Scottish folklore. Imagine them as a "host" or "army" of spirits. In old stories from Scotland, especially the Gaelic-speaking areas, the Sluagh were believed to be the souls of people who had died but were not forgiven.
They were often seen flying through the air. People described them as looking like a crescent moon or a flock of grey birds. These spirits could pick up a person from anywhere and carry them far away. They might take someone from one island to another!
While the Sluagh were usually thought of as dangerous to humans, sometimes they could actually help. There are tales where they rescued people from tricky spots, like dangerous rock cliffs. But mostly, people were afraid of them.
What does "Sluagh" mean?
The name Sluagh comes from an old word. In Old Irish, slúag meant 'host', 'army', or 'crowd'. This shows how people thought of them as a large group of spirits.
Where do the Sluagh come from?
Many stories say the Sluagh are the souls of the dead. Specifically, they are the souls of those who were not forgiven for their actions in life. This is why they are sometimes called Sluagh na marbh, which means 'host of the dead'.
In the Western Isles of Scotland, people believed the Sluagh were made up of these flying souls. The festival of Halloween was also seen as a time for these spirits, as well as for fairies.
What do the Sluagh do?
The Sluagh are known for flying through the air. They can approach people from any direction. Once they pick someone up, they can carry them a long distance.
Even though they could sometimes help, they were mostly seen as a threat. People tried to avoid them because they were considered dangerous spirits.
See also
In Spanish: Sluagh para niños
