It was like liquid ice. I could feel the cool stream forming swirly eddies on my face, bubbling and kissing my cheeks with each frosty splash. As I lowered my head deeper below the surface, I could feel watery fingers tug and pull at my hair. It was floating and waving in the cool liquid bliss. The gentle flow saturated my senses. I could only hear the water. All other sounds were gone. I could only feel the river. The cool flow and majestic rocks pressed up against me. My soul was transported. In that moment, I felt myself flying beyond the glassy surface to a magical portal of serenity and peace.
There’s a quaint little bridge in Sligachan on the Isle of Skye. Below the ancient stone walkway flows a tiny crystal-clear stream. It’s fed by the nearby emerald-green mountains that are continually washed by the highland’s life-giving foggy mist. Nestled deeply in the delightful Scottish scene is a mystical lore and an enchanted legend that welcomes visitors to this very day.
Nobody was quite like Scáthach. She lived on Skye and was known as the greatest warrior in all of Scotland. Her renown spread to Ireland and landed on the ambitious ears of Cú Chulainn, Ireland’s greatest fighter. He challenged Scáthach to a battle to prove his own strength. The epic battle raged for weeks, reshaping Skye, moving mountains, and carving new valleys. Animals and life itself began to leave the Isle.
Scáthach’s daughter was heartbroken and weary of the war. She fled to the stream at Sligachan and began to weep. The fairies of the river heard her and beckoned her to dunk her face into the stream to gain knowledge to end the war. As she did, the fairies blessed her with wisdom. She rose and set on a journey to gather herbs, meats, nuts, and every delicious thing she could. With that she prepared an incredible meal in her home. The scent of the meal covered the land, melting the hearts of the fighting warriors. Scáthach and Cú Chulainn couldn’t resist. They made their way to Scáthach’s home and feasted on an incredible meal. By eating in Scáthach’s home, Cú Chulainn became a welcome guest and in the rules of Celtic hospitality, you can never fight someone who has hosted you for dinner. Ever. The battle ended, but the river of Sligachan would forever be disturbed. As the myth goes, the stream would forever be enchanted and bless all who dip their face in its cool watery portal with endless wisdom and beauty.
As we concluded our tour through the Isle of Skye, we ended up at this charming stream and story of Scáthach. Our guide told us the story and welcomed us to connect with the legend if we desired. It was optional, but I wasn’t going to skip the moment. All fanciful myths aside, the scene was spectacular and the opportunity to immerse myself physically into a fantastic story was too irresistible and refreshing to miss. The cool water. The crisp air. The unbelievable highlands captured our hearts and escorted us into the Scottish tale. My family and I still remember that moment. That beautiful stream we touched let us leave the battlefield of this busy earth and transported us to a vital and cherished peaceful land with the ones we loved.
We don’t need a stream in Sligachan or a story of the famous Scáthach to pause the daily battles and enjoy eternal beauty. We can do it right now. For a moment, dip your face into the serenity of the now. Take a moment and experience the wonders around you. Appreciate the crisp life that is powering your every breath. Soak in the magic of creation and be renewed even today. And don’t worry if you never make it to Skye to see this tiny little stream. I think all of you are already eternally beautiful.
