The Taghairn

“Taghairn” was a mode of divination formerly used by the Highlanders. A person was wrapped up in the skin of a newly-slain bullock, and deposited beside a waterfall, or at the bottom of a precipice, or some other strange wild,
or unusual situation, where the scenery around him suggested nothing but objects of horror.

In this situation he revolved in his mind the question pro-
posed, and whatever was impressed upon him by his exalted imagination passed for the inspiration of the disembodied spirits who haunt these desolate recesses.

”Last evening-tide
Brian an augury hath tried,
Of that dread kind which must not he,
Unless in dread extremity,
The Taghairn called; by which, afar,
Our sites foresaw the events of war.”

Lady of The Lake.

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