In Celtic mythology, a Selkie is a creature that can take the form of a seal or a human. The Selkie is said to live in the sea and is known for its beautiful singing voice. Selkies are most commonly associated with the folklore of the Orkney and Shetland Islands, as well as other parts of Scotland and Ireland.
According to legend, Selkies are able to shed their seal skins to become human and walk on land. In some stories, a Selkie may be coerced into marrying a human by having its seal skin hidden, but if it is able to find its skin again, it will return to the sea and abandon its human life. Other tales portray Selkies as elusive and mysterious creatures, and suggest that they only interact with humans in very specific circumstances.
Selkies are often depicted as melancholic creatures, and their songs are said to be hauntingly beautiful. In some stories, Selkies are seen as symbols of lost love and the yearning for the unattainable.
Today, Selkies continue to be a popular figure in Celtic mythology and are often featured in literature, film, and other forms of media. They are beloved for their mysterious and magical nature, as well as their connection to the sea and the natural world.