Kirk Robert

Robert Kirk, born in 1644, was a minister and a scholar of the Gaelic language. He is primarily recognized for his posthumously published treatise, "The Secret Commonwealth," which explored the folklore of fairies, witchcraft, ghosts, and the phenomenon of second sight as understood in the Scottish Highlands. This work has been considered highly significant by scholars in the fields of folklore and mythology. Kirk was also involved in translating the Bible into Scottish Gaelic, a project financed by scientist Robert Boyle, who also showed interest in Kirk's accounts of second sight. Kirk died in 1692 before "The Secret Commonwealth" could be published.

Born in Aberfoyle, Scotland, Robert Kirk pursued theological studies at St Andrews and Edinburgh, earning his master's degree in 1661. He served as a minister in Balquhidder and later in Aberfoyle from 1685 until his death. Kirk was a dedicated Gaelic scholar, responsible for the first complete Gaelic translation of the Scottish metrical psalms, published in 1684. His commitment to this work was such that he reportedly went to great lengths to ensure its timely completion. In 1689, he traveled to London to oversee the printing of the Gaelic Bible, a project that had been initiated decades earlier and was financially supported by the gentleman scientist Robert Boyle.

Kirk's most enduring legacy is "The Secret Commonwealth," a manuscript compiled between 1691 and 1692 but not published until over a century later. This work delves into the supernatural, examining fairy folklore, witchcraft, ghosts, and particularly 'second sight,' a form of extrasensory perception prevalent in the Scottish Highlands. Scholars like Stewart Sanderson and Marina Warner have lauded the collection as a crucial contribution to the study of fairies and psychic phenomena. It is suggested that Kirk aimed to document these traditions to defend ordinary Scottish country people who faced accusations of practicing witchcraft for engaging with their cultural lore. He described fairies as 'Siths' or 'Sleagh Maith,' beings of a middle nature between humans and angels, possessing fluid, changeable bodies visible in twilight.

Robert Kirk died in 1692 before "The Secret Commonwealth" could be released. His death occurred under mysterious circumstances on a fairy hill near his manse, leading to legends that he had been taken to fairyland. This folklore suggests he was abducted by the 'Good People' for revealing their secrets. His tomb in Aberfoyle bears an inscription acknowledging him as a publisher of the Gospel and a luminary of the Gaelic language. The popular tales surrounding his demise have led to speculation about his burial, with some folklore scholars noting similarities to Germanic legends of figures being spirited away.