The Scottish legend of the kelpies is very old, possibly dating back to the 6th century, but first appearing in written form in an ode by William Collins (1721-1759). Other folktales and poems refer to kelpies, perhaps the most notable ‘Address to the Devil’ (1786) by Robert Burns. However, stories and tales of kelpies are popular in today’s storytelling, with many new stories adding to the myth.
But kelpies are not only popular in written folklore; they also appear in paintings and sculptures as seen in Andy Scotts (2013) monumental statues of two horse heads, entitled The Kelpies, standing 98 feet tall. The statues are situated in a park called The Helix, between the towns of Falkirk and Grangemouth in Scotland.
So, what exactly is a kelpie? Perhaps that question is somewhat unanswerable; since so many stories and tales about them exist—yet there are some basic characteristics. Most notably, kelpies are supernatural water horses with the ability to shapeshift. They live in streams, rivers and lakes, most notably Loch Ness. In some stories, they retain their hooves when changing into human form, usually as a beautiful maiden or a handsome young man. In other versions, their manes turn into snakes or they sing hypnotic songs.
But don’t be fooled. The kelpie is a malevolent spirit and a trickster. Many of the early stories tell of children being lured by a water horse that emerges from a stream or other body of water and entices them to climb onto its back for a ride. Once on the kelpie, they find they are stuck and cannot get off. Then the water-horse descends into the river, drowning the children and devouring their bodies. Perhaps these tales were told as a warning not to go near the river alone, where swift currents and undertows could prove fatal.
So if you’re traveling to Loch Nest or other Scottish destinations involving water—beware. The following is a poem I wrote to illustrate some problems you might have if you meet a kelpie.
Beware of the Kelpie
By Pat Miran (3/19/2025)
Fluid dark eddies, swirl and spin
Creating an undertow that pulls you in
As rapids splash over the slimy stones
And singing comes from the loch therein
Beside the shore stands a stranger alone
He smiles and speaks in a sexy tone
Richly dressed, his hooves hid in black boots
A handsome face and high cheekbones
His wet hair though, signals a warning mute
Of small squirming snakes, a demon’s salute
When his blue-eyes winked—he spoke a vow
Then into the lake went the handsome brute
But what’s this now?
A pony or a cow?
Appearing sweet, filled with revelry
It’s a filly or colt without a plow
Astride the children are glued in agony
And plunge underwater, an atrocity
Bringing their quick death and the kelpie’s meal
Mortal flesh devoured, horrid devilry
Ring the bell—Heed the warning peal,
A water horse comes in forms surreal.
A Kelpie gives tykes a deceptive grin,
Offers a spiel for a deadly ordeal
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kelpies
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelpie
https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Kelpie/#:~:text=A%20kelpie%20is%20a%20shape,the%20shape%20of%20a%20horse.
Pictures – stock picture from: https://itoldya420.getarchive.net/amp/topics/kelpies
Painting entitled The Horse by William Blake (1757-1827)
Copyright © 2025 Patricia Miran All Rights Reserved