How is it that such a proud people as the Scots should choose such a humble weed as its national symbol? There is a legend that relates how a sleeping party of Scots warriors were almost attacked by an invading band of Vikings and were only saved when one of the attackers trod on a wild thistle with his bare feet. His cries raised the alarm and the roused Scots duly defeated the Danes. In gratitude, the plant became known as the Guardian Thistle and was adopted as the symbol of Scotland.
