Thomas the Rhymer (fl. c. 1220 – 1298), also known as
Thomas of Erceldoune,
Thomas of Learmont or
True Thomas, was a 13th-century
Scottish laird and reputed
prophet from
Earlston (then called "Erceldoune") in the
Borders. In literature he appears as the protagonist in the tale about Thomas the Rhymer, who was carried off by the "
Queen of Elfland" and returned having gained the gift of prophecy, as well as the inability to tell a lie. The tale survives in a medieval verse romance in five manuscripts, as well as in the popular
ballad "Thomas the Rhymer" (
Child Ballad number 37). The original romance ca. 1400 was probably condensed into ballad form ca. 1700, though there are dissenting views on this.