Location: Islay
gaelic language and placenames

Clan Currie - heriditary bards

B‟ e Clann Mhic Mhuirich an teaghlach a sgrìobh iomadach dàn-molaidh agus bàrdachd sa Ghàidhlig chlasaigeach. Bha trì diofar seòrsa aca ri innse. Bha sgeulachdan os-nàdarrach, bàrdachd ‟s eachdraidh. Tha na sgeulachdan osnàdarrach faisg air na sgeulachdan gaisgeil a tha cho cudthromach dhan t-saoghal Cheilteach. Tha buaidh aig litreachas nar Roinn Eòrpa ri fhaicinn na lùib. Tha na sgeulachdan ag innse de cho comasach sa tha an teaghlach, le draoidheachd ‟s gliocas. Tha am bàrdachd gu tric ag innse mu dheidhinn eachdraidh. Bha iad ag innse mu eachdraidh Clann Dhòmhnaill airson 500 bliadhna. Bha iad dìleas san obair ach bha iad cuideachd ag obair airson nan cinnidhean làidir a bha cocheangailte ri Clann Dhòmhnaill air feadh na Gàidhealtachd. m.e. Ni h-eibhneas gan Chlainn Domhnaill, ni comhnairt bheith 'na n-eagmhais; an chlann do b'lhearr san gcruinne; gur dhiobh gach duine ceatach.

Clan Currie were the family of hereditary bards that composed a variety of eulogies and poems in Classical Gaelic. They composed three specific types of literature; super-natural stories, bardic poetry and histories. The super-natural stories were somewhat like the tales of heroism that were common throughout the Celtic world. They were also influenced by the great stories of Europe, where similar narratives can be found. The poetry was often in praise of their own family heritage, and they also wrote commissioned bardic poetry for their clan employers. Their most established employment was in the service of Clan Donald of Islay. The family were loyal to Clan Donald for 500 years. They also wrote for the clan chiefs that were connected to Clan Donald throughout Gaeldom. Their tales and poems were told at all the great feasts of the Highlands and Islands. For example - 'It is no joy without Clan Donald, It is no strength to be without them; The best race in the round world; To them belongs every godly man.'