Waverley · Character

Davie Gellatley

Tully-Veolan's 'daft' servant, a singing, dancing fool whose seeming simplicity hides a loyalty sharper than anyone suspects.

supporting

Also known as David Gellatley, daft Davie, the daft Davie Gellatley

First appearance: IX: More of the Manor-House and Its Environs

As a supporting figure in Waverley, Davie Gellatley is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Praised for his songs and inspired poetic touches.

In the storyEditor's Introduction to WaverleyOpen this moment free

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Davie frisks and sings through the Baron's troubles — 'Our gear's a' gane' — and takes a horsewhipping from the Bailie without losing his strange cheer. The household treats him as harmless, but his wandering presence and uncanny memory make him a quiet witness to everything at Tully-Veolan, and his devotion to Rose and the Baron runs deeper than his antics suggest. He is the novel's reminder that the fool often sees what the wise overlook.

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See Davie Gellatley in IX: More of the Manor-House and Its Environs

Character Web

26 connections

A slice of how Davie Gellatley sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central Jacobite and Waverley Circle
Minor and Historical Figures

+21 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, Waverley reaches an emotional and psychological peak as he violently oscillates between self-…

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In the story

Davie Gellatley appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Editor's Introduction to Waverley
Praised for his songs and inspired poetic touches.
IX: More of the Manor-House and Its Environs
A natural fool who guides Edward through the garden with odd gestures and songs.
Rose Bradwardine and Her Father
Mentioned as the subject of an old woman's insult; summoned the Baron to meet Edward.
Repentance and a Reconciliation
Described as a half-crazed simpleton with a prodigious memory for music; saved Rose from danger; will accompany the hunting party.
A More Rational Day Than the Last
Leads the deer greyhounds and barelegged boys during the hunt, addressed as 'Maister Gellatley' by the villagers.
XIV: A Discovery—Waverley Becomes Domesticated at Tully-Veolan
Sings a cryptic ballad hinting at the duel; uses his feigned folly to avoid explaining the innuendo to Edward.
XV: A Creagh, and Its Consequences
Seen frisking and singing amid the turmoil, until the Bailie's horsewhip silences him.
A Letter from Tully-Veolan
Delivers Rose's letter to Waverley by singing and dancing outside the castle window.
Desolation
Found at Tully-Veolan, now ragged and half-starved; he leads Waverley to a hut.
XXXV: Comparing of Notes
Roasts eggs by the fire and is credited with fooling soldiers by impersonating the Baron.
XLII
Appears in a new suit, joyfully greeting the Baron and Rose.

Chapter companion notes

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See Davie Gellatley in IX: More of the Manor-House and Its Environs

See Davie Gellatley in Editor's Introduction to Waverley