Fâchin

The term "Fâchin" (often rendered as "Fachan" or similar variations due to diacritic limitations in some systems) refers to a type of malevolent spirit or monstrous creature in Scottish folklore, particularly associated with the West Highlands and Islands.

The Fâchin is typically described as a fearsome figure, possessing a grotesque and asymmetrical appearance. A common depiction involves a single arm growing directly from the center of its chest, a single leg, a single eye, and a thick mane of coarse hair. Its mouth is often described as being enormously wide, filled with sharp teeth, and capable of delivering powerful and venomous bites.

The Fâchin is generally considered to be hostile and dangerous. Its solitary nature contributes to its unpredictable and often violent behavior. It is believed to haunt desolate and remote locations such as lonely glens, mountain passes, and wild moors. Encounters with a Fâchin were believed to bring bad luck, illness, or even death.

While accounts of the Fâchin vary across different regions and tellings, the common threads of its monstrous appearance, solitary existence, and malevolent nature persist. The creature serves as a cautionary figure in Scottish folklore, embodying the dangers of the wilderness and the potential for evil lurking in the untamed landscapes. Oral tradition and local legends are the primary sources for information regarding this mythical being.