There are numerous stories about the kelpie which vary depending on the region. It was built to bring people together not only from Scotland and the rest of Europe, but from all corners of the world. In Falkirk, Scotland, Andy Scott sculpted two large, steel horse heads about 30 meters high, which became known as ‘The Kelpies’. Some artists sketched the creature as a young maiden sitting on a rock, whereas others depict it as a horse or a handsome young man. The kelpie has been depicted in many works of art throughout history in its various forms. It’s said that even when it took on human form, its hair always continued to drip water. What was special about the kelpie’s mane was that it always dripped water.Īccording to some sources, the kelpie was entirely green with a flowing black mane and a large tail that curled over its back like a magnificent wheel. To unsuspecting passersby, it looked like a lost pony, but it could be easily identified by its beautiful mane. The kelpie is often described as a large, strong, and powerful horse with black hide (although in some stories it was said to be white). Depictions and Representations of Kelpies The Kelpies: 30-Metre-High Horse Sculptures in Scotland Since the kelpie was said to have taken on the form of a man, traditionally, the story warned young women to be wary of young, attractive strangers. If someone drowned, people would say that they had been captured and killed by the kelpies. Kelpies were also blamed for any deaths caused in water. They were told that the kelpies would come after children who behaved badly. Much like the Boogeyman, the stories of the kelpies were also told to scare children into good behavior. The purpose of these stories was to scare children into staying away from dangerous waters. The Scandinavians told stories of dangerous water spirits that ate little children. However, it’s not clear where these stories actually originated.Īccording to certain sources, the kelpies may have their roots in ancient Scandinavia, where horse sacrifices were performed. There are many stories about kelpies, one of the most common being the tale of the Loch Ness monster. The meaning of the word ‘ kelpie’ remains uncertain, but it’s believed that it was derived from the Gaelic word ‘ calpa’ or ‘ cailpeach’ which means ‘ colt’ or ‘ heifer’. The kelpie myth has its origins in ancient Celtic and Scottish mythology. Much like the Sirens of Ancient Greece, they would then seduce their unsuspecting victims and drag them into the water to be eaten. Kelpies would also take on the form of beautiful young women and sit on rocks by the river, waiting for young men to come by. The kelpie would then gallop straight into the water, taking their victim to its depths where it would finally devour them. However, once they sat on the saddle, they would become fixed there, and unable to dismount. Those who were attracted to the animal’s beauty, would attempt to sit on its saddle and ride it. They would take on the form of a horse, with a saddle and bridle to attract attention. Although they looked beautiful and innocent, they were dangerous creatures that would lure people to their deaths by coming to shore. In Scottish folklore, kelpies were beautiful creatures that took on the forms of both horses and humans.
Let’s take a look at the story behind these fascinating creatures. It was believed that kelpies often transformed into horses and haunted streams and rivers. The kelpie is a mythological creature and one of the most famous aquatic spirits in Scottish folklore. Depictions and Representations of Kelpies.
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