A word about the Picts and the Caledonii

Dear Reader,

Not a great deal is known about the Picts, certainly not as much as we might wish. They left few written records, which makes research for even a work of romantic fiction challenging. One thing we do know is that they did not call themselves “Picts.” That appellation was leveled by the Romans and stemmed from the pictures (tattoos) they wore on their skin, so numerous they were often referred to as “blue men.”

At the time of my story, Celtic clans had moved into western Scotland from Ireland and settled the kingdom of Dal Riada. The north and east of Scotland, a vast territory, was still controlled by tribes loosely gathered under the name “Caledonii.” Beneath this name there existed sub-tribes, and I have called mine the “Epidii.” Predictably, conflict arose between the Gaels and the Caledonii, who contested for land. Later, as legend has it, they would be united under Kenneth MacAlpin, but before then a considerable amount of fighting and displacement must have ensued.

The language of the Picts/Caledonii has not survived except in place names and some given names inscribed on stones. Research tells us it was closely related to ancient Welsh, and I have chosen to give my characters names with an ancient Briton/Welsh flavor. Since this is in fact a work of romantic fiction, I hope you will join me in imagining the details of Caledonian life, including what they may have called one another—and their hounds.