Dòideag of Mull

Dòideag (also Na Dòideagan in her plural form) was a legendary witch associated with the Isle of Mull in the Inner Hebrides, whose name—probably meaning 'little frizzle'—is thought to allude to her wild or dishevelled hair. She was connected in tradition with the powerful Clan Maclean of Duart and was feared throughout the island for her ability to summon storms and tempests. She belongs to a recognised category of named Hebridean storm-witches that also includes Gormshuil of Moy, Laorag of Tiree, and Maol-odhar of Kintyre.

The most vivid tale attached to Dòideag concerns the Spanish Armada galleon that put in to Tobermory harbour in 1588—almost certainly the San Juan de Sicilia. In one version, the wife of a local man sought the witch's help because a Spanish princess aboard the ship was pursuing her husband; in another, Dòideag acted on behalf of Clan Maclean. Either way, the witch used her power to set the vessel ablaze or blow it apart, killing everyone on board. The Tobermory Galleon—whatever its true identity—has indeed lain at the bottom of Tobermory Bay ever since; numerous salvage attempts over four centuries have found little of value, and the wreck's stubborn resistance to raising has kept the Dòideag's legend alive.

The tradition is recorded in the Wikipedia article on Dòideag, discussed in Country Life's 'The Witches of Mull,' and treated in surveys of Hebridean mythology and folklore. It represents a rare example of a named Hebridean witch with a specific historical event anchoring her legend.