Luran agus a' Mhaighdeann-mhara

Long ago, the Gaels brought this folktale from the Isle of Barra, Scotland, to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. A favourite of Cape Breton Gaelic tradition bearer Michael “Mickey” MacNeil, this tale tells the story of Luran, a farmer and fisherman. Luran had cattle, sheep, and horses, and a good boat too. But one thing was bothering him: the fairies kept coming every night and stealing his animals. He didn’t know what to do. But one day when he was out fishing, a mermaid came to his boat… This is the Nova Scotia Gaelic edition.

Bha deagh bhaile aig Luran. Bha beothaichan aige—crodh, caoraich, agus eich. Agus bha deagh bhàta aige cuideachd. Ach bha aon rud ga bhoidreagadh: bha na sìtheanaich a’ tighinn a h-uile oidhche ’s bha iad a’ goid na beothaichean aige! Cha robh fhios aige dè dhèanadh e. Ach latha dhe na lathaichean a bha e ag iasgach, thàinig maighdeann-mhara dhan bhàta…