In Scottish folklore the Ghillie Dhu or Gille Dubh is a solitary elf, guardian spirit of the trees.
Etymology
Gille Dubh translates from Scottish Gaelic as dark haired lad.
Description
Gille Dubh are said to be dark haired, covered with foliage or clothed in leaves and moss (similar to the Green Man in England and Wales).
Lore
The Ghillie Dhu likes birch trees, and is most active at night. In lore, this solitary spirit is said to reside primarily near Gairloch and Loch a Druing.
Behavior
People traveling in enchanted woods must be careful not to be grabbed by the long, green arms of the Ghillie Dhu because they will be enslaved by this faery forever. He is kind to children, but generally wild and shy.
References
- Mackenzie, Osgood Hanbury (1949). A Hundred Years in the Highlands
- Briggs, Katharine Mary (2002). The Fairies in Tradition and Literature. p. 284. Routledge; 2 edition (July 30, 2002).