by Headlee, Kim
An epithet often used affectionately.
Belteine (bell-TEE-nay; pl. Beltean; Caledonaiche, “Passion Fire”). Brytonic: Beltain. Fertility ritual celebrated by non-Christian Caledonaich and Breatanaich culminating on May 1 with firelight activities that would make a Ròmanach orgy participant blush. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic boil (“passion”), teine (“fire”).
betrothal-band, -mark. Caledonaiche: lorg a’bhanais-geall (fem., “mark of the betrothal;” m., aileadh a’bhanais-geall). A tattoo roughly one inch wide, depicting two ropes braided together, usually painted with dye extracted from the woad plant. By Caledonach custom, this mark is inscribed around the left wrist of the àrd-banoigin and her future consort as a visible display of their promises. Origin: Scottish Gaelic lorg (“mark,” fem.), aileadh (“mark” or “scar,” m.).
Boar of Moray, The. Symbol of Clan Moray of Dalriada, a black boar on a field of gold; also referred to as “the Black Boar.”
bonding ritual. Caledonaiche: dean am bann naomh (“make the holy bond”). The Caledonach ceremony wherein the àrd-banoigin is tattooed with her consort’s clan-mark and he with hers. Origin: Scottish Gaelic dean (“to make”), am bann (“the bond”), naomh (“holy”).
Braonshaffir (BRINE-sha-feer; Caledonaiche, “A Drop of Sapphire”). Gyanhumara’s sword, named for its distinguishing feature. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic braon (“a drop”), shaffir (“of sapphire,” transliterated from Latin sapphirus and rendered with possessive form (sh-)).
Breatan (BRAYah-tan; poss. Bhreatan (VRAYah-tan); Caledonaiche, “(of the) Bryton”). Terms used by the Caledonaich to refer to a single Brytoni individual; also may be translated as “(of the) Deceiver.” Origin: Scottish Gaelic Breatunn (“Britain” and “British”), bràth (“to deceive”).
Breatanach (brayah-TAN-nack; poss. Bhreatanach (vrayah-TAN-nack), pl. Breatanaich (brayah-TAN-ache), poss. pl. Bhreatanaich (vrayah-TAN-ache); Caledonaiche, “(of the) Bryton(s)”). Terms used by the Caledonaich to refer to one or more inhabitants of western and mid-Brydein; also may be translated as “(of the) Deceivers.” Origin: Scottish Gaelic Breatunnach (“a Briton”), bràth (“to deceive”).
Breatanaiche (BRAYah-tan-eesh; Caledonaiche, “tongue of the Brytons”). Term used by the Caledonaich to refer to the Brytonic language.
Brin. Gyanhumara’s horse (black gelding).
Brydein (BREE-dane; Brytonic). Latin: Britannia. Caledonaiche: Breatein (poss. Bhreatein, “(of) Brydein”). Britain, a.k.a. the Island of the Mighty.
Bryton(s) (BREE-tone). Name applied to one or more inhabitants of western and mid-Brydein.
Brytoni (bree-TOE-nee). Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of western and mid-Brydein.
Brytonic (bree-TOE-nick). The native language of the Brytons, also known as “Brythonic” or P-Celtic in present-day anthropological usage.
Caer Alclyd (care ALL-cleed; Brytonic, “Fort of Clyde Rock”). Caledonaiche: Dùn Bhreatanaich (“Fort of the Brytons”). Brytoni-controlled fortress on the north bank of the Firth of Clyde, home of Alain and Yglais, located near the western end of the Antonine Wall in the present-day town of Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic dùn (“fortress”), plus my invented term, Bhreatanaich (“of the Brytons”).
Caer Lugubalion (Brytonic, “Fort of Lugh’s Strength”). Latin: Luguvalium (“Lugh’s Valley”). Caledonaiche: Dùn Lùth Lhugh (doon LOOT hloo, “Fort of Lugh’s Power”). Brytoni-controlled fortress near the western end of Hadrian’s Wall, headquarters of the Dragon Legion of Brydein, located in what is now Carlisle, Cumbria, England. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic dùn (“fortress”), lùths (“power”), and my invented possessive form of the name Lugh, Lhugh.
Caer Rushen (care ROO-shen; Brytonic, “Rush’s Fort”). Brytoni-controlled fortress near the southernmost tip of the Isle of Maun, located in present-day Castletown, Isle of Man.
Caerglas (Brytonic, “Green Fort”). Caledonaiche: Dùn Ghlas (“Locked Fort”). Brytoni-controlled fortress on the western end of the Antonine Wall that doubles as a garrison and headquarters of the Brytoni fleet, located in present-day Glasgow, Scotland. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic dùn (“fortress”), ghlas (“locked”).
Caleberyllus (kah-leh-BARE-ill-us; Latin, “Burning Jewel”). Arthur’s sword, known through various sources as Caliburnus, Caliburn, Caledfwlch, and Excalibur. This name is my invention, derived from the Latin words calere (heat, origin of “calorie”) and beryllus (beryl, a classification of gem) as a poetic description of the sword’s distinguishing feature. Technically, a ruby is a cabochon, not a beryl, but I suspect that nobody was making that fine a distinction in the 5th century A.D.
Caledfwlch (kah-LED-vulk; Brytonic, “Caledonia’s Bane”). The nickname for Caleberyllus coined by Cai after the Battle of Abar-Gleann, which Arthur rejected because he was more interested in forging a meaningful alliance than in rubbing anyone’s nose in his victory. Name origin: Old Welsh of disputed translation, though the caled- element is derived from proto-Celtic and is generally agreed to mean “hard.”
Caledon (KAL-eh-don; poss. Chaledon (HAL-eh-don); Caledonaiche, “(of the) Place of the Hard People”). The name the Caledonaich apply to their territory, encompassing what is now the Scottish Highlands and northern Lowlands. Origin: Pictish/proto-Celtic caled (“hard”).
Caledonach (kah-leh-DON-ack, “Caledonian;” Caledonaich (kah-leh-DON-ache), “Caledonians” and “The Hard People;” Caledonaiche (kah-leh-DON-eesh),“Caledonian language;” Chaledonach (hal-eh-DON-ack), “Caledonian’s” or “of the Caledonian;” Chaledonaich (hal-eh-DON-ache), “Caledonians’” or “of the Caledonians”). Idiomatic terms of my own invention, based on Scottish Gaelic linguistic rules for indicating group membership (-ach (sing.) and -aich (pl.) suffixes), and the possessive form (Ch- prefix). Language designation (-aiche suffix) is my own invention.
Caledonach Confederacy, Caledonian Confederacy. Caledonaiche: Na Cairdean Caledonach (“The Caledonian Friends”). Caledonach political entity. Member-clans mainly consist of those living closest to Breatanach-controlled territories. Historically, the region of Caledonia may have been divided into seven major kingdoms, each with many client-kingdoms, and it most likely wasn’t a united nation. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic na cairdean (“the friends”), plus my invented term, Caledonach (“Caledonian”).
Caledonach law, Caledonian law. Caledonaiche: Sgianan na Chaledonaich (“Laws of the Caledonians”). Unwritten code memorized and recited by seannachaidhean, and administered by priests. Caledonaiche phrase origin: Scottish Gaelic sgianan (“knives”), plus my invented term, Chaledonaich (“of the Caledonians”). Although there is a word in Scottish Gaelic meaning “law” (dlighe), I opted for a more poetic approach.
Caledonia (Latin). The name that Latin- and Brytonic-speakers apply to the home of the Caledonaich, the region encompassing what is now the Scottish Highlands and northern Lowlands.
Caledonian(s). Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of the nation of Caledonia, terms used by Latin- and Brytonic-speakers.
Camboglanna (Brytonic, “Crooked Bank”). Fortress near the western end of Hadrian’s wall, built on a high bluff overlooking the Cambog (Cambeck) Valley, located in present-day Castlesteads, Cumbria, England.
Càrnhuilean (cairn-WHEEDL-ay-ahn; Caledonaiche, “The Rock-Elbows People”), Clan. Caledonaiche term for Clan Cwrnwyll of Rheged, Brydein. Full Caledonaiche designation: Càrnhuileanaich Rhiogachd Bhreatein. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic càrn (“rock pile”), na h’uilean (“of the elbows”).
Càrnhuileanach (cairn-WHEEDL-ay-ahn-ack; pl. Càrnhuileanaich; Caledonaiche). Of or pertaining to Clan Cwrnwyll of Rheged, Brydein, a term of my invention referring to Arthur’s Brytoni heritage that uses the -ach suffix convention for indicating membership in a given group. Also translates to “Man of the Rock-Elbows Clan,” a reference to the physical layout of the clan’s seat, Caerlaverock, as a triangular fortress of “elbows.
” Name origin: Scottish Gaelic càrn (“rock pile”), na h’uilean (“of the elbows”).
cena (Latin, “dinner”). A typical Roman evening meal, served by courses, including soup, meats, vegetables, fruit, and nuts—whence the phrase “from soup to nuts” originates.
centurio equo (Latin, “commander of horse”). A cavalry centurion, usually an ala commander. Badge: copper brooch with a red enamel ring around the legion’s symbol.
centurion. Latin: centurio (“century commander”). Mid-grade military officer; in Arthur’s army, this is usually a century or ala commander, or commander of a garrison staffed with fewer than four centuries or alae. Badge: copper brooch with appropriately colored enamel ring around the legion’s symbol.
century. Latin: centuria. Infantry unit consisting of approximately 100 soldiers, commanded by a centurion.
Chalice, The. Cup once used by Iesu the Christ, enshrined at the Sanctuary of the Chalice.
chamomile. Medicinal herb.
clan-mark. Caledonaiche: fin-cìragh (“clan-crest”). A tattoo representing the Caledonach clan’s symbol, usually painted with woad dye. A woman receives the clan-mark on her right forearm when she achieves the status of àrd-banoigin. During the bonding ritual, the àrd-banoigin receives her consort’s clan-mark on her left forearm. Likewise the àrd-ceoigin is tattooed with her clan-mark, also on the left forearm. The clan-mark is a special classification of warding-mark. Origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic fine (“tribe,” fem.), cìr (“cock’s crest,” m.), carragh (“monument,” fem.).
Clota. Caledonach/Brytoni deity symbolized by a leaping salmon, Goddess of Wisdom.
Clota’s River. Caledonaiche: Ab Chlota. Caledonach term for the River Clyde, which forms the northeasternmost end of the Firth of Clyde. Caledonaiche name origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic abhainn (“river”) and proto-Celtic/Pictish abar (“river mouth”), plus my invented possessive form of the name Clota, Chlota.
cohort. Latin: cohors (“company”). Military unit usually consisting of ten centuries or alae or combination thereof, commanded by a prefect (non-nobleman) or tribune (nobleman).
coltsfoot. Medicinal herb.
Common(s), The. Caledonaiche: An Coitas (pl. A’Choitais). The beehive-shaped buildings scattered throughout Caledonach settlements. Caledonaiche name origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic coitcheann (“common,” adj.).
compline. The last of eight Christian canonical hours of the day, occurring at approximately two hours past sundown. Origin: Latin complere (“to fill up”).
Council of Chieftains, The. Conclave of Brytoni chieftains that convenes to pass judgment on matters involving more than one Brytoni clan.
currach. A small wicker-framed, hidebound, flat-bottomed boat for one or two people, propelled by paddle.
cù-puc (KOO-puck; pl. cù-puic (KOO-pweek); Caledonaiche, “dog-pig(s)”). An epithet. Origin: based on Scottish Gaelic compound cù-muc (“dog-sow”), with a change in consonants to make it sound more satisfying when spoken aloud.
Cwrnwyll (KEERN-weedl), Clan. Caledonaiche: Càrnhuileanaich (“The Rock-Elbows People”). Brytoni clan occupying the region of Rheged. I invented this clan name to be evocative of Cornwall, the region ascribed by tradition for Arthur’s birth. The fact that it renders very nicely into Caledonaiche is something I didn’t discover for almost 25 years. Banner: rampant ivory unicorn on crimson. Cloak pattern: dark red crossed with sky blue and saffron. Gemstone: ruby.
Dalriada (Latin). Caledonaiche: Dailriata (dale-ree-AH-tah; poss. Dhailriata (jhale-ree-AH-tah); “(of the) Necessary Meadow”). Political region in the northwest sector of Brydein consisting chiefly of the Kintyre Peninsula and western islands of Scotland plus the Isle of Man. At the time of this story, the Scotti incursions into this region were just getting underway, and historically the Isle of Man was never considered part of the later Scotti kingdom of Dál Riata. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic dail (“meadow”), riatanach (“necessary”).
Dalriadan(s). Caledonaiche: Dailriatanach (dale-ree-ah-TAN-ack; poss. Dhailriatanach (jhale-ree-ah-TAN-ack), pl. Dailriatanaich (dale-ree-ah-TAN-ache), poss. pl. Dhailriatanaich (jhale-ree-ah-TAN-ache)). Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of the Brytoni region of Dalriada.
Dance of the Sun, The. Caledonaiche: Ruidhle a’Ghrian. One of the Caledonach activities performed on Àmbholc day to encourage the sun to provide days with increasing amounts of daylight. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic: ruidhle (“dance”), a’ghrian (“of the sun”).
decurion. Latin: decurio (“commander of tens”). Junior-grade military officer, usually a turma commander. Badge: iron brooch with appropriately colored enamel ring around the legion’s symbol.
Doann Dealghan (DOOan dayALL-ghan; Scáthaichean, “Dalgan’s Fortress”). Scotti seaport on the northeastern coast of Ireland, present-day Dundalk, which claims a link to the mythological Irish hero Cú Chulainn.
Doves of Argyll, The. Caledonaiche: Na Calmain h’Argaillanaich. Symbol of Clan Argyll of Caledon, a pair of silver doves in flight on a dark blue background; also referred to as “the Argyll Doves.” Origin: Scottish Gaelic na calmain (“the doves”), and my invented term, h’Argaillanaich (“of Clan Argyll”).
Dragon Legion, The. Latin: Legio Draconis. Northern Brytoni army unit, whence the term “Pendragon” originates. When Arthur took command after Uther’s death, this was the only legion in existence—what was left of it.
dubh-lann (doo-lahn; Caledonaiche, “black-blade”). The ritual challenge to the clan’s present or future àrd-ceoigin. By Caledonach law, the àrd-banoigin cannot interfere and must accept the winner as her consort, regardless of her personal feelings. Origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic dùbhlan (“challenge”); compound of dubh (“black”), lann (“blade”).
Dunadd (doon-ATH, Brytonic, “Fort on the River Add”). Caledonaiche: Dùn At (“Swelled Fort”). Hill-fort near the town of Kilmartin on the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, that is believed to have been the capital of the ancient Scotti kingdom of Dál Riata. In this story, it is the Seat of Moray, home fortress of Urien and Dumarec. Caledonaiche name origin, which is the oldest written form of the fort’s name: Scottish Gaelic dùn (“fortress”), at (“to swell”).
Dunpeldyr (DOON-pell-deer; Brytonic, “Fort of the Spear”). Caledonaiche: Dùn Pildìrach (doon peel-DEER-ack, “Fort of the Turning Ascent”). Traprain Law hill-fort near Haddington in East Lothian, Scotland, which serves as the Seat of Clan Lothian and the home fortress for Annamar and Loth. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic dùn (“fortress”), pill (“to turn”), dìr (“to ascend”).
Dun Eidyn (doon EE-den; Brytonic, “Fort of Eidyn”). Caledonaiche: Dùn Éideann (doon EYE-day-ahn, “Well-Armed Fort”). Hill-fort on the summit of what is known today as Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland, located on the south bank of the Firth of Forth. Site of the battle where, prior to the opening of Dawnflight, Uther was killed by King Colgrim and his invading Angli army, forcing Arthur to take command of the retreating Brytoni troops to prevent a rout. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic dùn (“fortress”), éideadh (“armor”).
Dux Britanniarum (Latin, “Duke of Brydein”). Caledonaiche: Flath Bhreatein. Roman military title applied to the commander of the legions stationed between the Antonine and Hadrianic Walls. Prior to the Roman military exodus from Britain in the early part of the 5th century, this force consisted of two legions. When Arthur took this job, approximately 80 years later, there weren’t enough trained soldiers available to form a single legion. Badge: gold dragon, with a red, green, and blue braided enamel outer ring. Historically, this title was applied only to the commander of northern stationary defenses (i.e., troops guarding the Hadrianic and Antonine walls), and it was not a field command. My Arthur doesn’t have that luxury. Caledonaiche name origin: flath (“prince”), plus my invented term, Bhreatein (“of Brydein”).
Eagle of Rome, The. Caledonaiche: An Iolair Rhòm (“The Eagle of Rome”). The spread-winged symb
ol of the Roman Empire. Origin: Scottish Gaelic an iolair (“the eagle”), and my invented term, Rhòm (“of Rome”).
Easgan (AYS-gahn; Caledonaiche, “little willing man”). Ogryvan’s horse (roan stallion). Name origin: Scottish Gaelic.
Eboracum. Former Roman legionary fortress and capital of the Brytoni region of Elmet; corresponds to present-day York, England.
Eingel(s) (INE-ghel). Terms the Angli people apply to themselves that are more Germanic pronunciations than the Latinized forms.
Eireann (AIR-an; Scáthaichean, “Ériu’s Head”). Ireland. Latin: Hibernia. Caledonaiche: Airein (“Men of the Plow”). Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic airein (“plowmen”).
elder. A medicinal plant.
Epona. Caledonach/Brytoni deity: Horse goddess symbolized by a prancing mare.
Fates, The. Greek goddesses presiding over the destinies of mortals’ lives.
fealty-mark. Caledonaiche: dìleas-tì. A scar on a Caledonach warrior’s neck made by his or her sword wielded by the person to whom the warrior has sworn the Oath of Fealty. Origin: Scottish Gaelic dìleas (“faithful”), tì (“intent”).
ferch (FERK, Brytonic). “Daughter of,” followed by the father’s name; e.g., Morghe ferch Uther.
Fiorth (Brytonic), The. Caledonaiche: Ab Fhorchu (“River of the Flowing Hound”). Firth of Forth, southeastern Scotland. Caledonaiche name origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic Abhainn Fhorchu (“the river Forth”), forasach (“forward,” adj.), cù (“hound”).
Fleet Commander, The. Latin: Navarchus Classis Britannia. Admiral in charge of the Brytoni war-fleet. Since the word “admiral” originates from Arabic, I considered it appropriate to employ a different title; technically, in Arthur’s Roman-based military force, the fleet commander is equivalent in rank to a legate. Badge: silver dragon brooch with a blue enamel outer ring.
Frisians. Coastal Germanic tribe culturally similar to the Eingels and Saxons. Historically, they began migrating to Britain in the early 5th century A.D.