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Egilsay
Egilsay is an island within the Orkney Islands, to the east of Rousay.
Egilsay has a population of approximately 15, and is known for its Corn Crakes - a small bird.
The island appears to take its name from the Norse "Egilsey" (meaning "Egil's island"), however,
due to a domination by a church of pre-Norse foundation, it has been suggested that the island's name
may actually, unusually, be partially Gaelic - "eaglais" ("Church island").
In 1117, Saint Magnus was killed in Egilsay, by a strike to the head with an axe. He was buried
on the spot where he died, but his body was later moved to Birsay, on the mainland of Orkney, at the
request of his mother. Legend has us believe that the rocky area on which Magnus was originally buried,
miraculously became a green field.
Saint Magnus' remains were kept in Birsay for 20 years, before being moved to Saint Olaf's Church,
Kirkwall, and were then finally, some years later, moved to Saint Magnus Cathedral, also in Kirkwall,
which was built in his honour.
Egilsay's church was dedicated to Saint Magnus, and still stands to this day.
Egilsay from Sourin, Rousay - the church can be seen in the centre:
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