In Celtic mythology, a Kelpie is a shape-shifting water spirit that is said to inhabit lochs and rivers in Scotland. The Kelpie is typically depicted as a horse-like creature that lures unsuspecting people to ride on its back before plunging them into the water and drowning them.
According to legend, the Kelpie is able to transform itself into a beautiful horse to entice humans, but when a person mounts it, the Kelpie’s skin becomes sticky and impossible to escape, and the creature drags the victim into the water to drown them. In some stories, the Kelpie is said to have the power to create illusions that make it appear even more enticing to its victims.
Kelpies are often associated with dangerous bodies of water and are seen as a warning against swimming or boating in unknown or treacherous waters. In some tales, however, the Kelpie is depicted as a protector of the water, and is said to keep the waterways safe and clean.
Today, Kelpies remain a popular figure in Scottish folklore and popular culture, and continue to be depicted in literature, film, and other forms of media. They are beloved for their mysterious and malevolent nature, as well as their connection to the natural world.