A Lavellan, làbh-allan, la-mhalan or la-bhallan is a mythological/cryptozoological creature from northern Scotland.
Description
The lavellan was generally considered to be a kind of rodent, and indeed the name "làbh-allan" is also used for a water shrew or water vole in Scottish Gaelic. It was however, reportedly larger than a rat, very noxious, and lived in deep pools in rivers.
Powers
The lavellan poisonous abilities were legendary, and it was said to be able to injure cattle over a hundred feet away. Pennant claims the locals preserved the skin, and, as a cure for their sick beasts, gave them the water in which it had been dipped.
Places
Some sources claim that the lavellan was mostly to be found in Caithness. Thomas Pennant made enquiries about the animal while in Ausdale in the county, and it is also mentioned in the work of Rob Donn, the Scottish Gaelic poet from Sutherland.
References
- Lewis Spence - The Magic Arts in Celtic Britain
- Mary Macleod Banks Reviewed work(s): The Peat Fire Flame by Alasdair Alpine MacGregor Folklore, Vol. 48, No. 4 (Dec., 1937), pp. 408-409 (review consists of 2 pages)