Name pronunciation:
DOHN-ull Mohr Bat an TEE-en
General Information:
Domhnull Mor is known as the King of the Faeries in Rothiemurchus. His realm centres on Loch Morlich in Glen More. Stories describe him as a powerful faerie ruler and a fierce guardian of the land. He reminds us that the glen belongs to ancient powers, not just people.
Appearance:
When seen, Domhnull Mor appears as a great giant, much taller than any human. Often, he remains hidden. His presence is known by the sound of bagpipes playing nearby. His music is so real that listeners feel the air from the drones, even with no piper in sight.
Habitat:
He is linked to the fairy hills, or sithean, at both ends of Loch Morlich. His main home is said to be at the west end. The Rothiemurchus Forest is also part of his territory, its woods and waters echoing his presence.
Behaviour:
Domhnull Mor protects his glen, driving away those who exploit the forest. He is also playful and mysterious, sometimes luring mortals with his strange, unearthly pipes. He leads gatherings of faeries from Rothiemurchus and the Braes of Abernethy at the fairy knowes.
Shape-shifting Ability:
He is often invisible, making himself heard but not seen. When angered, he can appear in his giant form. This terrifies trespassers and drives them from his land.
Variant:
Unlike many faerie kings, who are small or unseen, Domhnull Mor is giant-like. His Gaelic name firmly places him in this specific glen’s traditions, making him unique among faerie monarchs.
Location in Scotland:
He is strongly associated with Loch Morlich in Glen More, Rothiemurchus Forest, near Aviemore in the Cairngorms.
Stories, sightings or experiences:
The Invisible Piper (MacGregor, 1937)
A man who scoffed at faeries once walked by Loch Morlich. He suddenly heard the distant sound of bagpipes. The music grew louder and louder, though the piper could not be seen. As it passed by, he felt the rush of air from the drones against his cheek. Frightened, he later told friends who agreed he had heard Domhnull Mor’s faery music. This tale is often seen as a warning not to mock the unseen world.
Driving Away the Lowlanders (Gray, 1987):
Long ago, before paraffin lamps, lowland families travelled north to gather fir wood for torches. They stayed with crofters and grazed their horses on local land. Domhnull Mor saw them as intruders. One day, while they worked in the forest, they became aware of a towering figure throwing sticks and stones at them. Terrified, they fled back to the lowlands and never returned. The story shows Domhnull Mor’s role as a stern guardian of the glen.
The Faerie Gathering Place:
At Loch Morlich there is a small faerie knowe said to be the meeting point for faerie hosts of Rothiemurchus and the Braes of Abernethy. On certain nights, travellers claimed they saw lights dancing around the mound and heard faint music in the air. Domhnull Mor was believed to preside over these gatherings, leading the faerie court beneath the hill.
Guard of the Glen:
Local tradition holds that sudden storms, gusts of wind, or the sound of pipes across the loch were signs of Domhnull Mor watching over the land. Some crofters believed he was a protector and would not harm those who respected the glen, only those who came with ill intentions or greed.
Purpose of the myth or legend:
Domhnull Mor’s stories explain the strange sounds and events that occur in the loch and forest. They warn against greed and disrespect for the land. He represents the ancient power of the Highlands and its unseen guardians.
