Pronunciation: [ˈɒsi͡ənˌɪst] (IPA) 
Ossianist (/ɒʃiənɪst/) is a term used to describe a person who is a follower or enthusiast of Ossian, a legendary Scottish bard. The term is derived from the Gaelic name "Oisein" (OH-shin), which is believed to have been the name of a real Celtic warrior and poet, who later became the inspiration for Ossian's literary works. The correct spelling of the word is often misspelled as "Ossinist", but the correct form is "Ossianist".
Ossianist refers to an individual who subscribes to or is associated with Ossianism, an 18th-century literary and cultural movement centered on the Scottish poet and writer James Macpherson. The term gained prominence during this period due to Macpherson's controversial publication, "Fingal, an Ancient Epic Poem", which he claimed was a translation of ancient Scottish Gaelic texts attributed to the mythical bard Ossian.
The Ossianist movement was characterized by its admiration and belief in the authenticity of Macpherson's alleged translations, which were seen as a rediscovery of a rich Gaelic poetic tradition. Ossianists often praised the poems for their poetic beauty, romantic sentiment, and depiction of the noble, heroic past. They were fascinated by the idea of ancient Celtic heritage, which they believed these works represented.
However, with time, doubts arose regarding the authenticity of Macpherson's translations, and the Ossianist movement began to decline. Scholars increasingly questioned the existence of Ossian as a historical figure and the origins of the poems themselves. Modern scholarship generally views the works as Macpherson's own creations, influenced by various sources including Gaelic folklore.
Today, the term "Ossianist" can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who shows an interest or admiration for Macpherson's Ossianic poetry, regardless of their belief in its authenticity.
The word "Ossianist" is derived from the name "Ossian", which refers to the legendary hero and poet of medieval Irish and Scottish literature. Ossian is believed to have been a poet in the 3rd century, known for his epic poems and mythical tales. The term "Ossianism" emerged in the 18th century to describe a literary movement that romanticized and celebrated Ossian's works. An "Ossianist" refers to a follower or supporter of this literary movement.
