THE LEGEND OF THE SCOTTISH BARD THOMAS THE RHYMER AND THE FAIRY QUEEN IN MODERN RUSSIAN LITERATURE

Key words: bard, Vladimir Lermontov, Henry Lyon Oldie, Fairy Queen, Mikhail Lermontov, prophet, fantasy novel, Russian literature, Sergei Lukyanenko, Thomas Learmont, Scotland, Elfland The article analyzes the paradigm of the Celtic legend about Thomas the Rhymer and the Fairy Queen, which is reflected in the works of modern Russian literature. The main topic of the article is the fantasy novels by Sergei Lukyanenko “The Last Watch” (2006) and Henry Lyon Oldie (pseudonym of Dmitry Gromov and Oleg Ladyzhensky) “Harpy” (2008), as well as the philosophical and esoteric treatise by Vladimir Lermontov “Manifesto. Formula of the future. New Path to the New World” (2019). The plot of this legend is indirectly intertwined with the life and work of the great Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov. His life is imbued with many secrets and mysteries that have become the basis for the formation of various fantastic and conspiracy theories. According to legend, Mikhail Lermontov was a descendant of the famous Scottish bard and soothsayer Thomas Learmont (Rhymer). In his youth, Thomas captivated the Fairy Queen with his songs and playing the harp, and as a result she took him to her magical land. There he received a prophetic gift from her and a few years later returned to his homeland. One day she sent white deer for him, who forever escorted Thomas the Rhymer to the Land of the Elves.