Walter Scott’s "The Legend of Montrose," a summary

This historical novel, published in 1819, recounts the events of the 17th-century Scottish Civil War, set against the majestic and rugged backdrop of the Highlands. The work stands out for its colorful portrayal of the mercenary Dugald Dalgetty, who, despite his comical nature, demonstrates loyalty to his professional code and pragmatic courage.

Meeting in the mountains and arrival at the castle

Late on a summer evening, the young Earl of Menteith, accompanied by his servants, rides through a mountain pass in Perthshire. The travelers encounter a heavily armored horseman, clad in armor and seated on a mighty black stallion. The stranger turns out to be Captain Dugald Dalgetty, a veteran of the wars of Gustavus Adolphus and Wallenstein, who has returned home in search of a employer. Dalgetty openly declares his willingness to serve whichever side offers the best pay and conditions. The Earl of Menteith, a supporter of King Charles I, invites the mercenary to join the Royalists and offers him lodging at Darnlinvarach Castle.

At the castle, the guests are greeted by the hosts, Angus Macaulay and his brother, Allan. Allan is a gloomy highlander with the gift of clairvoyance, whose psyche has been shattered by tragic past events. During dinner, a conflict erupts: Allan, demonstrating his strength and instability, throws Dalgetty off his chair, but the Earl prevents bloodshed, citing the highlander’s madness.

The Candlestick Wager and Allan’s Story

Later, Lord Angus returns to the castle with his English guests. It turns out that Angus made a bet, claiming he had candlesticks more valuable than the Englishmen’s silver candelabra. When the time comes to pay, Allan saves his brother’s honor by sending Highlanders into the hall with drawn swords and torches. The English admit defeat, impressed by these "living candlesticks."

That night, the Earl of Menteith tells Dalgetty the story of the Macaulay family. Allan’s uncle was brutally murdered by the Children of the Mist, who placed the victim’s severed head on a table before Allan’s pregnant mother. The woman went mad and hid in the woods, where Allan was born. The boy grew up obsessed with vengeance. As an adult, he exterminated many Children of the Mist, including their leader, Hector, but spared a little girl, who was brought to the castle and named Annot Lyle. The girl grew up to be a beauty, and with her singing and harp playing, she is able to soothe Allan’s fits of rage.

Prediction and gathering of clans

In the morning, Allan prophesies to Menteith that he will be killed by a Highlander whose face the prophet cannot discern. The Earl is skeptical of the grim prophecy. The clan chieftains gather at the castle to discuss strategy for the war against the Covenanters and their leader, the Marquis of Argyll. A dispute over leadership arises, resolved by the appearance of the Earl of Montrose. Hidden under the guise of Anderson’s servant, Montrose presents a royal decree appointing him commander-in-chief. The Highlanders swear allegiance to him.

Dalgetty, having assessed the situation and received a deposit, enlists in Montrose’s army with the rank of major. Soon, a parliamentarian from Argyll arrives — Sir Duncan Campbell, Knight of Ardenvohr. Negotiations yield no results, and Montrose sends Dalgetty on a return embassy to Inveraray, the capital of Argyll’s holdings.

Capture and escape from Inveraray

At Argyll Castle, Dalgetty is met with disdain. The Marquis, wishing to humiliate the envoy, throws him into prison. In the dungeon, the mercenary encounters Ranald MacEagh, leader of the Children of the Mist, awaiting execution. Ranald recounts his feud with the Campbells and hints at a secret concerning Sir Duncan’s missing daughter.

The Marquis of Argyll, disguised as a servant, infiltrates the dungeon to extract information from the prisoners. Dalgetty recognizes the Marquis, attacks him, and, threatening to strangle him, forces him to sign a pass and hand over the keys. After tying up Argyll, Dalgetty and Ranald escape through a secret passage into the chapel, and then, using the signed pass, leave the castle. At the city gates, the major even manages to recover his horse, Gustavus.

The fugitives hide in the mountains, pursued by Argyll’s men. Due to the difficult terrain, Dalgetty is forced to abandon his horse, which is led away by Ranald’s grandson, young Kenneth. Thanks to their accurate archery, the Children of the Mist repel their pursuers, but Dalgetty is wounded.

Winter Campaign and the Battle of Inverlochy

Returning to Montrose’s camp, Dalgetty introduces Ranald, who becomes the army’s guide. Montrose undertakes a daring winter march through the snow-capped mountains, invading Argyll’s lands, which were considered impregnable. Royalist troops ravage the enemy’s holdings. The Marquess of Argyll flees and gathers new forces, attempting to encircle Montrose. However, the commander turns his army around and gives battle at Inverlochy (February 2, 1645).

Before the battle, Argyll, citing a hand injury, takes refuge on a galley, leaving command to Sir Duncan Campbell. Montrose’s army achieves a decisive victory. In the chaos of battle, Allan Macaulay duels Sir Duncan and then attacks Ranald MacEagh. Dalgetty intervenes, defending the "Son of the Mist," but Ranald is mortally wounded.

Revealing the mystery and the denouement

The dying Ranald asks for Kenneth, Annot Lyle, and Sir Duncan (who is also gravely wounded) to be brought to him. In the presence of witnesses, the old highlander reveals the truth: Annot Lyle is not a lowborn captive, but Sir Duncan’s own daughter, kidnapped by the Children of the Mist during a raid many years ago. As proof, he points to a birthmark and other marks.

This news removes the obstacle to the marriage between the Earl of Menteith and Annot. The Earl asks her newfound father for the girl’s hand, and Sir Duncan agrees. Ranald’s grandson, Kenneth, is instructed to convey news of the upcoming wedding to Allan Macaulay, to torment him with jealousy.

Montrose tries to prevent conflict by sending Allan on an errand, but the mad highlander returns on the wedding day. In the castle chapel, as the wedding procession prepares to enter, Allan appears. Upon learning that the marriage is a done deal, he furiously stabs Menteith with a dagger and flees. Fortunately, the earl was wearing light chainmail under his wedding attire (on Dalgetty’s advice), and the wound proves not fatal.

Allan disappears without a trace; rumor has it he either died while pursued by the Children of the Mist or retired to a monastery. The Earl of Menteith recovers and lives happily with Annot. Major Dalgetty, having survived captivity and the threat of execution, eventually marries a wealthy widow and lives out his days in prosperity, endlessly recounting his service with Gustavus Adolphus. Montrose continues his military campaign, but that’s another story.