The Story of Thomas the Rhymer
James Spence

James Spence tells one of the most famous tales from the Scottish Borders – of how Thomas of Erceldoune, or Thomas the Rhymer, fell in love with the Queen of Elfland. Dressed in green and riding a beautiful white horse, the Queen finds Thomas sitting under the Eildon Tree, spiriting him away to the fairy Otherworld where he stays with her for 7 years. During this time he was given the gift of prophecy. He is said to have foretold many significant events in Scottish history.

There can be no doubt that Thomas was a real person living in the 13th century – documents exist signed by him as ‘Thomas Rymour de Erceldoune’.