The brothers Acunn and Riadh (or Rhea, Readh) are
Celtic mythological heroes and
fénnids featured in the Scottish
Fenian narratives.
In one version of the legend, Acunn and Riadh were great friends, living in two towers in
Glenelg. However, on one cold day, Riadh stole a burning
peat
Peat (), also known as turf (), is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter. It is unique to natural areas called peatlands, bogs, mires, moors, or muskegs. The peatland ecosystem covers and is the most efficien ...
from his brother's tower to light his own fire for warmth. Upon Acunn's discovery of Riadh's theft, a fight ensued, thus scattering stones all over the bay of Glenelg, as described by
Mary Ethel Muir Donaldson
Mary Ethel Muir Donaldson known as M.E.M. Donaldson (19 May 1876 - 17 January 1958), was an early 20th century British author and photography pioneer, and described as an 'unconventional ethnographer'.
Life
Her father, Alexander Murray Donald ...
.
The brothers were said to have been buried at Baghan, a local harbour in
Torrin
Torrin ( gd, Na Torrain) is a settlement on the island of Skye in Scotland.
Geography
The crofting and fishing village of Torrin lies on the eastern shore of Loch Slapin, southwest of Broadford (''An t-Àth Leathann''), on the road to Elgol ...
,
Scotland
Scotland (, ) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to th ...
.
Acunn is the possible etymological origin of
Kyleakin
Kyleakin (; Scottish Gaelic: ''Caol Àcain'') is a village situated on the east coast of the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. The village is along the strait of Kyle Akin opposite the northwest Scottish mainland town of Kyle of Loc ...
, a village in Scotland, whereas
Kylerhea might be named after Riadh.
References
Scottish mythology
Fenian Cycle
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