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Màiri Mhòr

Biography
Mary MacLeod (Mairi Nighean Alasdair Ruaidh MacLeod), (daughter of John MacLeod and Sibella Mackenzie) was born 1615 in Scotland, and died Bet. 1636-1711. She married James Mor MacDonald and had one child named Marion MacDonald, b. 1632, Scotland, d. Bet. 1661-1726.She was a member of the clan Alasdair Ruaidh, an aristocratic family descended from the fifth chief of the Macleods. She was a notable Scottish Gaelic Poetess when considering historical Scottish Gaelic Literature. It has been suggested that Mary was born in Skye, however, others claim that she was born in Pabbay, or Bernera, both of which are islands in the Sound of Harris. She was a Scottish Gaelic poet who was a major representative of 17th-century poetical school. Macleod’s poetry was originally largely known through oral tradition. However, when written, it has been said her poetry is done so in natural rhythms that mimic the lyrical base from which it was formed, but does not portray the same meaning that music is solely capable of providing. Also, the meaning and point of her writings has become very distorted through translations. It is difficult to find any of her written works. However, her writing incorporates a large amount of the imagery of the bardic poets. Her poetry is involved with the heroic exploits of the Macleod family, in which, she displays a deep emotional affection and attachment to. It is said that the majority of her writing was done in the middle years of her life. What little is known about Mary Macleod’s life is also derived ultimately from oral tradition. She is best known for being a nurse in the family of her chief (i.e., Macleod of Dunvegan), and it is said that her first song was composed to please the children in which she looked after. Later she was to have displeased her employer with one of her songs. This lead to her banishment to the Isle of Mull, from which she was allowed to return only upon the condition that she compose no more literary pieces. Mary’s banishment, which is an episode of central importance in all the versions of her story, both in oral tradition and in any interpretation of her personal status and practice as a poetess, has been accounted for in a variety of ways. No source has an exact proven reason as to why one of Mary’s compositions could have upset her chief so much, that he ultimately banished her, however, there are a variety of versions as to what his reasoning was. Modern analysis of her poetry in retrospection of the time period, explains that Mary’s compositions were often satirical or even obscene. This is very appropriate in accordance with what has been said about other well known bards, whose satirical powers and prowess in obscene dialogues and verse are often referred to. It was common pactice in the bard profession. One version of her banishment occurred when she composed a poem to honor the chieftain’s uncle, Sir Norman of Bernera. However, she neglected the mandatory praise of the chieftain, Roderick Macleod of Harris and Dunvegan, a grandson of Sir Ruaridh Mor, in her acknowledgement of Sir Norman Bernera. This was considered to be a tremendous insult to the chief. She was, in this version, banished to Scarba, a small island of Mull. After many years in exile she was said to have regretfully composed a poem which praised the chieftain. In her deep remorse for praising a chief which she had determined to be unworthy of such praise, she asked to be buried face down in order to repent for praising her undeserving chief. She is said to be buried at Church of St. Clement, Rodel. Another version claims that Mary was banished because of her strong support for the Royalist cause during the English Civil War. She was said to have been very outspoken concerning her opinion in the matter during the period of Cromwell’s Commonwealth and was perceived to be a threat for her chieftain, who was anxious to avoid Cromwell’s fiery wrath. It was because of this, that her banishment was enforced. Another version claims that she was employed at the Dunvegan Castle on the Skye as a nurse for the family of Macleod of Macleod, the clan chief. During her years with them, she composed songs and poetic verses in honor and praise of her chief and other clan chiefs of the region. It is said that she continued to order the chief around during his progression into adulthood, as her nursing position progressed into a motherly discrepancy. This gravely displeased the chieftain, who did not appreciate Mary’s motherly tendencies and it was due to this that Mary was ultimately banished for a time to the Isle of Mull. It was upon her composition of a very sad poem or song which expressed her longing to return to Dunvegan, which ensued her chief to allow her to return. However, upon her returning there was a stipulation made that she would no longer treat the chief in a manner that diminished his authority. And yet another version of Mary's story is told by Rev. Wm. Matheson. According to Matheson, Mary was looked down upon by others because she utilized verse-making that did not properly belong to her sex. His opinion, was that Mary was buried face down and covered with rocks because of her exploitative and provocative writing, as a female writer in her time. There was even speculation of witchcraft, because in those times it was common to bury a witch under a pile of stones. Because much of her life story, like her writings were lost in oral tradition. Mary's poetry was not translated from oral tradition into ink until the 18th-century.

Lament for Mary Macleod
The Lament For Mary Macleod was composed by Padruig Og MacCrimmon to honor the Gaelic poetess and in accordance with the oral history of her life. The song is traditionally played with the bagpipes. See external links.

Images
No documented images of Mary Macleod (Mairi Nighean Alasdair Ruaidh). See external links.