Kelpie

Folklore and mythology are filled with tales of spirits and magical creatures, benevolent and otherwise. But, perhaps none is more vengeful than the kelpies of Scotland. It seems as though the kelpie was made to be an enemy, to man.

Typically residing near water, and taking the form of a black horse, the kelpie would lure travellers to their death. Initially appearing peaceful, even docile, travellers would be tempted to ride the quiet horse, in order to cross a body of water. Once atop the horse’s back, the kelpie would gallop to the deepest end, luring its victims to their death and dragging them below water.

The kelpie is perhaps best understood as a personification of the flood itself anthropomorphised. Kelpies personify the reverence and fear the Celts held for water, rivers, lakes, and seas alike. It seems likely that, in Scotland, with all its isles and storms and restless seas, the water (and its spirits) would be seen as largely dangerous, evil even.