Kelpies
nature_spirit water Scotland single tradition · 1
Kelpies have the ability to transform themselves into non-equine forms, and can take on the outward appearance of human figures. In human guise, they may betray themselves by the presence of water weeds in their hair. Other accounts describe the kelpie when appearing in human form as a "rough, shaggy man who leaps behind a solitary rider, gripping and crushing him", or as tearing apart and devouring humans.
When
- First attested
- 500 CE
- Attested period
- 500 – 2020
- Historical notes
- Beliefs recorded by Christian monks after the arrival of Christianity in Scotland in the 6th century.
Relationships
Mentioned by
Sources
wikipedia (1)
Source passages
“Kelpies have the ability to transform themselves into non-equine forms, and can take on the outward appearance of human figures, in which guise they may betray themselves by the presence of water weeds in their hair. Gregor described a kelpie adopting the guise of a wizened old man”
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