The Corryvreckan Whirlpool is located in the Bay of Corryvreckan on the west coast of Scotland. (Photo by bazza1960/Getty Images)
The Corryvreckan Whirlpool is a powerful circular current between the Scottish islands of Jura and Scarba. Known as the 'raging cauldron', it nearly killed George Orwell and his son Richard in 1947.
The water feature takes its name from the Gulf of Corryvreckan, which is said to have been named after the Norwegian king Brecan. Legend has it that Brecan anchored his boat in a whirlpool for three days to demonstrate his bravery to a Scottish chieftain whose daughter he was planning to marry. The Norwegian king used three ropes to secure his vessel – one made of hemp, one of sheep’s wool, and one of virgins’ hair – but they broke and he drowned. According to the tale, the virgins’ hair was meant to protect Brecan, but one of the women was unchaste.
The 'Corry' in 'Corryvreckan' comes from the Gaelic term 'coire' meaning cauldron, so the full name is interpreted as 'Breckan's cauldron'.
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