John Somerville’s Legendary Fight with the Lintoune Monster: A Scottish Historical Tale
In the rich tapestry of Scottish history, where myth often intertwines with fact, the tale of John Somerville and the Beast of Lintoune stands out as a captivating legend. It’s a story that not only illuminates the medieval mindset but also offers a fascinating glimpse into how folklore and history can merge, creating narratives that resonate through the ages.
The Beast of Lintoune: A Serpent or Something Else?
In the heart of the Scottish Borders, within the parish of Lintoune, a terrifying creature once lurked. Described as a monstrous worm (or serpent), it was said to be three Scots yards in length, evoking fear and chaos in the region. The beast’s den was located in a hollow near Lintoune, an area still known as the ‘Worm’s Glen’. Local folklore vividly describes its predatory nature, preying upon livestock and causing villagers to flee in terror.
John Somerville: The Young Hero
Enter John Somerville of Clan Somerville, a young nobleman serving as one of the pages of honor to King Malcolm IV of Scotland. Upon hearing of this fearsome creature, John, driven by youthful bravery and curiosity, decided to confront it. His encounter with the beast is not just a tale of heroism but also a testament to his ingenuity.
The Ingenious Plan
Somerville observed that the creature, upon confronting a man, would raise its head and stare with an open mouth. Seizing upon this habit, he crafted an extraordinary weapon: a spear with a wheel of iron near its point. Upon this wheel, he placed peats dipped in pitch, rosin, and brimstone, designed to ignite upon contact.
The Battle at Dawn
The day of reckoning arrived. As dawn broke, John and his servant, armed with the fiery spear, approached the den. As expected, the beast emerged, raising its head in its typical fashion. In a daring charge, John thrust the flaming spear into its gaping mouth, delivering a fatal blow. The beast, in its death throes, caused the ground above its den to collapse, ensuring its own end.
A Hero’s Reward and Legacy
King William, impressed by John’s bravery and service to the community, rewarded him with the lands and barony of Lintoune. This feat was commemorated in stone above the main door of Lintoune church, where a sculpture depicted John in the heroic act. Although time has weathered the stone, the legend remains a vibrant part of local heritage.
Reflecting on the Legend
The tale of John Somerville and the Beast of Lintoune is more than a medieval story; it’s a window into the past. It reflects the challenges and fears of the time, the valor expected of nobility, and the intertwining of history with folklore. Whether the beast was a real creature or a symbolic representation of a threat overcome by the Somerville family, its legacy endures in the Scottish Borders.
In exploring tales like John Somerville’s, we’re reminded of the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of history and the enduring nature of legends that continue to capture our imagination. The Beast of Lintoune, whether fact or fable, remains an integral part of Scottish historical folklore, reminding us of the brave deeds of those who lived in a world where legend and reality were often indistinguishable.
Somerville, J. (1815). Memorie of the Somervilles: Being a History of the Baronial House of Somerville. Vol. I. Edinburgh: James Ballantyne and Co. for Archibald Constable and Company; Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown.