Wild haggis

Wild haggis

Wild Haggis (Haggis scoticus) is a fictional creature said to be native to the Scottish Highlands. It is often humorously described in detail and used as a joke to trick gullible tourists. The wild haggis's left and right legs are of different lengths, allowing it to run quickly around the steep mountains and hillsides which make up its natural habitat, but only in one direction. It is further claimed that there are two varieties of haggis, one with longer left legs and the other with longer right legs. The former variety can run clockwise around a mountain (as seen from above) while the latter can run anticlockwise. The two varieties coexist peacefully but are unable to interbreed in the wild because in order for the male of one variety to mate with a female of the other, he must turn to face in the same direction as his intended mate, causing him to lose his balance before he can mount her. As a result of this difficulty, differences in leg length among the haggis population are accentuated.

Origin

The concept of the wild haggis is believed to have originated in the 18th century as a joke to trick gullible visitors to Scotland. The creature is often described in humorous detail, with elaborate explanations of its biology and habits. The wild haggis is said to be a source of haggis, a traditional Scottish dish that is actually made from the offal of sheep.

Cultural Significance

The wild haggis is a popular figure in Scottish folklore and is often used as a symbol of Scottish humor. It is frequently mentioned in tourist guides and promotional materials, and stuffed toys representing the creature are sold as souvenirs. The wild haggis is also the subject of various humorous songs and poems.

See Also

• Haggis
• Scottish folklore
• Scottish cuisine