Kelpie — a Water Spirit in Scottish Mythology
KelpieThe kelpie is a water spirit in Scottish mythology, usually described as a white or black horse that roams along lakes and rivers, using every trick it can to lure passersby onto its back. Once a traveler climbs on, they can never get off again. The rider becomes stuck fast to the kelpie, which then gallops toward the water and drags the unfortunate soul down beneath the surface.
The kelpie's terrifying eyesThe kelpie is considered a shapeshifting spirit, capable of changing its form. To draw people's attention, it likes to take the shape of the opposite sex. To men, the kelpie appears as a beautiful, alluring young woman; to women, as a handsome young man with tousled hair. In both cases, its hair is wet, and its body either bare or dressed in clothing worn inside out. Accounts also draw particular attention to the kelpie's eyes — glowing, or brimming with tears. Once you look into them, you cannot look away; as if in a trance, the victim will walk toward the spirit and climb onto its back.
Tales of the kelpie often mention that it can lengthen its body. Because of this, it is associated with the Loch Ness Monster, and some even speculate that this is the creature's true form — a long, serpent-like being, or a sea reptile. There are also many accounts of the spirit snatching a child from the shore and drowning it as it leaps into the water. For this reason, it is strictly forbidden to leave children unsupervised near rivers and lakes.
The Loch Ness MonsterTo tame a kelpie, it is recommended to lure it with oats and then throw a bridle over its head while reciting a special charm. After this, the spirit becomes obedient and helpless. It's advised to do this in winter, so that the hole from which it emerges from the water freezes over by morning. Then, until spring comes and the ice melts, it will be unable to leave its new master.
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