What is the each-uisge?
The each-uisge is a water spirit in the form of a horse (a water horse) from the folklore of the Scottish Highlands. Its name means “water horse” in Gaelic. While the kelpie appears in rivers and streams, the each-uisge lives in the sea and deep lochs and is said to be even more dangerous than the kelpie.
Folklore and features
The each-uisge appears by the water as a beautiful, fine horse and waits for someone to climb on its back. Once mounted, the rider’s skin sticks to it and cannot get off; while on land it stays calm, but when it smells water, it rushes into the sea or loch and drags its rider under. It was feared for then eating the person, leaving only the liver. It can also take the form of a handsome young man to approach young women, it is said.
A legend to keep children away from the water
The legend of the each-uisge carries the warning never to approach a strange horse by the water. It is a spirit that has taught children about the dangers of Scotland’s deep, cold lochs and seas.
