St. Swithin's Chair – Poem by Sir Walter Scott: History, Legend, and Literary Significance

Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a pioneering Scottish novelist, poet, and historian, celebrated for his ability to merge history, legend, and romance into compelling narratives. Among his poetic works, “St. Swithin’s Chair” stands out as a narrative poem that explores folklore, historical memory, and the human experience of virtue and loyalty.

The poem appears in Scott’s seminal historical novel Waverley (1814), where it is presented as a ballad sung by a character, weaving supernatural elements, suspense, and legend into the story. The central focus—the legendary St. Swithin’s Chair—serves as a symbol of historical continuity, moral values, and the enduring presence of tradition.

This article provides an in-depth exploration of the poem, including:

• Full text excerpts
• Historical and cultural context
• Themes and symbolism
• Literary devices
• Line-by-line analysis
• Practical life lessons
• Its relevance to modern readers

Historical Context

St. Swithin

St. Swithin (c. 800–861 CE) was an Anglo-Saxon bishop of Winchester, England, renowned for his piety and devotion. According to legend, the weather on St. Swithin’s feast day (July 15) would predict the next forty days, a belief rooted in English folklore. St. Swithin was revered as a symbol of spiritual guidance, moral integrity, and enduring faith.

Sir Walter Scott

Scott was a central figure in the Romantic literary movement, famous for his historical novels like Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, and Waverley. He had a deep fascination with:

• Scottish history and culture
• Medieval chivalry and folklore
• Moral and social values across generations

His poetry, including “St. Swithin’s Chair”, reflects these interests and demonstrates his ability to blend factual history with imaginative storytelling.

The Legend of St. Swithin’s Chair

The chair in Scott’s poem is associated with supernatural beliefs and folklore. Tradition held that sitting in the chair on Hallow-Mass Eve and performing a specific spell could summon the Night-Hag, a mystical being capable of answering three questions. This legend reflects medieval fascination with superstition, prophecy, and the interplay of morality and magic.

Full Excerpts of the Poem

On Hallow-Mass Eve, ere ye bound ye to rest,
Ever beware that your couch be bless'd;
Sign it with cross, and sain it with bead,
Sing the Ave, and say the Creed.

For on Hallow-Mass Eve the Night-Hag will ride,
And all her nine-fold sweeping on by her side,
Whether the wind sing lowly or loud,
Sailing through moonshine or swath'd in the cloud.

The Lady she sat in Saint Swithin's Chair,
The dew of the night has damp'd her hair:
Her cheek was pale; but resolved and high
Was the word of her lip and the glance of her eye.

She mutter'd the spell of Swithin bold,
When his naked foot traced the midnight wold,
When he stopp'd the Hag as she rode the night,
And bade her descend, and her promise plight.

He that dare sit on Saint Swithin's Chair,
When the Night-Hag wings the troubled air,
Questions three, when he speaks the spell,
He may ask, and she must tell.

The Baron has been with King Robert his liege
These three long years in battle and siege;
News are there none of his weal or his woe,
And fain the Lady his fate would know.

She shudders and stops as the charm she speaks;—
Is it the moody owl that shrieks?
Or is it that sound, betwixt laughter and scream,
The voice of the Demon who haunts the stream?

The moan of the wind sunk silent and low,
And the roaring torrent had ceased to flow;
The calm was more dreadful than raging storm,
When the cold grey mist brought the ghastly Form!

Themes in the Poem

1. Historical Continuity

• The poem emphasizes the enduring presence of history, symbolized by St. Swithin’s Chair.
• Objects like the chair act as witnesses to virtues, events, and human emotions across generations.

2. Virtue and Morality

• Loyalty, courage, and love are central themes.
• The poem explores how individuals interact with moral obligations, faith, and superstition.

3. Folklore and Supernatural Beliefs

• The Night-Hag legend reflects medieval fascination with prophecy, magic, and the supernatural.
• Scott blends folklore with narrative poetry to create suspense and moral reflection.

4. Courage and Resolve

• The Lady demonstrates bravery and determination in performing the ritual despite fear.
• This highlights human courage in confronting the unknown.

5. The Interplay of Fear and Reverence

• The poem explores the tension between fear of supernatural powers and reverence for tradition.
• This duality mirrors human attempts to reconcile faith, superstition, and morality.

Literary Devices

1. Imagery

• Scott uses vivid sensory descriptions: the dew on the Lady’s hair, the moaning wind, and the misty landscape.
• This immerses readers in the mystical, suspenseful atmosphere of the poem.

2. Symbolism

• St. Swithin’s Chair: Continuity, moral witness, and historical memory.
• Night-Hag: Fear, the unknown, and supernatural forces that test courage.
• Hallow-Mass Eve: Threshold between the mortal and mystical realms.

3. Narrative Technique

• The poem uses storytelling within a story (a ballad sung by a character in Waverley).
• This technique connects readers to both the legend and the immediate narrative context.

4. Alliteration and Rhyme

• Phrases like “moan of the wind sunk silent” and “roaring torrent had ceased to flow” enhance musicality and memorability.

Line-by-Line Analysis

The Lady in the Chair

• The Lady’s courage symbolizes human resolve in the face of fear.
• Her action connects the present with historical and supernatural tradition.

The Night-Hag

• Represents the unknown and the mystical consequences of human curiosity and courage.
• Acts as a test of virtue, wisdom, and bravery.

The Chair as Witness

• St. Swithin’s Chair observes human emotions, moral choices, and historical events.
• It symbolizes the persistence of moral and cultural values across generations.

Life Lessons from the Poem

1. Honor Tradition: Understand and respect the wisdom and customs passed down through generations.
2. Embrace Courage: Facing fear, uncertainty, or the unknown is essential for personal growth.
3. Value Virtue: Loyalty, love, and moral integrity remain timeless virtues.
4. Learn from History: Objects, legends, and stories teach lessons about human behavior and societal values.
5. Balance Fear and Reverence: Courage is strengthened when tempered with respect and understanding.

Modern Relevance

Even in the 21st century, “St. Swithin’s Chair” resonates with readers:

• Encourages reflection on personal and cultural legacy.
• Inspires courage in facing personal challenges.
• Demonstrates the timeless power of storytelling, folklore, and imagination.
• Shows how objects and traditions carry moral and emotional significance.

Conclusion

Sir Walter Scott’s “St. Swithin’s Chair” is more than a mystical ballad—it is a poetic exploration of history, legend, and human virtue. Through the symbol of the chair and the supernatural legend of the Night-Hag, Scott emphasizes:

• The importance of courage and resolve
• The enduring nature of virtue and loyalty
• The connection between human experience and historical memory

By reading this poem, modern readers are reminded that history, legend, and moral values are deeply intertwined, offering timeless guidance, inspiration, and reflection.