The Selkie

The legends originate in Scottish mythology, though over time they have spread to other parts of Europe. Selkies are seals that, upon reaching land, shed their skins and become human. Stories describe them as irresistibly beautiful and attractive.

There is one common story regarding selkies that has been retold many times throughout history. It tells of a human, usually a man, falling in love with a selkie. In order to prevent the selkie from returning to the ocean, he steals her sealskin and hides it. Afterward, he marries the selkie. In some versions, the selkie remains on land, while in others she reclaims her sealskin and returns to the ocean.

The selkie myth is a very interesting story. Many mythological water creatures are said to be dangerous and hostile, and yet while there are tales of vengeful selkies, there are also many in which the selkies are helpful. Selkies are  a moral outlier among the tales of kelpies, vengeful ghosts, and sea serpents.