Thomas the Rhymer

A sketch of Thomas the Rhymer, inspired by Stephanie Pui-mun Law’s little thumbnail of him. I want to re-do this in a bigger, finished picture because I love how it’s turning out!

Sir Thomas was born in Erceldoune (also spelled Ercildoune – presently Earlston), Berwickshire, sometime in the 13th century, and has a reputation as the author of many prophetic verses. Little is known for certain of his life but two charters from 1260–80 and 1294 mention him, the latter referring to the “Thomas de Ercildounson son and heir of Thome Rymour de Ercildoun”.^[5]

Popular esteem of Thomas lived on for centuries after his death, to the extent that several people have fabricated Thomas’ “prophecies” in order to further the cause of Scottish independence.^[5] His reputation for supernatural powers for a time rivalled that of Merlin. Thomas became known as “True Thomas” because he could not tell a lie. Popular lore recounts how he prophesied many great events in Scottish history.