Starlings¹, derived from the Old #English word 'Staer', are known for their mesmerizing gatherings in massive flocks during autumn and winter, a breathtaking spectacle known as murmurations.
In #mythology, Starlings have an intriguing connection to Myna birds², both of which are capable of mimicking human speech. One fascinating tale from medieval #Welsh lore revolves around Branwen³, the daughter of Llyr. Mistreated by her Irish husband, Branwen teaches a tamed starling to speak and sends it across the #Irish Sea to inform her brother, Bran, who then raises an army to rescue her. This myth highlights the intelligence attributed to starlings and their association with communication and aid in #folklore.
Additionally, historical names for Starlings reflect various aspects of their behavior and appearance. For instance, the term "Sheep Stare" from #Somerset highlights their habit of alighting on the backs of sheep to pick at ticks in their coats, a behavior beneficial to both parties.
HASTE YE BACK
by Dorothy K. Haynes
edited by Craig Lamont
A gifted writer of #gothic & #supernatural fiction, Dorothy K. Haynes (1918–1987) grew up in Aberlour Orphanage. In this memoir, she brings to life the residents & stories of the institution that shaped her
My friend Robin Chapman Stacey, professor emerita at the University of Washington, is giving an online lecture at 17:00 GMT (= 12 noon ET, 9 am PT), sponsored by the Welsh Department at Aberystwyth, on ‘Thinking in pairs: law and language in medieval Wales’.