Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, near the village of Ballachulish, an archaeological marvel known as the Ballachulish Figure or ‘Goddess’ was unearthed in November 1880. This remarkable wooden figure from the Iron Age resonates with the mysterious aura of earlier superstitions and myths. Carved from alder wood, it stands at nearly a meter tall and has been radio carbon dated back to approximately 600 BC, making it one of the oldest figurative sculptures in Britain. Although in a decayed state when discovered, one could discern the figure’s distinctly female characteristics and her threatening axe held aloft, suggesting a deity or a powerful figure of admiration or fear. The serpentine shape carved into the figure adds to her mystique, lending to her association with pre-Christian beliefs and fertility rites. Owing to her position ahead of a now extinct, ancient route into the highlands, the ‘Goddess’ is thought to have served as a guardian to the travellers and tribesmen. Her position near an old quarry might indicate her role as a protector of miners and workers, ensuring their safe return from the treacherous depths of earth. Some local legends also suggest that the Ballachulish Figure was an oracle, consulted before major tribal decisions or in times of distress. The deity stood as a silent sentinel for ages unknown till she was hidden or buried, only to be re-discovered many centuries later. Today, the figure, a pregnant symbol of ancient folklore, is housed in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh, whispering tales of her time to those willing to listen.