The World of Eileanan

Overview & History

Eileanan is the land where The Witches of Eileanan series is set. Cuinn Lionheart lead his Coven of Witches from persecution in 16th Century Scotland to the new world of Eileanan, a world where a myriad of creatures already live. The Witches led from the beginning as the culture on Eileanan took shape and the many indigenous creatures adjusted to the new arrivals. The dragons kept aloof from the affairs of men but it was the sea-faring Fairgean who fought most bitterly against the invaders and were ultimately vanquished after several wars. When The Witches of Eileanan starts with the book Dragonclaw, the Fairgean have mounted a new and subversive attack on the humans. The Witches, long time leaders on Eileanan, are now persecuted and hunted. Into this world are born Isabeau and Iseult, twin sisters, who must each find their path to maturity and restore the Witches to power, defeating the Fairgean.

Learn more about the History of Eileanan.

Founding clans of Eileanan

The First Coven comprised the thirteen witches who fled persecution to Eileanan. From these came the eleven great clans of Eileanan.

• The First Coven
• The Great Clans of Eileanan

Maps

At the front of the Australian books are maps of various parts of Eileanan. These are included here:

• Map of Eileanan and the Far Islands
• Southern Eileanan
• Tirsoilleir

NB: these images are Copyright © Kate Forsyth and may not be used or reproduced for any purpose without the written permission of the author.

Background information

The Scottish setting was inspired by my Scottish ancestry and the persecution of witches by King James VI of Scotland around 1597. Here is some historical background information.

Fan Art

See a range of artwork submitted by fans of the Witches of Eileanan series.