CREATURE CONNECTION

Kelpie

Creatures that are half horse are quite common in the mythologies of the world.

The ancient Greeks had stories about a half horse–half serpent called a hippocamp, which means “sea horse” in Greek. The chariot of Poseidon—the god of the ocean—was pulled by hippocamps. The Greeks also created centaurs, half horse–half human, and Pegasus, half horse–half bird.

The kelpie, half horse–half sea serpent, comes from Celtic folklore. The Celtic people lived in the regions we now call Ireland and Scotland. Horse in the front, sea serpent in the back, it lives in rivers and lakes, preferring areas where the water is turbulent. The kelpie is black or blackish green. It has a mane like a horse’s, but its skin is said to be smooth like a seal’s, and as cold as death.

Unlike the shy unicorn, the kelpie is not a peaceful creature. In fact, it is the exact opposite. While swimming below the water, it pokes its eyes just above the surface, waiting for victims to pass by. Because it is a shape-shifter, it can change its fins into legs and walk onto land. If someone wants to cross the river or lake, it will offer to give that person a ride. After the unsuspecting victim climbs onto the kelpie’s back, the kelpie carries him into the water and… gobbles him up. The very worst part of all—kelpies are said to prefer the tender flesh of children. Creepy!

Why were stories told about such a terrible creature? Well, we all know that a fast-flowing river is dangerous. The same can be said about a deep lake, especially if you can’t swim. This story was probably created by parents as a way to keep their children safe. Stay away from the water or the child-eating kelpie will get you!

So, if you ever encounter a dark horse and it offers you a ride across the water, there’s one way you can tell if it’s a real horse or a kelpie—a kelpie’s mane never stops dripping.

STORY IDEAS

Imagine that you’re going to the river to do some fishing. You see a horse talking to a little girl. The horse bends its front legs, offering the girl a ride. She’s just about to climb on. But you know something that the girl doesn’t know. How do you save her?

What is your opinion? Do you think all creatures deserve to be helped, even if they are harmful to us? Are there any exceptions?