Copyright by: Georgia Gandalf

In Gaelic folklore the most well known mythological animal is the kelpie, or water horse (each uisge). Kelpies were normally considered to be the guardian spirits of certain rivers, lochs and pools. Today we still speak of 'mares' tails' to describe the foaming white waves on the sea. Kelpies were once seen quite regularly by humans, who usually described such a being as a black, wild eyed horse that haunts fords and pools. An unsuspecting traveler that came upon it would make the fatal mistake of mounting the friendly and docile animal. No sooner had they done so, when the kelpie would take off at an alarming speed,
hurling itself straight into the depths of the nearby loch.

[Origin: Dalriada Celtic Heritage Society, Isle of Arran]

Kelpies  are guardians of rivers and lakes. They can shift between human looking and a horse with fins around the hoof area. When a human is attracted to them and enters their presence, usually that person has disturbing problems in their life. When a Kelpie is touched it can hold onto the person like they are stuck with glue. Once a Kelpie has a person they will take them under the water where they will be forced to face their darkest fears. After this experience the Kelpie will release the person and swim away.