The each uisge is a dreaded water-horse that haunts lonely inland lochs, he is related to the kelpie, a horse creature that haunts streams and torrents.

He is a shapeshifter most often appearing as a dark shaggy pony or a brindled horse with a glossy coat. Some say he is able to change his color as well as his shape. He also takes the form of a man, a boy, a ring, a moored boat or a boat under sail, and a tuft of wool.

When he is in the shape of a man he may be detected by his feet which are in the shape of horse-hoofs, or by the green water weeds and sand that is in his hair.

In its most natural form, the horse, it has a shiny black or gray coat with a long flowing tail and main. It is in this form that he feeds.

If anyone attempts to mount the each uisge they will stick to his back and be unable to dismount, then the each uisge rushes to the water where it tears the rider to shreds and consumes all but certain innards such as the liver, heart, or lungs which later wash ashore as evidence of the event.

An each uisge can be used like a normal horse as long as it wears a special cow-shackle around its neck, or a special cap.

They have supernatural information which they may reveal such as the day you will die.

See Also: Creatures by Type » Horses, Sea Monsters, Shapeshifters

References

Campbell, John Gregorson. Superstitions of the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. Glasgow: James MacLehose and Sons, 1900.

Metcalfe, William Musham, & Erskine, Ruaraidh. The Scottish Review, Volume 28. London: Alexander Garderner, 1896.