The Mythical Battle of King Solvathius and Donald Bane: A Tale of Scottish Legends and Heroism

The Mythical Battle of King Solvathius and Donald Bane

In the annals of Scottish history, there are many tales of legendary battles and heroic deeds. One such tale is the mythical battle between King Solvathius and Donald Bane, which is said to have taken place around the year 767. While the details of this battle may be shrouded in myth and legend, it is an intriguing story that has captured the imagination of many.

In 767 a mythical battle took place in Scotland between King Solvathius and Donald Bane. The Kings forces were losing the battle when a knight appeared and changed the course of events. When the King asked who the knight was, he was told ‘Sholto dhu glasse!’...’Behold the black man!’. Although this is the accepted version I am not sure that this is a good translation, however it is the recognised version of how the name Douglas came into being. I am more inclined to believe his name was Sholto followed by the place he came from i.e. the water/river named with Gaelic dubh ‘dark, black’ + glas ‘stream’ (a derivative of glas ‘blue’). Today it is called Douglas Water. These cold dark wetlands lie some 30 miles south of Glasgow.

The Legacy of the Battle

Later Donald Bane besieged Edinburgh Castle, took it, and, with the support of the Celtic Scots and the Celtic system of electing kings or chiefs, he was king nominally for at least six months. He was expelled by Duncan II, son of Malcolm, assisted by English and Normans and some Saxons. Duncan’s reign was equally short, for Donald Bane had his nephew slain and reigned again for another three years as King Donald III.

Whether the battle between King Solvathius and Donald Bane was a real historical event or a mythical tale passed down through generations, it serves as a reminder of the power of legends and the enduring spirit of the Scottish people.

Today, the story of King Solvathius and Donald Bane continues to captivate the imagination of those who hear it. It is a testament to the rich history and culture of Scotland, and a reminder of the bravery and heroism that has defined the nation throughout the ages.

So, the battle between King Solvathius and Donald Bane may remain a mystery, but its impact on Scottish folklore and history is undeniable. It is a tale that reminds us of the power of legends and the enduring spirit of a people.

The difficulty with this story is that King Solvathius (776-796) lived some 300 years before David Bane (1032-1099)!!!