Kelpie by Ghirin

Kelpie Author: Ghirin

The kelpie is one of the water spiritis of Scotland. It dwells near sources of fresh running water, unlike the each uisge, which haunts lochs (lakes) and sea-related bodies of water.

The kelpie is known both for its ability to change shape and it fondness for human flesh. A kelpie can appear in several forms. One is that of a beautiful, bridled tame horse (often black or white) standing by a riverside. Any unwary traveller who tries to mount the horse for a ride across the river will find him-/hersself plunged into the deepest part of the river or stream and quickly drowned, then eaten.

Kelpies may also take humanoid forms, such as that of an attractive young man or woman (depending on the gender of the kelpie) or of a hairy person. Both of these forms are just as dangerous as the horse form.

Kelpies are sometimes confused with the more benign neugle, a water-horse that also entices riders onto its back. Unlike the kelpie, the neugle will often let its victim escape after a sound drenching.

Kelpies can be captured and they make a powerful draft animals. However this is dangerous because when the kelpie regains it's freedom, it will often curse the family/clan of the person who captured it.

*Inspired by the Zoo Tycoon Brain Trust (http://www.geocities.com/professorpaul1/home.html)

Created by Ghirin 2003