by Headlee, Kim
Green Griffin, the. Symbol of Prince Ælferd of the West Saxons, a green griffin on gold.
gwyddbwyll (Brytonic, “wood sense”). A strategy board-game that figures in many ancient Arthurian tales, such as The Dream of Rhonabwy in the Mabinogion. Although gwyddbwyll translates to “chess” in modern Welsh, the game apparently predates chess’s introduction to Europe and so most likely was played very differently than chess.
Gwynedd (GWIN-eth). Mountainous and sparsely populated region corresponding to present-day northwest Wales. Name origin: Brythonic variant of the Latin designation of tribal residents during the Roman occupation collectively known as Venedotia.
Hag, the (also the Crone). Caledonaiche: An Cronag h’Eugais. Late-life manifestation of the Life-Goddess. Caledonaich who see the Hag believe they soon will die; hence, she is also referred to as “the Hag of Death.” Origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic cron (“evil,” “harmful”), eug (“death”), both of which are masculine nouns.
Ha’satan (Hebrew, “The Accuser”). Satan.
hauberk. Saxon chain mail shirt that reaches to mid-calf.
heliodor. Caledonaiche: clach-gréin (“sunstone”). Ancient Greco-Roman name for the greenish-yellow form of golden beryl, a semiprecious gemstone, from Greek helios (“sun”). Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic clach (“stone”), gréin (“of the sun”).
Horse Cohort. Latin: Cohortis Equitum. Unit in the Brytoni army consisting of eight cavalry alae and no foot soldiers, formed as a result of the Brytoni-Caledonian treaty forged after the battle of Abar-Gleann. First Ala is comprised of Brytoni horsemen; the remaining alae are comprised of Caledonians.
ifrinn (EEF-reen, Caledonaiche, “hell”). In Caledonach mythology, this is the realm of Lord Annàm and the Samhraidhean, as well as other malevolent spirits and demonic beings. Origin: Scottish Gaelic ifrinn (“hell”).
ifrinn fuileachdach (EEF-reen FWEE-layach-dach; Caledonaiche, “bloody hell”). An expression of frustration. Origin: Scottish Gaelic ifrinn (“hell”), fuileachdach (“bloody”).
ifrinnach (EEF-reen-ach; pl. ifrinnaich, Caledonaiche, “hellion(s)”). Evil spirits other than Samhraidhean. Origin: based on Scottish Gaelic ifrinn (“hell”).
illegitimus (Latin, pl. illegitimi, “illegitimate (ones)”). An epithet carrying obvious parental connotations but extremely tame compared with the Caledonaiche equivalent, machaoduin.
Ivory Unicorn, the. Symbol of Clan Cwrnwyll of Rheged, Brydein, a rampant ivory unicorn on crimson, deliberately evocative of the unicorn supporter on the present-day coat of arms of the United Kingdom.
joining, joining ceremony. Caledonaiche: a’phòg naomhair (“the holy kiss”). The Caledonach marriage ritual, optional. Origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic a’phòg (“the kiss,” fem.), naomh (“holy”).
Jutes. Powerful Germanic tribe that originated on the Jutland peninsula in modern Denmark and began migrating to Britain in the late 4th century A.D.
Keeper of the Chalice, the. Christian holy man selected to guard the Chalice and maintain its shrine; usually also serves as Abbot of Saint Padraic’s Monastery.
lady’s mantle. Medicinal herb.
Lammor, Clan (Brytonic). Caledonaiche: Làmanmhor (“People of Great Hands”). Full Caledonaiche designation: Làmanmhoranaich Srath-Chlotaidh Bhreatein. Brytoni clan of the region of Strathclyd, Brydein. Banner: emerald-green stag’s head on silver. Cloak pattern: grass-green crossed with silver and black. Gemstone: heliodor. Brytonic name origin: inspired by the Lammermuir Hills of southern Scotland, where this clan is located. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic làmhan mhor (“of great hands”), i.e., craftsmen and -women; Srath-Chluaidh (“Strathclyde”), srath (“low-lying land near river”), and my invented term, Chlotaidh (“bank of Clota’s River”).
lann-seolta (Caledonaiche, “blade-cunning”). The term applied to Caledonach warriors who are particularly adept at predicting their opponents’ moves in battle, especially in regard to swordsmanship. Origin: Scottish Gaelic lann (“blade”), seòlta (“cunning”, “skillful”).
lauds. The second Christian canonical hour, occurring at dawn. In some religious communities, this office is combined with matins. Origin: Latin laus (“praise”).
lavender. Medicinal and aromatic strewing herb.
legate. Latin: legatus. Senior Roman military officer, usually a legion commander, equivalent to a brigadier general. Badge: silver with appropriately colored enamel ring around the legion’s symbol.
legion. Latin: legio. The largest unit in the Roman military infrastructure, usually consisting of six infantry cohorts and at least one cavalry ala, commanded by a legate. Technically, Arthur is Legatus Legio Draconis (“Legate of the Dragon Legion”), but his status as Dux Britanniarum is more descriptive and therefore supersedes the “legate” title, so I don’t use the term “legate” in this text.
Lion of Alban, the. Caledonaiche: An Leóghann h’Albainaich. Symbol of Clan Alban of Caledon, a white lion rampant on a field of cerulean blue. Also referred to as the Alban Lion. Origin: Scottish Gaelic an leóghann (“the lion”), plus my invented term, h’Albainaich (“of Clan Alban”).
Lothian, Clan (Brytonic). Caledonaiche: Clan Lùthean (LOOT-hay-ahn, “People of Power”); full designation is Lùtheanaich Ghò Do-dìon Bhreatein. Brytoni clan of the region of Gododdin, Brydein. Banner: rearing amber bear on dark green. Cloak pattern: forest-green crossed with dark blue and gold. Gemstone: amber. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic lùths (“power”).
Lugh. Caledonach/Brytoni Lord of Light, symbolized by a bull.
Lugh Longarm. Scotti deity—possibly the same as the aforementioned Caledonach/Brytoni god Lugh, although the Scots would never admit this.
Lugnasadh (loo-NAH-sah). Summer festival celebrated by non-Christian Caledonaich and Brytons on August 1, characterized by horse racing and livestock sales; named for the god Lugh.
mac (Caledonaiche). “Son of,” followed by the mother’s name; e.g., Angusel mac Alayna. Origin: Scottish Gaelic.
machaoduin (mahk-EYE-dween; pl. michaoduin; Caledonaiche, “son(s) of the unmanned”). An epithet with obvious parentage connotations; can apply to jerks, cowards, the condemned, the exiled, and traitors. Female form is nichaoduin (pl. naichaoduin). Origin: Scottish Gaelic mac (“son”), plus my invented compound, aoduin (“un-man”), inspired by ao- (negation prefix), duine (“a man”).
Macmuir (Caledonaiche, “Son of the Sea”). Gyanhumara’s horse (white stallion), sired by Macsen.
Macsen (Brytonic, “Great One”). Arthur’s horse (white stallion), named in honor of a predecessor of Ambrosius, Macsen Wledig (“Great Prince”).
mansio (Latin, “abode”). The inn reserved for use by high-ranking military officers and civilian dignitaries; most Roman fortresses quartering a half-cohort or more had one.
Manx Cohort. Latin: Cohortis Mavnium. Unit of the Brytoni army stationed on the Isle of Maun consisting of one infantry century posted to Ayr Point (with the men from that century being rotated to guard the Mount Snaefell signal beacon, as well), two centuries at Caer Rushen, two centuries plus two cavalry turmae at Tanroc, and three centuries and three turmae at Port Dhoo-Glass.
map (Northern Brytonic). “Son of,” followed by the father’s name; e.g., Urien map Dumarec. Brytons of southern clans use the variant ap, also in conjunction with the father’s name.
Mark of Argyll, the. Caledonaiche: Fin-cìragh h’Argaillanaich. Designation of Argyll’s clan-mark, a pair of doves in flight. See clan-mark and Argyll, Clan.
matins. First of seven Christian canonical hours of the day. Properly occurring at midnight, the prayer service is sometimes combined with lauds, which is held at dawn. Origin: Latin matutinus (“of the morning”).
Maun. Latin: Mavnum. Isle of Man in the Irish Sea.
mo ghaisgich (mo HEYE-sitch, Caledonaiche, “my heroes”). A term of respect and endearment. Origin: Scottish Gaelic.
mo laochan (Caledonaiche, “my little champion”). A term of
encouragement usually applied to boys; female version: mo laochag. Origin: Scottish Gaelic, a diminutive of laoch (“hero, champion, warrior”).
Mona (Latin). Brytonic: Ynys Mon. Anglesey Island, just off the coast of Wales. The island was a noted center for Druid worship and training until the Romans got nervous in the 1st century A.D. and destroyed their shrines and groves.
Móran (Caledonaiche, “The Many People”), Clan. Chaledonaich moniker for the Brytoni Clan Moray of Dalriada, Brydein, coined simply because there are so many of them. Full Caledonaiche designation: Móranaich Dhailriata Bhreatein. Origin: Scottish Gaelic móran (“many”).
Móranach (pl. Móranaich; Caledonaiche). Of or pertaining to the Brytoni Clan Moray of Dalriada, Brydein. Origin: Scottish Gaelic móran (“many”).
Moray, Clan. Brytoni clan occupying the region of Dalriada, Brydein. Banner: black boar on gold. Cloak pattern: black crossed with gold. Gemstone: jet.
Most Sacred Ground, the. Caledonaiche: A’Bhruach Mò. Area in the Nemeton within the innermost circle of stones where the altar resides. Origin: Scottish Gaelic a’bhruach (“the small area of high ground”), mò (“greatest”, “greater”).
Mount Snaefell. Highest point of the Isle of Maun; location of the main Brytoni signal beacon and Wyllan’s forge.
naming ceremony. Caledonach ritual wherein the week-old infant of the àrd-banoigin and àrd-ceoigin is presented to the clan to be confirmed as an heir and tattooed on the heel with the clan’s symbol.
Narrow Sea. Latin: Angusta Mare. English Channel.
Navarchus Classis Britannia (Latin, “Commander of the Brytoni Fleet”). The Brytoni fleet commander’s official title, though Bedwyr seldom uses it.
Nemeton, the. Caledonaiche: Nèamhaitan. A Caledonach holy place, a clearing surrounded by two sets of standing stones or live trees; each clan seat has its own. Caledonaiche name origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic nèamh (“heaven”, “sky”), àite (“a place”).
Nemetona. Caledonach/Brytoni Goddess of War, symbolized by a lioness, said to drive a crimson chariot drawn by four winged, fire-snorting black mares.
nic (Caledonaiche). “Daughter of,” followed by the mother’s name; e.g., Gyanhumara nic Hymar. Origin: Scottish Gaelic, contraction of nighean mhic (“young woman offspring”).
Oath of Fealty, the. Caledonaiche: Geall Dhìleas. The rite wherein a warrior pledges loyalty to a warrior of another clan; precursor of the knighthood ceremony. If trust is an issue for the person accepting fealty, the rite can be used for execution. Origin: Scottish Gaelic.
The person holding the sword asks, “An dean thu, [Name and Title(s)], an Geall Dhìleas chugam, [Name and Title(s)], gus a’bàsachadh?” (Literally, “Make thou, [Name and Title(s)], the Oath of the Faithful to me, [Name and Title(s)], until the dying?”)
The person swearing the oath responds, “A chaoidh gus a’bàsachadh.” (“Ever until the dying.”)
Old Ones, the. Caledonaiche: Na Déathan Sean. Collective name applied to the Caledonach deities. Origin: Scottish Gaelic na déathan (“the gods”), sean (“old”).
One God, the. Caledonaiche: An Díaonar. Caledonach term for the Christians’ deity. Origin: inspired by Scottish Gaelic an dia (“the god”), aonar (“alone”).
optio (Latin, “assistant”). Lowest-ranking military officer, usually a centurion’s clerical assistant, courier or scout; this officer typically does not command other soldiers. Badge: iron legion symbol, no enamel on the ring.
Otherworld, the. Caledonaiche: An Domhaneil. In Caledonach mythology, this is the realm of the Old Ones, roughly analogous to Heaven but with more traffic of mortals and spirits back and forth between both worlds. Origin: based on Scottish Gaelic an domhan (“the world”), eile (“another”).
Pendragon, the. Brytonic: Y Ddraig Pen (“The Chief Dragon”). Latin: Draconis Rex (“Dragon King”). Caledonaiche: Àrd-Ceann Teine-Beathach Mór (“High-Chief Great Fire-Beast”). Honorific applied to the Dux Britanniarum, commander of the Dragon Legion.
phalanx. A closely spaced, heavily armed, wedge-shaped military formation employed in charges for the purpose of opening a gap in the enemy’s line. Tactical origin: ancient Greece.
Pict(s) (Latin, “Painted Folk”). Epithet applied by Latin-speakers to one or more inhabitants of Caledonia.
Picti (Latin, “of the Painted Folk”), Pictish. Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of Caledonia.
Port Dhoo-Glass (Manx). Brytoni-controlled port named for its location at the confluence of the rivers Dhoo (“Black”) and Glass (“Green”), present-day Douglas, Isle of Man. “Above the river called Dubglas” is the site of battles 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Arthur’s twelve battles on the list cited in chapter 56 of the 9th-century Historia Brittonum. On my list, Port Dhoo-Glass is the site of battles 2 (in Dawnflight) and 5 (in Morning’s Journey). Technically, Gyanhumara led #5, and Arthur was present only in its aftermath.
Powys (Brytonic). Post-Roman Brytoni kingdom occupying territory in what is now northeastern Wales.
Praefectus Cohortis Equitum (Latin, “Prefect of the Horse Cohort”). Senior military officer commanding Arthur’s only all-cavalry cohort. Badge: bronze brooch with a red enamel ring around the legion symbol.
praetorium (Latin, “governor’s residence”). The living quarters of the garrison commander; also may be translated as “palace.”
prefect. Latin: praefectus. Senior military officer; in Arthur’s army, this is usually a cohort or garrison commander. Badge: bronze brooch with either a red or green enamel ring around the legion symbol, or both colors if the garrison also has a cavalry unit.
Rheged (Brytonic). Caledonaiche: Rioghachd (poss. Rhioghachd; “(of the) Royal Land”). Political region of Brydein encompassing what is now northern England and southern Scotland. Caledonaiche name origin: Scottish Gaelic rioghachd (“kingdom”—though it’s interesting to note that this is a female noun).
Rioghail (“The Royal People”), Clan. Caledonaiche: Rioghailanaich Chaledon. Member of the Caledonach Confederacy. Banner: purple eagle standing, on gold. Cloak pattern: black crossed with pale purple and red. Gemstone: amethyst. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic rioghail (“royal”).
River Fiorth (Brytonic). Caledonaiche: Ab Fhorchu. Firth of Forth. See Fiorth, The.
Ròmanach (poss. Rhòmanach, pl. Ròmanaich, poss. pl. Rhòmanaich; Caledonaiche, “(of the) Roman(s)”). Usually uttered in derision—though not always. These terms are also used by the Scáthaichean.
Ròmanaiche (roh-mah-NEESH; Caledonaiche, “tongue of the Romans”). The Latin language.
Rukh. Peredur’s horse (bay gelding).
Rushen Priory. Christian women’s religious community located on the eastern coast of the Isle of Maun, presided over by a prioress.
Sacred Flame, the (also the Flame). Caledonaiche: An Lasair Naomh. Caledonach symbol of religious purity, analogous to Christian holy water. Origin: Scottish Gaelic an lasair (“the flame”), naomh (“holy”).
Sacred Ground, the. Caledonaiche: An Làr Naomh. The portion of the Nemeton between the inner and outer rings. Origin: Scottish Gaelic an làr (“the ground”), naomh (“holy”).
saffron. An herb that yields a yellow dye.
Saint Padraic’s Isle. Islet off the western coast of Maun, opposite Tanroc; site of Saint Padraic’s Monastery. Present-day St. Patrick’s Isle.
Saint Padraic’s Monastery. Christian men’s religious community founded by St. Padraic (Patrick) in the mid-5th century, located on Saint Padraic’s Isle and presided over by an abbot. Site corresponds to Peel Castle, St. Patrick’s Isle, which existed as a Celtic monastery for several centuries, until the Vikings turned it into a fortification.
Samhainn (SOH-wen; Caledonaiche, “Summer’s End”). Brytonic: Samhain. Harvest festival celebrated by non-Christian Caledonaich and Brytons on November 1. Name origin: Scottish Gaelic samhainn (“Hallowtide”).
Samhradh (SOH-hrah; pl. Samhraidhean; Caledonaiche, “Summer Wraith(s)”). Evil resident(s) of the Otherworld; demon(s).
In the Caledonach worldview, a warrior who dies dishonorably becomes a Samhradh, doomed to fight against the Army of the Blest for all eternity. Name origin: Inspired by Scottish Gaelic words samhradh (“summer”) and samhladh (“ghost” or “replica”).
Sanctuary of the Chalice, the. Shrine established for the Chalice at Saint Padraic’s Monastery.
Sasun (SAH-soon; Caledonaiche). Term referring to a single Saxon individual.
Sasunach (sah-SOON-nach; pl. Sasunaich, poss. Shasunach, poss. pl. Shasunaich; Caledonaiche, “(of the) Saxon(s)”). Terms applied by the Caledonaich to the Germanic inhabitants of southern Brydein. Origin: Scottish Gaelic Sasunnach (“English”, “Englishman”).
Sasunaiche (sah-soon-EESH). Caledonaiche term for the Saxon language.
Saxon(s) (Brytonic). Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of the southern portion of Brydein; name possibly derived from their weapon of choice, the seax.
Scarlet Dragon, the. Standard of the Brytoni army, a scarlet dragon passant on a field of gold, very similar to the present flag of Wales; also referred to as “the Dragon.”
Scot(s) (Brytonic). Caledonaiche: Scáth (poss. Scháth, pl. Scáthinaich, poss. pl. Scháthinaich). Terms applied to the inhabitants of the eastern portion of Eireann.
Scotti (Latin). Caledonaiche: Scáthinach. Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of the eastern portion of Eireann.
sea holly. A plant that can be used as an aphrodisiac.
seannachaidh (SHAWN-a-kay; pl. seannachaidhean (shawn-ah-KAY-jhayan); Caledonaiche, “storyteller”). The clan’s keeper of law and lore, roughly equivalent to a Brytoni bard. Seannachaidhean only recite the law; priests administer it. This is the Scottish Gaelic word for “male storyteller,” but it appears to be a compound of sean (“old”) and an achaidh (“of the field”), perhaps an echo of the ancient practice of reciting battle tales.
Seat of Alban, the. Caledonaiche: Cathair h’Albainaich. Clan Alban’s administrative headquarters at Senaudon, Caledon. Origin: Scottish Gaelic cathair (“chair” and “city”), plus my invented term, h’Albainaich (“of Clan Alban”).