| Thomas the Rhymer |
Thomas the Rhymer, was a famous Scottish prophet who is also known as Thomas of Ercildoune, Lord Learmont and True Thomas. There can be no doubt that he was actually a real person living in the thirteenth century, as documents exist signed by him as Thomas Rymour de Ercieldoune. It is difficult to find any more evidence about his life, but the traditions that have built up around him must have some root in real events.
There are many accounts of his prophecies printed in chapbook form from the sixteenth century onwards. It is said that he gained his powers of prophecy from a meeting with the Queen of Elfland. He travelled with her for forty days and forty nights into the underworld, and served her for seven years. He then returned to the upper-world endowed with the gift of a tongue that can not lie, which he is said to have protested against.
A version of the romance or ballad of Thomas the Rhymer may have been available as early as the fourteenth century. Click  to read a version of the ballad.
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One of his most famous prophecies involved the crowning of James the VI of Scotland or the I of England. He said that when the Tweed flooded into Merlin's grave, Scotland and England would have one king. This happened at Merlin's grave in Drumelzier when James was crowned.
Thomas is said to have returned to fair Elfland. He was feasting at his castle, when word came that a white hind and doe were walking calmly around the village streets. Thomas took his leave from the castle and was never seen again.
Although he is thought to have returned to the fair realm he makes notable appearances in other later tales such as Canobie Dick, and can be seen as a mediator between this world and the otherworld.
This is a role he serves with other figures such as the Reverend Robert Kirk and archetypal figures such as Merlin.
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