Mythology & Folklore

Red Water Charm

by Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic) traditional; collected in the Highlands and Islands 1855–1899

Translated by Alexander Carmichael (1900) · From Carmina Gadelica, vol. II (1900): Incantations

Mythology & Folklore

I am now on the plain,
Reducing wrath and fury.
Making the charm of the red water.
To the beauteous black cow.

For milk, for milk substance, for milk produce,
For whisked whey, for milk riches,
For curdled milk, for milk plenty.
For butter, for cheese, for curds.

For progeny and prosperity.
For rutting time and rutting.
For desire and kine.
For passion and prosperity.
The nine wells of Mac-Lir,
Relief on thee to pour.
Put stop to thy blood,
Put run to thy urine,
Thou cow of cows, black cow.
Great sea,
Red cascade.
Stop blood.
Flow urine.

MLA

Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic). “Red Water Charm.” Translated by Alexander Carmichael. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-scottish-gaelic/190/.

Chicago

Anonymous (Scottish Gaelic). “Red Water Charm.” Translated by Alexander Carmichael. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-scottish-gaelic/190/.

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