How did volcanoes, tribes and ancient poems give Arthur’s Seat its name?

Natural forces and mythology have worked hand in hand to create Arthur’s Seat as we see and experience it today. But to uncover how they have helped to name it, we need to explore these forces one by one.

Just like the great rock on which Edinburgh Castle sits, Arthur’s Seat was formed by an extinct volcano nearly 350 million years ago. In the hundreds of millions of years since it stopped erupting, the volcano was buried beneath other rocks, then gradually eroded to become exposed again at the surface.

Only half of it remains though, which means we can now see right into its heart! Today, the two bumpy summits, visible for miles around, are all that are left of the volcano's central vents - out of which hot lava once poured. So although Edinburgh sits in the shadow of a volcano chain, fortunately it has been extinct for millions of years. The city can today sleep soundly!

So that is why it is here, but how did it get its name?

The hill stands in a prominent and strategic location – close to the North Sea and towering above the landscape around it. At the summit of the peak lies a hill fort that is most likely to have been a fortress and centre of power for the Votadini; a Celtic warrior tribe who roamed the northern lands of Britain from 800 BC all the way up to the Roman invasion of 43 AD.

The 7th century Welsh poem 'Y Gododdin', which is thought to be one of the oldest ever pieces of Celtic literature, tells how a force of 300 chosen Votadini warriors were assembled at the summit of Arthur’s Seat. The rock was at the centre of the capital of their empire (Din Eidyn or Edinburgh as it is now known). Could it therefore be said the rock was the ‘seat’ of the Votadini empire?  

Several mythical chronicles claim that the name ‘Arthur’s Seat’ is derived from the story of King Arthur and his noble Knights of the Round Table. The rock is named as one of the possible locations for the ancient kingdom of Camelot. A verse in 'Y Gododdin' makes reference to Arthur as a paragon of bravery and is regarded as the earliest known mention of the character.

Although now recognised as Arthur's Seat, other mythologies have also played into its heritage, all resting on its volcanic roots.

The hill has become synonymous with the rather daunting name ‘The Lion’s Head’.  It is thought that the two extinct volcano vents resemble a resting lion’s head and haunch.

Celtic stories also tell us that the great hill itself was once a monstrous dragon that terrorised the land, breathing fire upon the poor souls of Din Eidyn and slaughtering their livestock. However after years of relentless devouring the dragon became slow and fat and had to rest. And from this deep slumber he never woke again.

Although, the story also says that he may rise again and reign fire and terror across the land once more…

From fiery roots to modern day playground, the ancient rock formation of Arthur’s Seat has been a source of pride and history for the people of Edinburgh throughout the ages. However, its time as a legendary stronghold and symbol of military might is over.

It now lies dormant, as a seat of nature’s greatness sleeping peacefully above the nation’s capital.