Lavellan
From Scottish folklore, Lavellan is a mythical rodent often described as a large, venomous rat. It serves as a symbol of plague and disease, embodying the ancients' fears of contagion and the unseen forces that could wreak havoc on a community.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Scottish folklore
- Region
- Caithness (habitat)Sutherland (habitat)
- Trait family
- The Justice Beasts
Near this figure
Traits
Read from the figure's description, which a model wrote. Open "why" for the sentence a trait came from.
Behaviour
- Venom doubles as medicine if properly prepared
why
Some tales suggest that its venom, while deadly, could also be used in potent medicines if properly prepared.
Sight and sound
- Venomous breath or bite poisons pastures
why
Its supposed ability to poison pastures and wells with its venom reflects the deep-seated anxieties about contamination and the vulnerability of vital resources.
Offensive powers
- Venomous bite
why
Its most distinctive feature is its highly venomous nature, with folklore claiming that its bite or even its breath could be fatal to both humans and livestock.
- Toxic secretion
why
Its supposed ability to poison pastures and wells with its venom reflects the deep-seated anxieties about contamination and the vulnerability of vital resources.
Roles
Judged from the works' own entries, not from the description. Carries: the figure holds the role. Meets: the role is in its stories, held by something it meets.
- Hero carries
1 citation
- Theresa Bane, Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore, s.v. "Lavellan."