Dawnflight (The Dragon's Dove Chronicles Book 1)
Page 43
Fergus og Róig. Scáthaichean warrior. Cuchullain’s foster brother. Nickname: Fergi. A composite of the “Fercos ap Roth/Fergus mac Roth” listed in the ancient Welsh list of Arthur’s warriors and the “Fergus mac Róich” of Irish mythology who was one of Cú Chulainn’s foster fathers.
Galen of Pergamum. Roman physician of Greek origin who practiced in the court of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd century A.D. His research and methodologies greatly advanced knowledge in the fields of anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and neurology, and it’s estimated that as much as 80% of his writings remain valid by modern standards.
Germanus of Auxerre, Saint. Papal emissary sent to Brydein in the mid-fifth century. The exact nature of the battle ascribed to him by ecclesiastical tradition, which the Brytons call the “Alleluia Victory” and the Caledonaich call the “Great Disaster,” is a matter of historical debate.
Gogfran. See Ogryvan. Brytonic variant of Ogryvan. This name appears in at least one Old Welsh triad (verse of epic poetry) as “Gogfran the Giant,” father of one of the three Gwenhwyfars to whom Arthur was supposedly married.
Gorlas. Late Chieftain of Clan Cwrnwyll of Rheged, Brydein. Ygraine’s first husband; father of Annamar and Yglais. Legendary name: Duke Gorlois of Cornwall.
Guenevara. See Gyanhumara. Name origin: Saxon variant of Gwenhwyfar.
Guilbach (GOOL-bahk). Late Chieftain and Àrd-Ceoigin of Clan Alban, Caledon. Alayna’s consort; Angusel’s father. Clan: Tarsuinn, Caledon. Nickname: Gwalchafed. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic guilbneach (“curlew”).
Gwalchafed (gwahl-KAH-vehd). See Guilbach. Nickname bestowed on Guilbach by Uther the Pendragon honoring his battle prowess. Name origin: Brythonic gwalchafed (“summer falcon”).
Gweneth. Brytoni slave at Arbroch. Wife of Rudd.
Gwenhwyfar (GWEN-ih-var) ferch Gogfran. See Gyanhumara. Brytonic patronymic name format meaning “Gyanhumara, daughter of Ogryvan.” Name origin: Brythonic gwenhwyfar (“white shadow”). Mentioned in Old Welsh triads as being one of the three Gwenhwyfars married to Arthur, the daughter of “Gogfran the Giant,” and hostess to Medraut “the Hungry Man.”
Gyanhumara (ghee-ahn-huh-MAR-ah) nic Hymar, a.k.a. Gwenhwyfar ferch Gogfran, a.k.a. Guenevara. Chieftainess and Àrd-Banoigin of Clan Argyll of Caledon. Daughter of Hymar and Ogryvan. Nickname: Gyan (GHEE-ahn). Banner: two silver doves flying, on dark blue. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic gainne amhran (“rarest song”). Legendary names: Queen Guinevere, Guenevere, Guenever.
Henna. A village wise-woman on Maun. Clan: Moray, Dalriada, Brydein.
Horace. Quintus Horatius Flaccus, a 1st-century, B.C. Roman poet.
Hymar (HEE-mar). Late Chieftainess and Àrd-Banoigin of Clan Argyll of Caledon. Ogryvan’s wife; mother of Peredur and Gyanhumara. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic amhran (“song”).
Ian. Monk and teacher at St. Padraic’s Monastery.
Ian the Holy Messenger. Caledonaiche translation of “Saint John the Evangelist.” In this text, it refers to the name of the church at Dùn Lùth Lhugh (Caer Lugubalion).
Iesseu (yay-SAY-oo). Caledonaiche variant of Jesus.
Iesu (YAY-soo). Brytonic variant of Jesus.
Iulius Caesar. Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar, best known to Caledonians as having ordered a failed invasion of Caledonia in the 1st century B.C., though he managed to subjugate the rest of Brydein into the Roman Empire (Britannia Province).
Katra. Brytoni slave at Arbroch. Wife of Dafydd the Elder; mother of Mari, Dafydd the Younger, and Samsen.
Kentigern. Abbot, Glaschu Monastery. Known in ecclesiastical history as St. Kentigern or St. Mungo.
Lagan. Scáthaichean warrior; Cuchullain’s charioteer, based on Laeg of Irish Cú Chulainn mythology. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic lagan (“little dell”).
Lir. Abbot of St. Padraic’s Monastery; Keeper of the Chalice.
Livy. Titus Livius Patavinus, a turn-of-the-millennium Roman historian most famous for his books about the several-hundred-year history of the Roman pre-republic, republic, and empire, collectively titled Ab urbe condita libri (“Books since the city’s founding” or, less literally but more descriptively, “A History of Rome”).
Loth (LOTE). Chieftain of Clan Lothian of Gododdin, Brydein. Arthur’s brother-in-law; Annamar’s husband. Banner: amber bear on forest green. Legendary name: King Lot.
Lucan. Monk and teacher at St. Padraic’s Monastery. Latin name: Lucianus.
Màiri (MAY-ih-ree). Caledonaiche variant of the name Mary.
Marcia. Nun at Rushen Priory.
Marcus. Centurion in the Brytoni army; Arthur’s aide-de-camp. Legendary name: King Mark.
Mardha (MAHR-ah). Maidservant at Arbroch. Clan: Argyll, Caledon.
Mari (MAHR-ee). Daughter of Dafydd the Elder and Katra.
Mathan. One of the warriors bound by treaty to join the Horse Cohort of the Dragon Legion of Brydein. Clan: Argyll, Caledon. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic mathan (“a bear”).
Merlinus Aurelius Ambrosius Dubricius. Bishop; general (legate) in the Brytoni army, garrison commander of Caer Lugubalion. Son of Ambrosius; Arthur’s cousin. Nickname: Merlin. Latin name is loosely based on Roman format and means “Merlin of the Aurelii, son of Ambrose, called Dubric.” Known in Welsh ecclesiastical history as St. Dubric (or St. Dyfrig, depending upon the source). Legendary name: Merlin.
Morghe (MOR-gheh) ferch Uther. Daughter of Uther and Ygraine; Arthur’s younger sister; Angusel’s friend. Latin name: Morganna Aurelia Vetara. Legendary name: Queen Morgan Le Fay.
Niall. Scáthaichean general; Cuchullain’s friend.
Niniane (nee-nee-AH-neh). Prioress of Rushen Priory. Legendary names: Niniane, Nimue, Lady of the Lake.
Ogryvan (OH-gree-van) mac Glynnis, a.k.a. Gogfran. Chieftain of Clan Argyll of Caledon. Hymar’s consort; Peredur’s stepfather; Gyanhumara’s father. Nickname: “the Ogre.” Legendary name: King Leodegrance.
Padraic (pah-DRAY-ik), Saint. Founder of the monastery on Saint Padraic’s Isle; patron saint of Ireland (a.k.a. St. Patrick, St. Paddy).
Peredur (PARE-eh-dur) mac Hymar. Hymar’s son; Ogryvan’s stepson; Gyanhumara’s half brother. Clan: Argyll, Caledon. Nickname: Per. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic pòr dùr (“stubborn seed”). Legendary name: Sir Percival.
Reuel. Seannachaidh of Clan Argyll, Caledon; preserver of law and lore. Name origin: Second “R” of J.R.R. Tolkien.
Rhianna. Maidservant at Arbroch. Clan: Argyll, Caledon.
Rhys (HREES). One of the warriors bound by treaty to join the Horse Cohort of the Dragon Legion of Brydein. Clan: Argyll, Caledon.
Rudd (ROOTH). Brytoni slave at Arbroch. Husband of Gweneth.
Samsen. Infant son of Dafydd the Elder.
Stefan. Brytoni monk and master of students at St. Padriac’s Monastery. Latin name: Stephanus.
Suetonius. Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, a late-1st- to early-2nd-century, A.D. Roman historian best known for his collection of works titled De Vita Caesarum, “Of the lives of the Caesars,” biographies of the twelve consecutive Roman rulers beginning with Julius Caesar.
Urien (OO-ree-ehn) map Dumarec. Senior cavalry officer (tribune) in the Brytoni army. Son of Dumarec. Clan: Moray, Dalriada, Brydein. Legendary names: King Urien, Uriens.
Uther map Custennin. Late Dux Britanniarum (succeeded Ambrosius). Ambrosius’s younger brother; Ygraine’s second husband; father of Arthur and Morghe. Latin name: Vetarus Aurelius Constantinus. Legendary name: King Uther Pendragon.
Vergul (VARE-gool). Priest of Clan Argyll, Caledon. Name origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic fiar (“twisted”), gul (“lamenting”).
Vortigern. Late Brytoni warlord who employed Saxon mercenaries against the Caledonians and Scots.
Wat. Brytoni stable boy at Caer Lugubalion. Nickname: Wart.
Wyllan (WEE-hlahn). Manx smith who forged Caleberyllus.
Yglais (ee-GLACE) ferch Gorlas. Daughter of Gorlas and Ygraine; Arthur’s half sister; wife of Alain. Clan: Cwrnwyll, Rheged, Brydein.
Ygrayna (ee-grayEE-nah). Caledonaiche variant of Ygraine. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic a’ghrian (“of the sun”).
Appendix II: Glossary
THIS APPENDIX INCLUDES place-names and foreign terms. Pronunciation guidelines are supplied for the less obvious terms, especially those of Brythonic or Scottish Gaelic origin. In the case of a term having multiple translations used in the text, the most commonly referenced term is listed first. Word and phrase origins and English translations are given wherever possible.
My choices of word selection, translation, spelling, suggested pronunciation, and the use of accent marks reflect an attempt to imply a protolanguage to today’s version, especially with regard to the Scottish-Gaelic-based words, compounds, and phrases. Terms identified as having a Pictish source are based on studies of Scottish place-names, since there are no known documents that were written in ancient Pictish. Brythonic-sourced words are derived from ancient Welsh literature, such as the Mabinogion.
Abar-Gleann (ah-bar glayANN; Caledonaiche, “Mouth of the River Valley”). Site of Arthur’s first battle as Dux Britanniarum, where he defeated the Caledonians, located at the eastern end of the Antonine Wall on the south bank of the Firth of Forth near the present-day town of Bo’ness, Falkirk, Scotland. This equates to the first of Arthur’s twelve battles, the “mouth of the River Glein,” recorded in Chapter 56 of the Historia Brittonum (written in the early 9th century). Origin: proto-Celtic/Pictish abar (“river mouth”), Scottish Gaelic gleann (“valley”).
Aífe (EE-fay). Scáthaichean demoness. In Irish folklore, Aífe is the twin sister and deadly rival of Scáthach. Given the other name associations and folkloric connections, for the purposes of this story I affiliate Aífe with the Scháthan ancient enemies, the Aítachaitais.
Aítachait (EEtah-kite; pl. Aítachaitais (eetah-KITE-iss), poss. pl. Aítachasan (eetah-KAH-san); Scáthaichean, “strife with Aífe”). Name applied by the Scáthan to the inhabitants of the western portion of Eireann that Latin-speakers know as Attacots, echoing for the Scáthan the mythological Scáthach-Aífe rivalry. Origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic a’tachairt (“occurring”).
ala (pl. alae; Latin, “wing(s)”). Cavalry unit usually consisting of five turmae, commanded by a centurio equo.
Alban (“The Wild People”), Clan. Caledonaiche: Albainaich Chaledon (poss. h’Albainaich; “of Clan Alban”). Member of the Caledonach Confederacy. The clan’s name tracks to the ancient name for Scotland and is deliberately evocative of an alternate legendary name for Arthur’s realm, “Albion.” Banner: rampant white lion on cerulean blue. Cloak pattern: sky blue crossed with crimson and green. Gemstone: aquamarine. Name origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic am bàn (“untilled”) and Albainn (“Alba,” “Scotland”).
Alleluia Victory, The. Caledonaiche: An Ciorramor (“The Great Disaster”). Brytoni battle against Saxons, Scots, and Picts, led by Germanus of Auxerre, so named because the Brytons shouted “alleluia” (Latinized Hebrew hallelu Yah, “praise the Lord”) to confound their foes. I employ literary license to date this battle during Germanus’s second (and historically disputed) visit to Britain in the 440s, rather than the more widely accepted A.D. 428-429, during his first mission to the island. Also, apparently the Scots weren’t involved.
Àmbholc (AY-mulk; Caledonaiche, “Time of Spring”). Brytonic: Imbolc. Winter ritual celebrated by non-Christian Caledonians and Brytons on February 1. Joinings taking place on Àmbholc night can be nullified the following Àmbholc with no shame clinging to either person. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic àm (“time”), bòlc (“to spring”).
Anderida (Latin). Brytoni-controlled port on the Narrow Sea near the present-day town of Pevensey, East Sussex, England.
Angalaranach (ahn-gah-LAR-ah-nack; poss. Anghalaranach, pl. Angalaranaich, poss. pl. Anghalaranaich; Caledonaiche, “(of the) Diseased People”). Unflattering terms the Caledonaich apply to the Angli people. Origin: Scottish Gaelic an galar (“the disease”), a’ghalar (“of the disease”).
Angle(s) (ANE-ghel; Brytonic). Name applied to one or more inhabitants of the eastern coast of Brydein.
Angli (ANE-glee; Latin). Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of the eastern coast of Brydein.
Annàm (ahn-NAIM), Lord. Caledonach demon overlord; a.k.a. “the Adversary.” Annaomh’s twin brother; leader of the evil Samhraidhean of the Otherworld, symbolized by a pair of crossed bloody cudgels. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic an nàmh (“the enemy”).
Annaomh (AHN-nuh), Lord. Caledonach supreme deity; ruler of the Otherworld and leader of the Army of the Blest, symbolized by the sun. In Caledonach mythology, his evil twin brother is Annàm. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic an naomh (“the saint”).
Antonine Wall, The. Latin: Antoninorum murum. Caledonaiche: Am Balla Tuat (“The North Wall”). Frontier fortification built in southern Scotland by Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius in the mid-second century A.D. Extends from the Firth of Forth to the Firth of Clyde.
Arbroch (AR-brock; Caledonaiche, “Exalted Town”). Brytonic: Ardoca. Latin: Alauna Veniconum. Seat of Clan Argyll and home fortress of Gyanhumara and Ogryvan; Roman fort captured in 1st century A.D. by the Caledonaich, located near the present-day village of Braco in Perthshire, Scotland. Caledonaiche origin: Scottish Gaelic àrd (“exalted”), broch (“burgh”).
àrd-banoigin (aird-ban-UH-ghin; pl. àrd-banoigainn; Caledonaiche, “exalted heir-bearer(s)”). The female member of the ruling family through whom the clan’s line of succession is determined. Typically, the clan’s chieftainess serves as àrd-banoigin while she is of childbearing age and passes this status to a daughter or niece when the younger woman reaches physical maturity. Origin: Scottish Gaelic àrd (“exalted”), ban (“woman”), oighre (“heir”), gin (“beget”).
Àrd-Ceann Teine-Beathach Mór (aird-KAY-ahn TEE-nay BAYah-tahk more; Caledonaiche, “High-Chief Great Fire-Beast”). Since Caledonaiche has no word for “dragon,” this is the closest that the Caledonaich can come to rendering “Pendragon” in their language. Usually, they don’t bother. Origin: Scottish Gaelic ceannard (“leader;” I switched the suffix to a prefix for consistency with other invented terms), teine (“fire”), beathach (“beast”), mór (“great”). There is no word for “dragon” in Scottish Gaelic, either. The word nathrach, which is used in the “Charm of Making” by the characters Merlin and Morganna in the 1981 movie Excalibur, means “snake.”
àrd-ceoigin (aird-kayUH-ghin; pl. àrd-ceoiginich; Caledonaiche, “exalted heir-begetter(s)”). The consort of the clan’s àrd-banoigin. Marrying the àrd-banoigin gives the man access to her wealth but does not automatically grant him the chieftainship of her clan. Modern analogy: Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, Prince Phillip. Origin: Scottish Gaelic àrd (“exalted”), céile (“husband”), oighre (“heir”), gin (“beget”).
àrd-oighre (aird-EER-eh; pl. àrd-oighreachan; Caledonaiche, “exalted heir(s)”). The male heir of the àrd-banoigin and àrd-ceoigin. The àrd-oighre may serve as clan chieftain in the event that the àrd-ceoigin is dead or incapacitated, upon ratification of a vote by the clan’s elders and the chieftainess. Origin: Scottish Gaelic àrd (“exalted”), oighre (“heir”).
Argyll (AR-gayeel; “The Tempestuous People”), Clan. Caledonaiche: Argaillanaich Chaledon (poss. h’Argaillanaich; “of Clan Argyll”). Member of the Caledonach Confederacy. The clan’s name tracks to the former County of Argyll, Scotland, though at this point in the story, the clan hasn’t yet expanded in that direction. Banner: two silver mourning doves in flight, on dark blue. Cloak pattern: dark blue crossed with saffron and scarlet. Gemstone: sapphire. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic ar gailleann (“our tempest”).
Armorica (Latin). Brytoni-settled region of Brittany, France.
Army of the Blest, T
he. Caledonaiche: Sluagh na Beannaich. The host of dead Caledonach warriors whose souls reside in the Otherworld. Origin: Scottish Gaelic sluagh (“host”), beannaich (“to bless”).
Attacot(s) (Latin). Scáthaichean: Aítachait. Name applied to one or more inhabitants of the western portion of Eireann.
Attacotti (Latin). Scáthaichean: Aítachasan. Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of the western portion of Eireann.
Aurelia (pl. Aurelii; Latin). One of the original Roman patrician families; its progeny includes 2nd-century A.D. Roman emperors Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius, and in this story, Ambrosius Aurelius Constantinus, Merlinus Aurelius Ambrosius Dubricius, Vetarus Aurelius Constantinus, Arturus Aurelius Vetarus, and Morganna Aurelia Vetara.
Ayr Point. Northernmost Brytoni signal-beacon site on the Isle of Maun, now called Point of Ayre.
badge. Rank insignia worn by members of the Brytoni army: a cloak-pin fashioned in the shape of the legion’s symbol (e.g., dragon). Enlistees’ badges are bone or hardwood. Officers’ badges are wrought of different metals depending on rank and are ringed by green (infantry), red (cavalry), or blue (navy) enamel, or a combination thereof, to indicate breadth of command. If the officer is of the nobility, the badge includes a gemstone representing the clan’s dominant color.
banais-geall (Caledonaiche, “betrothal”). Origin: Scottish Gaelic banais (“marriage”), geall (“promise”).
banasròn (bah-nah-SRONE; Caledonaiche, “woman’s head”). Euphemism for female genitalia. Origin: Scottish Gaelic ban (“woman”), sròn (“headland”).
bannock. Small, hard cake made from barley or oat meal and cooked on an open griddle.
banrìgh (BAN-ree; Caledonaiche, “chieftainess”). Origin: Scottish Gaelic ban-rìgh (“queen;” literally, “woman-king”).
Bear Cohort. Latin: Cohortis Ursus. Unit in the Brytoni army stationed at Caerglas consisting of one ala and nine centuries.
beathach (BAYah-tahk; Caledonaiche, “beast”). Origin: Scottish Gaelic.
An element of the Caledonaiche term for “Pendragon,” Àrd-Ceann Teine-Beathach Mór.