Mists and Myths

We had lunch in Melrose today, after my eye test. Hopefully  it will show that I can see sufficiently well to keep my driving licence for another 3 years ...

Hiding in the mist above the rooftops is a hill called Eildon. It has 3 summits, so is often called The Eildons. 

Legend has it that King Arthur lies buried in the heart of the hill, with his knights at his feet,  waiting for the call to ride forth again. 

Another story says that the hill was conical until the wizard, Michael Scott, cleft it with his mighty sword. He too is buried in Melrose (along with his books of magic).  

Eildon hill is where, in the Ballad of Thomas the Rhymer, the hero meets the Queen of the Fairies and goes with her to her domain, where he remains for 7 years. When he returns to earth he has been given the gift of prophecy.

 You can believe as much or as little of these tales as you choose. Thomas Learmonth of Ercildoune is a historical character, a poet of the 13th century. I don't know if he was any good as a prophet.

One other factoid about Eildon. It is 1,385 feet high, which, in the classification of Scottish hills, makes it a Marilyn. Another legend ...

Thanks to ApolloFly for a challenging MonoMonday subject.