What is a kelpie?
A kelpie is a water spirit in the form of a horse (a water horse) said to live in the rivers and lochs of Scotland. It has been feared for appearing by the water as a beautiful horse and dragging anyone who climbs onto its back into the water to drown.
Folklore and features
The kelpie’s skin is said to be sticky, so that once you mount it you cannot get off. Water weeds tangled in its mane and a body that is always wet were said to be signs that gave it away. It can also take the form of a handsome young man to approach people. On the other hand, there is a story that anyone who obtains a kelpie’s bridle can control it at will. An even more dangerous water horse living in the sea and lochs is called the each-uisge.
A legend to keep children away from the water
Kelpie legends are thought to have also served to warn children not to go near dangerous water. In Falkirk, Scotland, “The Kelpies,” giant horse-head sculptures about 30 m tall, were completed in 2013 and became a new landmark. The kelpie is sometimes discussed together with the selkie, the seal spirit of the Scottish seas.
