trowie gold

[jacdac]

He’d grown up with myths about how rich the Whalsay folk were and he was never sure how much of it was true: Shetland was full of stories of buried treasure and trowie gold.
Source: Red Bones by Ann Cleeves
Context: Inspector Jimmy Perez has just arrived in Symbister in Whalsay.

What does trowie or trowie gold mean?

Glossary: A trow (also trowe or drow or dtrow) is a malignant or mischievous fairy or spirit in the folkloric traditions of the Orkney and Shetland islands.[1][2] Trows are generally inclined to be short of stature, ugly, and shy in nature.

Thank you.

 

[Loob]

From Orkney Folklore - What is a Trow? - Orkneyjar

Within their earthen mounds - known locally as howes or knowes - the dwelling-places of the trows were said to be sumptuous and dazzling. Gold, silver and previous materials were said to decorate the walls, while only fine food and drink was served at their tables.​

 

[Uncle Jack]

"Trowie" appears to be an alternative name for them, and it seems particularly common as an adjective. Here is one reference to "trowies" as a noun, from Dictionary of the Scots Language :: SND :: Trow n.1:

Ork. 1883 R. M. Fergusson Rambling Sk. 159:
Trowies canna tak' thoo' Hushie ba, lammie.​

 

[PaulQ]

trowie gold.

The /i:/ sound, as the suffix "-ie" or "-y" is a common way to form adjectives from nouns.

 

[Uncle Jack]

The /i:/ sound, as the suffix "-ie" or "-y" is a common way to form adjectives from nouns.

I thought it was common, but when I put my mind to it, I couldn't think of a single example. Put me out of my misery, will you?

 

[Loob]

I thought it was common, but when I put my mind to it, I couldn't think of a single example. Put me out of my misery, will you?

Blood > bloody, earth > earthy ....

 

[Uncle Jack]

Ah, the good old memory. It all comes back to me (like pins and needles). Thank you, loob.