Back to Home Page or Contents Page or Past and present beliefs or Index

Kelpie, The

The kelpie is a water spirit that in Scotland is believed to haunt streams and torrents. Kelpies appear to be of a mischievous nature and were frequently said to stopping water-whirls of mills, and swell streams. Also, the kelpie is occasionally a name of terror used to frighten unruly children; and it was believed that he devoured women. A.G.H.

Source: 81, 243.