Scottish Kelpies often stand out as one of the most iconic figures in folklore, recognized not only for their beauty but also their perilous nature. These mythical beings inhabit regions across Scotland near lochs and rivers and should be approached with caution. So, what exactly are Kelpies, and how can one steer clear of these menacing entities?
Understanding the Scottish Kelpie
First and foremost, if you’re expecting to find a cute Australian dog here, you’ve got the wrong idea. Scottish Kelpies are fearsome water horses that dwell near deep lochs and turbulent rivers. These creatures have the ability to transform into human form and possess the strength of ten ordinary horses. When they splash their tails, it resonates with the intensity of thunder!
An essential aspect of Kelpie lore is the warning never to mount their backs. Anyone who attempts this will become unable to dismount, marking the onset of the Kelpie’s lethal ride into the water, leading to a grim fate of drowning and consumption—often leaving behind only a kidney or liver on the riverbank.
The Power of the Bridle
Interestingly, Kelpies do have a vulnerability. If someone can seize control of a Kelpie’s bridle, they can command the creature. While this is a daunting task, there are rare instances where individuals have successfully tamed the otherwise unruly beast, forcing it into servitude temporarily. Wisdom suggests, however, that spotting a Kelpie is best met with fleeing as the first response!
There’s some contention regarding whether Kelpies and Each-Uisge—Gaelic for Water Horse—are distinct entities, with one purportedly inhabiting lochs and the other rivers. After perusing many tales, I believe they are essentially the same creature, and thus, I will refer to them as Kelpies, given that name’s wider recognition.
The Folklore of Scottish Kelpies
In Sutherland, parents have long warned their children about a terrifying Kelpie that roams near the loch, prohibiting them from playing in the area. Yet, the allure of the legendary beast proved too strong for a group of eight adventurous children who decided to skip church one Sunday to explore the loch’s edge. In their play in the shallow waters, a soft patter sounded behind them, stirring a mix of fear and thrill as they turned to investigate.
To their relief, it was only a stunning stallion that knelt beside them, appearing to invite them to climb aboard. One by one, the children clambered on until seven of them were astride the horse. Dougal, however, was hesitant and held back, cautious from hearing tales about Kelpies. Despite his apprehensions, he approached the beautiful beast and touched its coat, experiencing a surge of something inexplicable. In a moment of desperation, he severed his own finger. Enraged, the Kelpie bolted into the water with the children, disappearing beneath the surface, taking Dougal’s finger along with them.
Kelpie Encounters by the River Conon
In another tale, a group of farmers working next to the River Conon heard a mysterious voice proclaim, “The hour has come but not the man.” Shocked, they spotted a fearsome Kelpie resembling a black stallion at the river’s shallow crossing before it dove into deeper waters, prompting the locals to advise against crossing the river for the next hour.
When a stranger attempted to ride over, ignoring the warnings, the locals rushed to prevent him from riding into danger. They forcibly took him away and locked him in a nearby church to safeguard against the lurking beast. Once the critical time passed, they feared for the stranger’s silence. When they finally unlocked the door, they found him motionless, face down in a trough of water, claimed by the relentless Kelpie.
The Kelpie of Loch Garve
A builder one day discovered a striking black horse grazing near his home, with no visible rider or saddle. Seizing the opportunity, he mounted, only to realize he had made a grave error—it was the Kelpie of Loch Garve. As it galloped straight into the water, he held his breath, eventually resigning to take a gulp of water, expecting the worst. To his astonishment, he found he could breathe.
The Kelpie reassured him with a booming voice, explaining that he had come to seek the builder’s help. His wife was unhappy living in the cold depths of Loch Garve and longed for warmth. Thus, the Kelpie requested the builder construct a large chimney that would enable them to have a fire—an impossible task refused at his peril. Despite the unlikely circumstances, he built the chimney with the Kelpie’s extraordinary strength assisting him, and soon enough, a warm fire was crackling.
With the completion of the chimney, the Kelpie’s wife found joy once again. The Kelpie took the builder back to the surface, offering him all the fresh fish he desired in exchange for the builder’s assistance.
The legend claims the Kelpie continues to maintain that fire, which remains unfrozen even when the surrounding areas are blanketed in ice and snow, a warm spot marking the location of the Kelpie’s chimney.
Cautionary Tales of the Kelpie
Numerous stories proliferate around the dangerous Kelpies and their behavior. This overview offers but a glimpse—a reminder of the respect one should afford the folklore of Kelpies. Perhaps the lessons within will be beneficial should you ever notice a strange horse near a river’s edge.
If you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into the world of Kelpies, many more enchanting tales await in the collection of Scottish folklore stories.
