Lavellan
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A Lavellan, làbh-allan, la-mhalan or la-bhallan etc is a mythological/cryptozoological creature from northern Scotland.
It was generally considered to be a kind of rodent, and indeed the name "làbh-allan" is also used for a water shrew or water vole in Scottish Gaelic. It was however, reportedly larger than a rat, very noxious, and lived in deep pools in rivers. Not unlike the Mongolian Death Worm its poisonous abilities were legendary, and it was said to be able to injure cattle over a hundred feet away.
Some sources claim that it was mostly to be found in Caithness. Thomas Pennant made enquiries about the animal while in Ausdale in the county, and it is also mentioned in the work of Rob Donn, the Scottish Gaelic poet from Sutherland.
Pennant claims the locals preserved the skin, and, as a cure for their sick beasts, gave them the water in which it had been dipped.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- This article incorporates text from "Dwelly's [Scottish] Gaelic Dictionary" (1911) (làbh-allan)
- Lewis Spence - The Magic Arts in Celtic Britain
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