Retelling the Legend of the Thistle Saving Scotland from Viking Attack

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While at the 176th annual St. Andrews Society of Detroit Highland Games I heard a Scottish legend I'm told is quite well-known. It came because I was talking about the fact that the thistle is Scotland's national flower and emblem. 

Here's a very brief form of the story:

In the mid‑13th century (1263), Vikings under King Haakon IV attempted a nighttime surprise attack near Largs, Ayrshire. They removed their boots to move more quietly. One barefoot Norseman accidentally stepped on a Scottish thistle—its sharp spikes caused him to cry out. The Scots woke, rallied, and defeated the Vikings. 

The version I heard said the Scots intentionally settled in a place where the Vikings would have to pass.

There are many versions of the story and especially about the Battle of Largs, including a narrative poem by John Galt and also The Norwegian Account of Haco's Expedition Against Scotland, A.D. MCCLXIII by Rev. James Johnstone, a historical account translated from Old Icelandic texts and often reprinted or compiled in 19th‑century books.There's even The Order of the Thistle, whose own roots are full of the labyrinth of legend.

There are two sources I like the best:

1.  Wikipedia article on the Thistle, drop down to Culture and it's all about Symbolism and the Scottish Thistle
2. Scotclans.org article on The Scottish Thistle which is well-fleshed out without being too much for re-telling. 

While strolling the vendors I saw a men's t-shirt about the "services" a Viking provides. I prowled online and couldn't find it, but did find these two that are fun and possibly worth considering in view of the legend of the thistle.

 

There's a lo-o-o-omg link for that on Etsy.com, but just go to Etsy and search Viking World Tour. What I like about it is that, while its first countries are England, Wales, France, and Ireland, I notice Scotland is NOT there!

 

This second shirt is also fun although the script isn't always easy.

Temu.com has it as Men's Viking Laws & Rules Graphic T-Shirt.

 Have fun with the legend and remember the reason why the Thistle is so important to Scotland.