Gyre Carlin - The Hag

The Element Encyclopedia of Witchcraft: The Complete A-Z for the Entire Magical World - Judika Illes 2005

Gyre Carlin
The Hag

Gyre Carlin combines two words that may both be translated as Hag:


Image Gyre derives from the Norse gyger or gjöger, a giantess or troll-woman, also sometimes translated as ogress or Hag


Image Carlin is the Scottish equivalent of Cailleach or Hag


Folkloric studies usually classify the Gyre Carlin as a Scottish ogress and/or as a witch. She may be identical with the Carlin or an independent spirit. Either or both may be the hag aspect of the Scottish divine witch Nicnevin.

Gyre Carlin is also the name given to cakes created from the last sheaf of harvested grain.

See Beltane Carline, Carlin, Giants; DIVINE WITCH: Nicnevin.