by Headlee, Kim
Bryton(s). Name applied to one or more inhabitants of western and mid-Brydein.
Brytoni. Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of western and mid-Brydein.
Brytonic. The native language of the Brytons, also known as “Brythonic” or P-Celtic in present-day anthropological usage.
buill-coise (bool KWEES-eh, Caledonaiche, “ball-feet”). Football; i.e., soccer. In this era, the ball is an inflated goat or sheep stomach. The only time the game is played with a human head is in the case of a warrior failing to have his Oath of Fealty accepted by the one to whom he attempted to swear the oath. Origin: Scottish Gaelic buill (“ball”), coise (“feet”).
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 (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”).
Caerlaverock (Brytonic). Caledonaiche: Dùn Càrnhuilean (“Fort of the Rock-Elbows”). Roman-fortified and Brytoni-controlled hill-fort and seat of Clan Cwrnwyll, located on the northern bank of the Solway Firth in southwestern Scotland, due south of present-day Dumfries. Site of Arthur’s birth; Ygraine’s home fortress. Triangular Caerlaverock Castle was built atop its ruins in the 13th century; hence my inspiration for the “rock-elbows” Caledonaiche designation. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic dùn (“fortress”), càrn (“rock pile”), na h’uilean (“of the elbows”).
Caleberyllus (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.
Caledon (poss. Chaledon; 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 (“Caledonian”), Caledonaich (“Caledonians” and “The Hard People”), Caledonaiche (“Caledonian language”), Chaledonach (“Caledonian’s” or “of the Caledonian”), Chaledonaich (“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.
calends. The first day of any month on the Roman calendar—and the origin of the word “calendar.” Origin: Latin kalendae (“the called”).
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.
caraid (Caledonaiche, “friend”). Used as part of the sign-countersign codes in the Manx Cohort. This response is usually given to indicate friend-status to the other party. Origin: Scottish Gaelic.
Càrnhuilean (cairn-WHEEDL-ayan; 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-ayan-ach; 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”).
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; also can be used as a rinse to lighten hair color.
Chieftain’s Rock, the. A tall, large, flat rock standing inside Dunadd’s innermost defensive perimeter, inscribed with a series of notches, a boar, and the indentations of a basin and a footprint. In this story, the rock figures prominently in a pre-Christian Brytoni ritual to confirm the new Chieftain of Clan Moray.
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. Infant heirs of the àrd-banoigin receive a simple version of the clan-mark during the naming-ceremony. 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’s River. Caledonaiche: Ab Chlota. Caledonach term for the River Clyde, which forms the northeastern-most 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).
Comes Britanniarum (Latin, “Count of Brydein”). Female version: Comitissa Britanniam. The historic Roman army title was applied to the soldier who commanded all field action against enemy threats between the Antonine and Hadrianic walls. In Arthur’s army, it applies to his second-in-command. Also can be translated as “Companion of Brydein.”
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 seven 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.
cù-puc (KOO-puck; pl. cù-puic; 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.
curule (Latin, “consul”). A curved, backless, cushioned, gilt chair of state.
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 (poss. Dhailriata; “(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 (poss. Dhailriatanach, pl. Dailriatanaich, poss. pl. Dhailriatanaich). 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”).
Dance of the Virgins, the. Caledonaiche: Ruidhle na Righinnean. One of the Caledonach activities performed on Belteine night to invoke fertility blessings. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic: ruidhle (“dance”), na rìghinnean (“of the young ladies”).
death-loyal. Caledonaiche: bàs-dìleas. Compound adjective applied to someone who has sworn the Oath of Fealty to another person. Origin: Scottish Gaelic bàs (“death”), dìleas (“faithful”).
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.
Deira (Latin). Brytonic: Deifr. Coastal Angli-controlled territory south of Bernicia and east of the Brytoni-controlled fortress, Eboracum.
deuchainn na fala (Caledonaiche, “trial of blood”). The rite of passage for Caledonach warriors. Clad in a loincloth and armed with a dagger, the candidate is taken into the forest and charged to return in at least three days. Being early is taken as a sign of cheating and cowardice. Origin: Scottish Gaelic deuchainn (“trial”), na fala (“of blood”).
Diana (Latin, “divine” or “heavenly”). Roman virgin goddess of the hunt, the moon, and of childbirth and women. In this text, it refers to the statue adorning the fountain outside Caer Lugubalion’s praetorium.
Doves of Argyll, the. Caledonaiche: Na Calamaig 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: Inspired by Scottish Gaelic na calamain (“the doves” and rendered in the plural feminine form with the -aig suffix), 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.
Dragon-King. Eingel-Saxon translation of “Pendragon.”
Dumnonia (Latin). Brytonic: Dyfneint. Brytoni kingdom, established during the waning years of the Roman occupation, located in the southwestern peninsula of Brydein, occupying during the period of this story what is now Cornwall, as well as the western portions of Devon and Somerset. The Latin name originates from the name of the indigenous Celtic tribe, the Dumnonii.
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 (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 (Brytonic, “Fort of Eidyn”). Caledonaiche: Dùn Éideann (doon EE-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: Scottish Gaelic flath (“prince”), plus my invented term, Bhreatein (“of Brydein”).
Dyfed (Brytonic). Post-Roman Brytoni kingdom occupying the promontory of what is now southwestern Wales.
Eala (ay-AH-lah, Caledonaiche, “swan”). One of Alayna’s cats (female, solid black). Name origin: Scottish Gaelic.
Eingel(s). Terms the Eingel people apply to themselves that are more Germanic pronunciations than the Latinized form, “Angli.”
Einglaland (Eingel, “Angle-land”). Eingel name for their collective kingdoms; England.
Eireann (Scáthaichean, “Ériu’s Head”). Ireland. Latin: Hibernia. Caledonaiche: Airein (“Men of the Plow”). Eingel/Saxon: Æren (“Brazen”). Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic airein (“plowmen”). Eingel/Saxon name origin: Old Anglo-Saxon æren (“brazen”).
elder. A medicinal plant.
Epona. Caledonach/Brytoni deity: Horse-goddess symbolized by a prancing mare.
Falcon of Tarsuinn, the. Symbol of Clan Tarsuinn of Caledonia, an attacking falcon.
Fates, the. Greek godde
sses 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”).
Feast of Christ’s Passion, the. Easter.
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 (“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.
games helm. Ornate helmet specially designed for Roman cavalry games rather than combat in order to attract the attention of potential wealthy patrons.
Geall Dhìleas (Caledonaiche, “Oath of Fealty”). See Oath of Fealty. Origin: Scottish Gaelic geall (“promise”), dhìleas (“of faithfulness”).
Glaschu Monastery. Christian men’s religious community located near the Brytoni fort Caerglas in present-day Glasgow, Scotland. The monks are famed for their uisge beverage.
Gododdin (go-DOTH-in). Brytonic: Guotodin. Caledonaiche: Gò Do-dìon (“Deceptively Difficult Defense”). Brytoni-controlled territory corresponding to modern southeastern Scotland and northeastern England. The Brytonic name is derived from the Latin name of the Celtic tribe inhabiting the area at the time of the Roman occupation, the Votadini. The Caledonaiche version implies that the region is deceptively well-defended. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic gò (“deceitful”), do-dìon (“difficult defense”).