Unraveling Hidden Lineage: How an iGENEA DNA Test Changed my Understanding of Carswell Ancestry
Family name Carswell
I took an iGENEA DNA Test hoping to trace my ancestors named 'Carswell.' To my surprise, it unraveled a complex composition of English, Scottish, and Scandinavian roots and enriched my self-understanding beyond imagination.
For years, my family's lineage has been shrouded in mystery. No family tree to explore, no old grandma tales to trace back. All I knew was a simple fact: the name is 'Carswell.' Unsatisfied and curious, I immersed myself in an exciting journey and took an iGENEA DNA test, not knowing this would evolve my self-understanding beyond imagination.
My genetic quest led me to insights I didn't expect. Contrary to traditional belief that my ancestors were of pure English origin, the DNA test through iGENEA revealed a fascinating mix: English, Scottish, and surprisingly, Scandinavian blood flowing in my veins.
As an extension of the Viking expansion, the Carswells were not solely English as I had always assumed but were Northmen settled in what is now Scotland during the 8th to 10th centuries. This Scandinavian connection filled in a blank that I never knew existed. With Nordic blood running through my veins, I found myself embracing this brave, seafaring culture, finding a new strength to weather life's storms and navigate uncharted territories, in a metaphorical sense.
The test also linked me to a line of renowned Carswells in Scottish history, including the 16th-century poet and Bishop Robert Carswell. It was thrilling to discover my connection to such intellectual richness. I am now, more so than ever before, drawn toward literature and the arts, undoubtedly influenced by this newfound genetic legacy.
My Scottish lineage, once a dim speculative light, has now become a lighthouse of incontestable understanding. It has intensified my fondness for everything Scottish - the highlands, the bagpipes, and their unique cultural charisma.
More importantly, the test's revelations have given me a clearer perspective on my genetic identity, increasing my appreciation for diversity within the family line. This heightened self-awareness has influenced my world view and my relationship with myself - an unexpected but incredible journey towards self-discovery.
Ironically, the Carswell name, initially just a mark of identity, has now formed a subtle, complex tapestry of my personal history and continues to shape my ethos. It's a part of me that I've grown to understand and love, all the more, since the DNA revelation. Deeper down, discovering the footprints of my ancestors in my DNA has intensified my sense of belonging to the world, above and beyond national or cultural narratives.
The DNA test was not just an ancestral investigation but a profound journey of self-discovery. I am more than just an English descendent. I am Scottish, I am Scandinavian, I am Carswell.
A. Carswell