Thomas the Rhymer & the Queen of Elfland | Scottish Folklore & Celtic Mythology Sleep Story

Thomas the Rhymer & the Queen of Elfland | Scottish Folklore & Celtic Mythology Sleep Story

May 2, 2026 · 1h 20m · Episode 28

About this episode

This episode explores the haunting tale of Thomas the Rhymer and the Queen of Elfland, a classic Scottish folklore story.

In the Scottish Borders, in the shadow of the Eildon Hills, a thirteenth-century poet sat down in the grass one May afternoon, and a woman came riding toward him on a milk-white horse, with silver bells on her bridle and a gown of grass-green silk. She was the Queen of Elfland. And she had come specifically for him. Tonight by the fireside, we follow True Thomas into the fairy realm and back again, through the dark country between the worlds, through seven years of silence, and into a life he could never quite escape. One of the oldest and most haunting tales in all of Scottish folklore, set in a landscape you can still visit today. Perfect for fans of Scottish folklore, Celtic mythology, sleep stories, and anyone with Scottish heritage in their heart. Also available with relaxing visuals on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CaledoniaSleeps

People in this episode

Host: Caledonia Sleeps

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Scottish folklore, Celtic mythology

Places: Scottish Borders, Eildon Hills

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