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Kelpie
Alternatively named Kelpy,
Each-uisg, Ech-uisque, Aughisky,
and Eac Visge (Ireland).
According to Scottish folklore, a shape-shifting water
spirit, a male amphibian species with flashing eyes and silken coat, who appears in and near all moving water but
specially in
Loch Ness usually
disguised as a horse. Once mounted, the unsuspecting rider is whisked away to
the bottom of the loch never to be seen again.
In the west coast of Scotland, the
Kelpie is described as a young, handsome, sleek horse, brown, gray or black in
color, but it can also effortlessly shape-shift into human form. The east
coast variety is depicted as a golden yellow horse. It is believed that the
Kelpie comes out mostly in the month of November. To see one is considered a
portent of drowning or other waterborne catastrophe, for obvious reasons.
This mythical beast is said to have the skin sticky like glue. After
enticing and allowing unsuspecting humans onto his back, he dashes into
the water and gives the rider a final ride into the depths of the river,
where they are then devoured. The
reason for this behavior is to lure souls to his master, the
Devil. The Kelpie receives the
victim's body
in payment for his trouble.
Kelpies appear to have been mischievous creatures,
and were often accused of stopping the waterwheels of mills and of swelling
streams. The Kelpies name was occasionally used to frighten unruly children,
and it was believed he had a fondness for devouring women.
The only way to catch a Kelpie was to trap him with
a bridle that is engraved or adorned with a cross. While in this trap, the beast
could be used for hard labor, which it does efficiently, since it is tireless
and works indefinitely, able to carry its rider endlessly. Unfortunately, at the
end of each day it must claim at least one human victim. Even in captivity this
monster will not stop its eating habits. The only way to stop it was to expose
it to still water. Being a creature of moving water, the Kelpie could not
withstand puddle water, rain or tap water. Wise travelers should always pack a
small bottle of such water, just in case a Kelpie happens to cross their path.
There are many legends associated with the Kelpie. Stories of
children who are out playing near the water's edge when a handsome horse
suddenly appears. drawing them onto his back, and actually lengthening its body
to accommodate as many as twenty kids, before
taking them away. Others tell of a
Kelpie
shape-shifting into a handsome young man and having great success
with the mortal maidens, who unfortunately end up
as something for him to eat while underwater.
Another legend tells how the Laird of Morphie once captured a Kelpie using the
bridle with the cross method. He made it work hard, dragging rocks and stone
slabs for the building of his castle. On completion the released monster cursed
the Laird never to enjoy the building, and the curse
remained with the Grahams of Morphie ever since.
See Dragon,
Basilisk,
Amulet, Talisman,
Casting Black Magic Spells,
Commanding Spirits,
The Tarot Store and
Divination & Scrying Tools and
Supplies.
Sources: (1) Rose, Carol,
Giants, Monsters, and Dragons: An Encyclopedia of Folklore, Legend, and Myth,
W. W. Norton & Company; (2) Spence, Lewis,
An Encyclopedia of
Occultism, Carol Publishing Group;
(3) Mack, Carol and Dinah,
A Field Guide to
Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits,
Arcade Publishing.
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