The kelpie is a water-spirit that often appears in the form of a horse or a man. He can be found near rivers and other flowing waters in Scotland, but is also said to emerge from the sea or from a lake.

He is described as merely mischievous but also as a savage beast that preys on humans for food. Hearing a kelpie neigh or bellow during a storm is an omen of death or destruction, and he may have only one eye.

The kelpie is related to the each uisge, and the phooka.

Also known as kelpy or water-kelpy.

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

References

The Encyclopedia Americana: A Library of Universal Knowledge, Volume 16. New York & Chicago: Encyclopedia Americana Corporation, 1919.

Brand, John. Brand's Popular Antiquities of Great Britain. London: Reeves and Turner, 1905