Tam Lin Balladry

Tam Lin and Scotland

Every story must have a first telling, and therefore a first place where it is first told. Few tales either contain or retain a strong connection to any specific location though, and often lose any connection to their place of origin as time passes.

Most of the older versions of Tam Lin were recorded in Scotland, and it is therefore not surprising that Tam Lin retains ties to Scotland in the form of the language and imagery present in the tale. However, the tale retains important links to its origins in a number of other ways as well. For one, the tale often mentions noble familes of importance, and therefore more can be learned about Tam Lin by studyingTam Lin and the Families of Scotland

Furthermore, there is one specific region of Scotland that has stronger ties to Tam Lin than any other version. The choice of place names and event locations indicated the strongest ties to Scotland are centered around a specific area in the border regions, and we shall therefore also explore Tam Lin and Carterhaugh

To document places of origin, we'll also try to document the locations from which versions of Tam Lin originate:

1. Riddell- Glenriddell's MS is the source for version 39B
2. Motherwell- Motherwell's manuscript is the source for version 39D
3. Pitcairngreen - Another source listed for 39D.html
4. Kircudbright - source of 39J.html
5. Buchan, Aberdeenshire - source of 39K
6. Abbotsford- source for 39L

Tam Lin Balladry

Exploring the Ballad of Tam Lin The Music of Tam Lin Comparing Tam Lin to Other Tales The Music of Tam Lin Communicating at Tam Lin Scotland and Tam Lin Tam Lin Oddities Search Tam Lin

© 1997-2003 Abigail Acland for all original works unless otherwise noted.

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