General
kelpie
What does kelpie mean?
A malevolent water spirit of Scottish folklore, usually appearing as a horse that lures victims into the water.
"They warned the bairns awa fae the loch for fear o' the kelpie."
Origin
Scots, of uncertain origin, possibly related to Gaelic 'cailpeach' (heifer/colt).
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'kelpie'?
A kelpie is a malevolent water spirit in Scottish folklore, usually taking the shape of a horse that lures people into the water to drown them.
Where does the word 'kelpie' come from?
It's Scots, of uncertain origin, possibly related to the Gaelic 'cailpeach' (a heifer or colt).
Are the Falkirk sculptures called The Kelpies named after this?
Yes — the giant horse-head sculptures draw on the kelpie legend of the shape-shifting water-horse.
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