Scotland's political identity is linked to its transition to nationhood during the fourteenth century. It was an era of political controversy, with power struggles for the succession and guardianship of the Scottish kingdom. John Barbour's historical narrative, The Bruce (1375), pays homage to the emerging national unity as symbolized in the heroic qualities of virtue, prowess, and leadership. Despite Barbour's significant literary contribution, few facts are known of his life. Magister Iohannes Barber Archdiaconus Aberdonensis (Master John Barbour, Archdeacon of Aberdeen), often referred to as the father of Scottish poetry, was born about 1316 and died 13 March 1395. The exact date of his birth is unknown. A marble memorial stone, which once marked his grave, is now on the inner wall of Aberdeen Cathedral. Nothing is known about his parentage or ancestry, and there is no record that Barbour left any descendants. There is no mention by anyone of his appearance...