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Sawney Bean?


Old Man Waffles

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My dad told me about a Scottish Cannibal called Sawney Bean. What do you know about him? Was he a real person? or just a legend? I would really like to know :)

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I've heard of Sawney Bean. He supposedly led a clan consisting of his wife, children and grandchildren who lived in a cave. They would kidnap, rob and eat travelers who came in their path. The grandchildren were products of incest. That's basically all I know about him though. As for real or legend, that I don't know either. I'm not much help!

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I had a horseriding holiday many years ago, in the area where Sawney Bean allegedly lived. The lady leading the ride told us the story in all it's gory detail as was rode above his family's cave! At the time I thought she was making it up just to frighten us, but I've read up on it a bit since then and I think it is a true story. :o

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Sort of 'The Hills Have Eyes' with sporrans!

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I've heard of him and I'll tell you the story I know.

Him and his lady friend had a truck load of children, all of whom ate people.

They lived in a cave near a costal area.

When the tide was in the cave wasn't visible.

Local legend was that the area of land (where him and his clan lived) was haunted due to alot of disappearances.

A man and his wife were travelling on horseback through the area when they were attacked.

The horse reared and the lady fell off and was immediately pounced on and pretty much killed.

The man rode back to the authorities who led a man hunt.

The cave was found with many, many sets of human remains inside and Sawney Bean and his family were all executed.

The cave is probably a tourist destination now.

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It seems like with them soley relying on cannabalism to nourish themselves they would get sick doesnt it. I mean thats what I think

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Ealdwita snippet alert.......

The word Sawney was an early 18th.Century English nickname for a Scotsman (much the same as 'Jock' is today). It was used in a derogatory way when referring to the Scots, and it's been suggested that the legend of Sawney Bean was a fabrication to emphasize the savagery of those living north of the Border!

Sawney Ha'peth = Scottish halfpennyworth = fool/worthless item. (18th.Cent.)

And finally, good news for all you 'Scrabble' players out there (of which I'm sure there are thousands), Sawney's in the current Official Scrabble Player's Dictionary !

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