The Black Elf of Islay, a supernatural warrior from Scottish folklore, helped win a clan battle with deadly speed and a single fatal shot, writes WILLIAM BOVE
On the matter of Scottish folklore, I must confess that I know very little. But I feel folklore is something one should be intimately acquainted with.
This article deals heavily with Scottish folklore — specifically, the Black Elf of Islay. I intend to become much more familiar with wider Scottish folklore in the future.
The Battle of Islay and the Black Elf’s First Appearance
It is said that the Black Elf made his first appearance on the island of Islay.
This first sighting coincides with a famous battle in the 16th century between the clans Maclean and MacDonald. The battle took place at Traigh Ghruinneart, in the Inner Hebrides, on Islay—an area of Scotland thick with peat bogs.
Peat bogs are significant here. Not only do they shape the terrain, but they also play a vital role in fae folklore. Burial mounds, often surrounded by bogs, are said to be entrances to the otherworld. These are guarded by the Aos Sí, often referred to as the Sidhe.
The Aos Sí can be either benevolent or malevolent. They are known to interact with humans, and will spill blood to protect these sacred entrances.
Perhaps that was what the Black Elf of Islay was doing—defending one of these mounds? That part remains open to interpretation. But given the fairies’ reverence for these sites, it’s a safe bet he was there as a guardian.
The Feud That Led to War
The events leading to the battle were typical of clan feuds — years of tension, conflict, and hostility.
According to some sources, the final provocation was the slaughter of livestock—a cow, to be precise. After that, an impasse was reached, and war became inevitable.
Each clan gathered its full fighting force. On the eve of battle, a strange man appeared. He was tall, thin, and dressed entirely in black. He first approached Sir Lachlan Mor Maclean.
“I see you’re about to have a battle. I should like to join,” he said.
But Maclean laughed at him, mocked him, and sent him away—saying he was too wiry and strong-looking to fight.
So, the man walked over to the MacDonald side.
Again, he said, “I see you’re about to have a battle. I should like to join.”
Sir James MacDonald responded warmly: “I should like you to join, and will be very happy to have you. In fact, if you have another hundred just like you, I’d be happy to have them too.”
The Black Elf’s Fury Unleashed
On the day of the battle, the clans clashed with immediate violence.
Just as quickly, the Black Elf entered the fight. He moved like the wind — inhuman in speed — and tore through man after man. By the time he was finished, 280 lay dead.
But he wasn’t done yet.
There was one more man he had reserved for last: Lachlan Mor Maclean—the man who had denied him a place in the battle.
Maclean stood tall and armoured, defiant in his pride. He made a fatal error by lifting the visor of his helmet.
The Black Elf seized the moment. He let loose a flint arrow—an elf bolt—and it struck Maclean in the head, killing him instantly.
With that, the Black Elf returned to MacDonald, who was left stunned.
It had become clear that this was no ordinary man. No man at all.
MacDonald asked, “Why did you fight so bravely for my side?”
“I did not fight for you. In fact, I fight for no man. I fight for myself. I fight because I love to fight,” replied the Black Elf.
MacDonald, still curious, pressed him further: “Why did you treat Maclean’s men so brutally?”
“I asked to join his battle. He laughed at me. I do not like to be laughed at.”
Who Is the Black Elf of Islay?
There is little more recorded about the Black Elf, save for a few details.
He used a flint arrow to kill Maclean. These arrows are known for their shape, size, and effectiveness. They’re designed to penetrate deeply and tear flesh—a perfect weapon for a swift, deadly kill.
Such arrows are also known as elf bolts.
The Black Elf of Islay is also known by another name — Du-Sith.
You’ll remember the word Sith from Star Wars. The name comes from Scottish folklore and refers to a being of fairy origin.
Before departing, the Black Elf left MacDonald with a final word:
“I am called Du-Sith, and you are better to have me with you than against you.”
