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Frankenstein Day
"I had chosen a retreat as solitary and abhorred as my situation could desire. It was situated on a spot of land which was on every side surrounded by the sea, and on one of the remotest of the Orkneys."
~ Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, 1818
On August 30th, we celebrate the birthday of Mary Shelley, born in 1797, whose imagination would one day link her name to the far northern isles of Orkney. The grey and dark tones of this tartan echo the rugged beauty of those islands—windswept cliffs, weathered flagstones, and ancient monuments—softened only by a hint of lavender for a solitary thistle.
The Orkney Islands, scattered off Scotland’s northeastern coast, are a landscape steeped in history. Their rocky shores and rolling moors cradle some of Europe’s most remarkable archaeological treasures. Skara Brae, a Neolithic village older than the pyramids, preserves the intimate details of life from over 5,000 years ago. Maeshowe, a monumental chambered cairn built around 2800 BCE, still bears the carved runes of Viking visitors. And standing proudly against the horizon is the Ring of Brodgar, a vast circle of stones—majestic, mysterious, and among the best-preserved in the British Isles.
Shelley herself spent time in Orkney in 1812 while staying with the Baxter family, and she later described the islands as “singularly desolate.” That impression lingered. When she came to write Frankenstein, she set one of its most pivotal episodes in a lonely Orkney cottage: Victor Frankenstein’s attempt to build a female companion for his creature. In choosing that stark setting, she drew directly on her memory of Orkney’s isolation and haunting landscapes.
Mary Shelley is celebrated as both the mother of modern horror and a pioneer of science fiction. Unlike earlier Gothic tales by writers such as Ann Radcliffe or Horace Walpole, she cast her story around human ambition, bold experimentation, and the fear of science set loose without ethics — themes that still drive horror today. Academics also see her as far more than a horror novelist: a Romantic thinker whose Frankenstein bridges Gothic tradition, speculative science, and timeless questions about creation and responsibility. 🖤 💜 🤍 🖤 🪨 🪨 🧌 📖 ✍️
The history of Orkney is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of Norse, Pictish, and Scottish cultures, stretching back over 8,000 years. This archipelago, located off the northeastern coast of Scotland, has been inhabited since the Mesolithic period, with its earliest settlers believed to have been drawn to its fertile land and abundant seas. The Neolithic period in Orkney left an indelible mark, as evidenced by the remarkable stone structures at Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Stones of Stenness—UNESCO World Heritage Sites that highlight the advanced societal structures of the time. By the Iron Age, Orkney was a well-established community with its own distinctive culture, which later merged with the influence of the Picts, a group known for their enigmatic carved stones and unique social systems. However, it was the arrival of the Norsemen in the late 8th century that truly transformed Orkney. The Vikings established the Earldom of Orkney, making it a crucial part of the Norse world, a position that remained for centuries. The Norse influence is still palpable today in Orkney’s place names, dialect, and legal traditions. The islands remained under Norwegian control until 1472 when they were annexed to Scotland as part of a dowry for the marriage of Margaret of Denmark to King James III of Scotland. Despite this political shift, Orkney retained a strong sense of identity, with its people maintaining a distinct cultural heritage that blends Norse and Scottish elements. Over the centuries, Orkney became a vital hub for trade, fishing, and agriculture, contributing significantly to Scotland's economy. In the modern era, Orkney played a pivotal role during both World Wars, serving as a key naval base for the British Royal Navy, particularly in Scapa Flow. Today, Orkney is celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty, attracting visitors from around the world who are eager to explore its ancient sites and experience its unique blend of traditions.
Orkney's unique landscape and rich history have inspired several novels that use the archipelago as their backdrop. Here are a few notable examples:
"Orkney" by Amy Sackville - This novel tells the story of a newly married couple who honeymoon on a remote island in Orkney. The narrative is steeped in the mystique of the islands, exploring themes of obsession, isolation, and the power of myth.
"The Testament of Gideon Mack" by James Robertson - While not exclusively set in Orkney, this novel features significant scenes on the islands, particularly in its exploration of the supernatural and the blending of reality with folklore. The remote and mysterious setting of Orkney adds to the novel's dark and haunting atmosphere.
"The Storm Watchers" by George Mackay Brown - A revered figure in Scottish literature, George Mackay Brown often drew inspiration from Orkney. In this novel, he portrays the life of a family on the Orkney Islands, delving into themes of tradition, community, and the unyielding power of the sea.
"Beside the Ocean of Time" by George Mackay Brown - Another novel by George Mackay Brown, this one is a vivid and poetic exploration of Orkney life in the early 20th century. It blends historical narrative with myth and imagination, capturing the essence of the islands and their influence on the people who live there.
"The Outrun" by Amy Liptrot - Though more of a memoir than a novel, "The Outrun" tells the story of the author's return to Orkney after a period of turmoil in her life. The book beautifully depicts the islands' natural beauty and their role in the author’s journey of recovery and self-discovery.
"Wakenhyrst" by Michelle Paver - Though set primarily in Suffolk, England, Orkney features as a significant and atmospheric location in this gothic novel. The islands' wild and remote nature serves as a stark contrast to the protagonist's claustrophobic life in the Fens.
For more on the Scottish influences that may have influenced Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, click the Orkney landscape!