In Scottish folklore, a kelpie is a dangerous shape-shifting water creature that can appear on land as a horse. The kelpie appears to their human victims as a grey or white horse, entices them to ride on their back, then carries them down to a watery grave.
What do The Kelpies represent?
The Kelpies represent the lineage of the heavy horse of Scottish industry and economy, pulling the wagons, ploughs, barges and coalships that shaped the geographical layout of Falkirk.
When did the kelpie myth start?
Artistic representations. Pictish stones dating from the 6th to 9th centuries featuring what has been dubbed the Pictish Beast may be the earliest representations of a kelpie or kelpie-like creature.
What are The Kelpies based on?
Designed by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott the Kelpies are inspired by the working heavy horses such as Clydesdales who played a key role in Scotland’s industrial heritage.
What is the difference between a selkie and a kelpie?
Selkies are benign and the blue men are best described as playful in their challenging of captains or chasing of unlucky ships. Kelpies are a far more malevolent and fiendish force near Scotland’s lochs and waterways.
Why are The Kelpies so called?
The Kelpies are named after the mythical water horses said to be in Scottish lochs and rivers. However, Scott says the inspiration for his sculptures comes from the heavy horses that once powered Scotland’s canals.
Are The Kelpies lit up every night?
A common question is, do the Kelpies light up at night? The good news, is they do every night! As soon as the sun goes down in the evening, the Kelpies light up in all different colours of the rainbow.
What do kelpies do to humans?
The kelpie appears to their human victims as a grey or white horse, entices them to ride on their back, then carries them down to a watery grave. If caught using a magic bridle, however, the kelpie’s immense strength can be used to safely carry passengers or to haul vast loads.
Are kelpies unicorns?
What is the difference between a Unicorn and a Kelpie? As well as the unicorn, the Kelpie is an integral part of Scottish folklore and although it is horse-like much like the unicorn, there are subtle differences. The Kelpie is in fact an evil water-spirit which has anciently haunted Scotland’s lochs and lakes.
What is a kelpie in Harry Potter?
The Kelpie is a form of water creature that resides in rivers and streams only. It is native to Scotland, though there are similar Irish myths, which give them other names. The Kelpie has the shape of a fish-tailed horse in the water, but can assume the shape of a horse, or a handsome man, on dry land.
Where did the kelpie myth come from?
A kelpie is a shape-changing aquatic spirit of Scottish legend. Its name may derive from the Scottish Gaelic words ‘cailpeach’ or ‘colpach’, meaning heifer or colt. Kelpies are said to haunt rivers and streams, usually in the shape of a horse. But beware…these are malevolent spirits!
Is a kelpie a Fae?
A Kelpie is a sea fae that lures the unwary to a watery death. One appears in Rosemary and Rue.
Who created The Kelpies?
These monumental structures by Glasgow sculptor Andy Scott, depicting two mythical kelpies, were completed in October 2013, and officially unveiled, by HRH Princess Anne, on 8th July 2015. The work is Scott’s largest commission.
What two breeds make a kelpie?
The kelpie was brought to Australia in the late 1800s from Scotland. They are a herding dog derived from the Scottish smooth collie or farm collie.
Which is a famous kelpie?
Known Kelpies
Loch Ness Monster – it was the largest reported Kelpie which resided in Loch Ness, Scotland. Its favourite form was that of a sea serpent which led to many Muggle sightings of the beast.
Do kelpies bond with one person?
They tend to bond with one person in the family— this comes from their strong loyalty instinct, as opposed to shyness. However, they are cooperative and playful with everyone in the family. Kelpies have great personalities, especially when they have “tasks” to accomplish or animals to herd.
How old do kelpies live?
between 11 to 16 years
The average Kelpie lifespan is between 11 to 16 years. Like most medium-sized dogs, they are likely to develop complications at middle- age.
What are the two kelpies called?
Duke and Baron
Duke and Baron – Scotland’s Kelpies.
How do you identify a kelpie?
White paws, legs, broad white chest, white collar and tip of tail generally define kelpies cross-bred with Border Collies. The blue merle markings (white with dark spots in it) in dogs with a kelpie build, are commonly indicative of either a Border Collie cross, Koolie cross, or a Cattle dog cross.
Why do The Kelpies light up?
As two of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel are frequently asked to support a wide range of events and occasions, from charitable awareness days to sporting achievements, usually by displaying a certain colour on a given date in coordination with other landmarks.
What is happening at The Kelpies?
There are no upcoming events.