#writephoto, The Ghost Swan of Loch Luklamarin

January 12, 2017 — #writephoto, fairy tale, fantasy, fiction, lake, magic, story, swan

Ghost Swan

There is a ghost swan that appears on the eve of Robert Burn’s Day on the Loch above the ancient castle.  The apparition sails across the water following the course of the boat that sailed from the shore in 1235 with a small band of rogue fighters.  The land was under attack from the neighboring clan, and the family honor was in dire straights.  Survival depended on their ability to take the foe in the middle of the night by stealth.  They had little ammunition left to defend their home, and food supplies were dwindling.  They were desperate and hungry for victory when they quietly shoved off from the muddy shore, rowing quietly through the night. They were in pitch black darkness, no light to guide their way.  Cloudy moonless skies hung heavily with damp and deadly signs.  They wished for a miracle.

As the clan gathered strength to cross the loch to meet their fate a white swan appeared before them.  They perceived the bird as friendly, a guide and advisor for the battle to come.  The glow from the swan created streams of light in the water in front of the rickety little boat. Reflecting in the light the vessel looked bigger than it was.  The enemy was afraid of being outnumbered by the crew being lead by a magical swan.  They were scared that the swan itself was a monster with powers to drown or burn them to death.  They packed up quickly and ran for their lives, never to return. Peace was guaranteed by the fear of they had of the ghost swan.

People say when there is an appearance of the swan these days is a reminder to stand up for what is yours.  It is a symbol of protection and self defense.   Magic helps them that help themselves.

#writephoto

Please visit Sue Vincent’s blog to see more submissions, and maybe write one of your own.  Thank you, Sue, for an excellent image with which to begin.