The Fuath: Hate Incarnate (Scottish Folklore)

Many years ago in the land of Sutherland there lived a young man who owned a wild dog. The animal would growl and bark at anyone who was not his master, because of this the man would often walk his dog near the loch that sits on the south side of Ben Stack. Here he could let the dog run free without worry, as no one from the village ever came out that way. It was on one of these excursions, the young man came upon a beautiful woman washing her cloths by the loch side. She had bright flame red hair and wore a graceful long green dress. She looked at the man with her bewitching eyes and beckoned him to come forth.
In a near dream like state, the man approached the temptress. In the blink of an eye the once beguiling figure was no more and in its place stood a hideous, scale covered beast, with long sharp claws. Before the man could scream, the beast grabbed hold of him and began to pull his body into the cold loch. Struggle as he might the man had not the power nor the strength to free himself, It was then the sharp teeth of his beloved companion sank into the scally arm of the beast. With an inhuman howl, the dark creature released the man and began grappling with the wild animal. The dog ripped and tore flesh from the hideous creature, which fought back with equal ferocity. As the water in the loch turned red, both creatures collapsed and their bodies sunk into the murky black depths. The young man ran from the scene lamenting the loss of his companion, but grateful to have survived. On his return to the village the man told of his encounter with the nightmarish beast, it was only then the creature was given a name, an elderly man with a quiet voice spoke up “you have met the Fuath”

Intro Music: Written for me by Bobbin

References:
Briggs, K.M. (1977), An Encyclopedia of Fairies: Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures, New York. Pantheon. ISBN:9780713910056
Campbell, J.F. (1860) Popular tales of the West Highlands Volume 2. Edinburgh. Edmonston and Douglas
Campbell, J.G. (1902) Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. Glasgow. James MacLehose and Sons
Folklore Society (1888) Folklore Journal, Vol VI. London, Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row.
Goodrich-Freer, A. (1899) The Powers of Evil in the Outer Hebrides. Folklore, 10(3), pp.259-282 doi:10.1080/0015587X.1899.9720500
Mackenzie, D. A. (1935) Scottish folk-lore and folk life; studies in race, culture and tradition. London. Blackie.
Omand, D. (1991) The Sutherland Book. Golspie: The Northern Times Limited. ISBN:1873610009
Swale, E. (1884) "Catch a Falling Star". Folklore, Vol. 95, No. 2. Taylor & Francis, Ltd.

[pentegarn]

Now this is how I prefer my and otherworldly. Unlike on the news where it comes in human form wearing a suit and tie.

[Jellyforge]

Been listening to these videos all day and what I learned is if you want to survive in medieval Scotland bring your dog.

[deaganachomarunacathasaigh]

Here in Ireland we have the Fuath too (pronounced Foo-ahh). Almost identical creature, in Ireland they tend to inhabit most bodies of water particularly fresh-water. They kind of look like amphibious humanoids. Sort of like the Slavic Vodnoy or Vodník. They drown and consume people and can come out of the water when it rains. As far as I know we have no Brollachan though

[billi_fl]

We were the Picts; the Gauls, the Gaels and the Scots as one. I find many of our entities to be so incredibly reminiscent of the modern understanding of bacterial infection, these beasts and faerie being much smaller and invisible to the naked eye. Their dangers and warnings exist around us and we should respect their dwellings. Wisdom and blessings of Oden upon you all 🔨

[starshine]

Woke up made my weetabix and coffee and now watching this. Nothing more relaxing than starting my morning with a Scottish fairytale before I go to work. Thank you so very much for these beautiful and fascinating videos and stories. May all who see this have a lovely day and God bless all.

[nigelsheppard]

Boudica evoked a Goddess called Andrasta. In early and medieval Welsh Andrach meant Hatred. She quite literally evoked Hatred.

[userunknownx]

It is amazing how there are so many similar creatures and stories throughout the world in ancient cultures. It is saddening that those who began worshiping nature now destroy it. The forests still speak if you open your heart and listen.
Thank you so much for this window into the past!

[lauraholmes]

Descendant of Clan Munro here. This video explains much 😂

[AnnaBridgland]

I've never heard of the Fuath before, this is such a cool creature! Thank you for sharing as always🧚

[hapitoons]

Ah yes, more scottish folklore >:D
Thank you for your hard work and research on every topic you've worked on

[noname-bkbc]

Man I love Fridays. Thank you for another great story.

[davidparker]

thanks. it's always very good to know folklore

[noreenclark]

Another great tale and worth the hearing, i must admit though to never hearing of those beasties before

[otherpatrickgill]

...some say that love is the opposite of hatred and that hatred can be defeated with love. Yet others say that the opposite of love is indifference and the opposite of hatred is acceptance.
I personally feel that the Fuath are the Scotts coming to terms with and accepting that someone who appears bewitchingly beautiful can simetimes turn into a hideous inhuman monster who to destroy you without warning or reason

[MagdaleneDivine]

Love these.
Might binge on these perhaps

[juneroberts]

I am thrilled that you covered the Fuath. It is such an obscure entity, and therefore not much info on it. No-one I have ever mentioned it to knew of it.

That being said, I was always told it is 'created' by one's own hate or vile behaviour. The 'saving' is usually by your own change in attitude, but attributed to a loyal animal or person.

The versions I know is in stark contrast to the normal and regular tales, I know. Maybe it depends on where one is from?

[connorricketts]

thanks for sharing this great story and telling me about this creature

[DonP_is_lostagain]

It's almost an aquatic vampirish spirit. Well done on this.

[rikallan]

Just found your channel and binge watching.

[Davlavi]

Beautifully read - as always - thank you again