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Episode 179: Cultural Cryptids
1.1k Plays21 days ago
Welcome back, Witches! This week, tales us into the misty folklore of two captivating beings from legend the Huldra and the Kelpie. From the forest-dwelling seductress of Norse tales to the shape-shifting water horse haunting the lochs, we’re uncovering the myths, warnings, and cultural roots behind these enchanting yet dangerous spirits. So get in, Loser we’re wandering deep into the woods and wading into the waters to meet the Huldra and the Kelpie.
We would be forever thankful if you left our podcast a 5-Star review. If you really loved the show and want more Get in Loser content, check out our Patreon, Supercast, & Buy Me a Coffee links below. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GetinWitches, on TikTok @weredoingwitchcraft, or email us at weredoingwitchcraft@gmail.com. You can support our show through our links below. patreon.com/GetinWitches https://getinloserweredoingwitchcraft.supercast.com https://www.buymeacoffee.com/getinwitchesMusic by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio- The Witch References:
References:
1. Nair, Nitten. Huldra: The Norse Troll. Mythlok. https://mythlok.com/huldra/
2. Huldra in Norse Mythology: Myths, Powers, and Symbols. (2025). Centre of Excellence. https://www.centreofexcellence.com/huldra
3.Hulder. Myth and Folklore Wiki. https://mythus.fandom.com/wiki/Hulder
- Spirits, trolls, elves, and näcken. Visit Sweden. https://visitsweden.com
- Celtic Mythology (2024). Kelpies. Celtic Mythology. https://celticmythology.com/mythology/creatures/kelpies/
- Ben Johnson (n.d.). The Kelpie. Historic UK. https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Kelpie/
- Seamus (2025). Kelpie Mythology. https://secretireland.ie/kelpie-
- Mythology Worldwide (2024). Beyond the Loch. https://mythologyworldwide.com/beyond-the-loch-exploring-the-kelpies-influence-in-irish-myth-and-legend/
- Mythology Worldwide (2024). Kelpies Across Cultures. https://mythologyworldwide.com/kelpies-
- Mythos Anthology (n.d.). Kelpie. Mythos Anthology. https://mythosanthology.com/kelpie/
- https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/85927.Best_Kelpie_Books
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction to Witchcraft Podcast
00:00:00
Speaker
Do you feel drawn to learn more about witchcraft and the occult but feel lost on where to start? Then welcome to Get In, Loser, We're Doing Witchcraft, a podcast all about what it means to be a witch and where to get started on your journey.
00:00:11
Speaker
Join us as we navigate through various witchy topics and share what we've learned about the craft.
Huldra and Kelpies Discussion
00:00:16
Speaker
So get in, witches! Today we're diving into the misty forest and shadowed locks of folklore as we uncover the enchanting and perilous legends of the Huldra and Kelpies.
00:00:43
Speaker
So just in case this is your first time tuning in, or if you've missed some of our recent life updates, this episode might sound a little different.
Exploring the Huldra in Folklore
00:00:53
Speaker
This is another episode where Sam and I are recording separately and piecing our parts together since she's in the final stages of leaving Japan, and we'll be heading back to the States in just a few short days.
00:01:03
Speaker
We're in the home stretch of all of this chaos, and we'll be back to our regular recording sessions soon. but we didn't want to skip any episodes or make you all wait. So thank you for sticking with us.
00:01:15
Speaker
And speaking of thanks, a huge shout out to everyone who's reached out on social media or through email to share places for Sam to check out once she's settled in Washington. So to kick us off here, we are doing a cultural cryptids episode.
00:01:33
Speaker
So I recently spent some time in Norway and while I was there, i learned about the Holdra. So we're about to head deep into the forest of Norway where I'll be explaining the story of the Holdra.
00:01:49
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who is said to be a seductive, shape-shifting forest spirit that's said to lure wanders off the beaten path, sometimes with love, sometimes with a lesson.
00:02:00
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And you can basically think of the Holdra as the Scandinavian take on a siren. From her origins in Norse folklore to her transformation through Christianity and what she might still represent today— We're going to unravel the mystery of the forest maiden who is equal parts enchantress and
Nature and Balance in Huldra Lore
00:02:19
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avenger.
00:02:19
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So who is the Holdra? The Holdra is a forest spirit whose name literally means covered, which was believed to come from the fact that they tried to hide their nature.
00:02:31
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The Holdra were known to be beautiful, mysterious, and a little dangerous. Most Norse folklore considers the holdra to be a type of ra, which literally translates to mean nature's keepers.
00:02:44
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Other names for the holdra, and I know I'm going to butcher these because these are definitely not a language I speak. so I apologize in advance. But the other names are Holder, Skolksra, Talamaha, and Pine Tree Mary, which i I don't understand that one. That one kind of made me laugh.
00:03:03
Speaker
And then the Olda. There's also apparently male Holdras that are known as Holdrakal. But while female Holdras are considered very beautiful and alluring, the Holdrakal are said to be very ugly and undesirable.
00:03:18
Speaker
The common belief is that Huldra are beautiful blonde women who wander around human settlements. They're said to be tall and slender and to have a hollow back, which I'll explain that in a minute, with long golden hair, and they wear a crown made from flowers.
00:03:37
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A main identifying marker is that they have cow's tail, and there's different versions of this. Some say the tail can always be seen sticking out from their robes or dresses when they aren't concealing them.
00:03:49
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Others say that they always conceal them until they choose to reveal it by tying it in a knot so that it doesn't stick out from under their dress. But essentially, these tales are hidden when they're performing their tricks to lure men.
00:04:03
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The explanation I found regarding the hollow back because I kept seeing this everywhere when I would look it up in their descriptions that would say a hollow back. So I'm thinking like they were like super slender and like concave kind of, you know, like when people are really skinny and it dips in. But no.
00:04:19
Speaker
Apparently, this portion of their lore comes from the stories that come out of the north of Sweden. And it says that their back is that of a hollowed out tree. So like when trees have that little hollow hole in the center of the bark, that's essentially what that was saying. And I found a bunch of pictures that I'll be showing on social media that kind of show that.
00:04:40
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The Danish version of the holdra doesn't have a cow's tail or hollow backs. They're just beautiful women. But in all the stories surrounding the Holdra, the general consensus is that they're basically only interested in sex and dancing.
00:04:55
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So during my visit to Norway, it was explained to us that the Holdra are not able to procreate without a human man. Basically, they can't get pregnant with the Holdra Call.
00:05:07
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They have to have a like a male human in order to get pregnant. So this is why they are said to lure men into the forest, because in order to keep Holdra, you know, population up, they have to have male humans. so they basically take what they need by getting it on with that man. And as long as he was respectful, he would be sent on his
Christian Influence on Huldra
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way.
00:05:31
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Those that disrespected the Holdra were said to face various forms of consequences. So when we look into the folklore of the Holdra, they're said to be benevolent to those who treat them and the forest with respect, guiding lost travelers back to safety, protecting the woods from harm, and even aiding farmers by ensuring healthy crops and fertile land.
00:05:52
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But for those that disrespect, cross, or mock the Holdra, Or even worse, if you try to expose her tail from where she has it hidden, the forest is said to turn on you. Meaning that the trails are going to twist, the trees are going to fall silent so you won't have sounds to follow, and more than your pride might be lost before dawn.
00:06:11
Speaker
Those that cross her are said to not be able to find the same path out of the forest if they find their way out at all. In Swedish mythology, the Holdra is more seen as a benign spirit that is known to be kind to charcoal burners apparently.
00:06:26
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And it's said that the Holdra would allow the charcoal burners to sleep restfully by keeping an eye on their charcoal kilns for them. And as a way to thank the Holdra, they would leave her provisions, which I think is so cute.
00:06:38
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So the Holdra isn't just a monster to fear. She's a mirror for something deeper. Behind her beauty and danger lies symbolism tied to nature, femininity, and the way humans interact with the wild.
00:06:51
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So let's talk about what she really represents. When we're looking into the symbolisms and meanings that surround the folklore of the Holdra, looking at nature, the Holdra embodies the raw, untamed spirit of the wilderness.
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She's the forest personified. When treated with reverence, she's generous and protective, rewarding those that respect the land with safety, guidance, or good fortune. But when she's disrespected or exploited, she becomes wrathful.
00:07:20
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It's just a reminder that nature, though beautiful, demands balance and humility. Her dual nature mirrors the environment itself, nurturing yet capable of destruction when pushed too far.
00:07:32
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Looking at it from a lens of feminine duality, the Holdra represents the wild feminine. She's sensual, free, and deeply connected to the natural world.
00:07:43
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She embodies autonomy and power outside of the bounds of civilization, which both fascinates and frightens those that seek to control her. Over time, patriarchal societies reframed that independence as danger, transforming her from a sacred guardian into a seductress meant to be feared.
00:08:02
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And we're going to talk about that here in a moment with Christianity. Her story reflects the broader cultural tendency to vilify women who defy societal expectations, especially those who live in harmony with nature rather than submission to it.
00:08:18
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At its core, the Huldra story is a warning wrapped in reverence.
Huldra in Modern Culture
00:08:22
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It's saying to respect the natural world and its unseen forces. Don't take what isn't freely offered, whether it's nature's resources or another being's affection. And perhaps most importantly, don't assume that every woman who chooses solitude in the woods is something to be feared. Have you seen the world around us right now? Like the forest looks pretty good if you ask me.
00:08:45
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Looking into the history and the cultural context of the Holder story, let's kind of look a little bit into before and after Christianity. So pre-Christianity, Huldra was considered to be just a forest guardian who was possibly linked to an older earth in terms of the Christian dating of the earth's age.
00:09:04
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And they were also often considered to be fertility goddesses. After Christianity swept through, forcing many to convert to their belief system, the stories of the Holdra began to become twisted, where the Holdra was made out to be a seductive temptress who could only be like quote unquote redeemed by baptism. And through baptism, she would lose her tail in this process as a form of purification.
00:09:31
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Another story surrounding the Holdra's tale states that should she get married to a man inside of a church, her tale would drop off and then she would be transformed into a human.
00:09:44
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And it's this human in the Christian lens of these stories that is looked at as pure and right and submissive essentially which gross but it is what it is and then there's also a story rooted in Christianity apparently and it explains the origins of the Huldra where basically this woman apparently she lived in a cabin like out in the woods alone with her children I don't know like the deal with the husband. I didn't see anything about it. Essentially, she lives out in this cabin in the woods alone with her children.
00:10:19
Speaker
And she was going about her day. And on this day, she only had time to wash half of her children. I don't know how many children she had. It didn't say. But on this day, God appeared at her cottage door and she was deeply ashamed about her dirty children.
00:10:36
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So she tried hiding them from God, but he saw them anyways, and he commanded them to be forever hidden from humanity. And thus they became what were known as holders, which was the collective term for these hidden folk, essentially.
00:10:52
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And so like, what a dumb thing. These are, these are things that bother me about stories in Christianity, because it's like, God has all this like time in the world to go around and do things like this, but he can't heal children with cancer or you know like things I don't know that's a whole different story i'm not even gonna get on that soapbox but essentially according to Christianity that is how the Huldra came about it was because this lady was fucking just trying to survive on her own without a husband and with multiple children and she didn't have enough time to wash every single child that day god forbid she be overwhelmed so the punishment was that he turned her children into holders or hidden folk who were not to be seen by humanity so there's that moving on if we go forward and we look at the holdra through folklore and kind of a social control lens like many stories within mythology the story of the holdra served as more than entertainment
00:11:54
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It was a tool for teaching boundaries and enforcing social norms. There's tales of her beauty and danger that were often used to warn men against wandering into the woods, straying from home, or engaging in forbidden desires.
00:12:09
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Her seduction and her hidden tale symbolized the deceptive allure of temptation, turning feminine power and independence into something that men were taught to fear.
00:12:19
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And in this way, the Holder story helped reinforce patriarchal ideas. The woman who lived beyond the confines of society was to be considered dangerous, deceptive or unnatural.
00:12:31
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And, you know, Is this sounding familiar yet? Because this is not a new concept in any of the topics that we cover on this podcast. So no surprise there.
00:12:42
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Yet beneath that cautionary layer, the myth still carries an older truth that nature and the feminine demand respect and not control.
Personal Stories of the Huldra
00:12:51
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In terms of like modern culture, though her origins are ancient, the Holdra continues to echo through modern Scandinavian culture.
00:12:59
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She appears in films like Tale, which came out in 2012, where her story is reimagined with a blend of horror, mystery, and empathy. And it portrays her as both victim and force of nature.
00:13:15
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And after I did this research, I had to look this film up and I really want to watch it now. Because there were so many great reviews and comments on everything that I found about it. So definitely adding it to the list. And I'm recording this in October. And so it's perfect for spooky season if it's a, you know, a blend of a horror film. So her presence lingers in literature, art, and music, especially in folk metal and Nordic inspired genres where she represents the enduring pool of the wild and the supernatural.
00:13:46
Speaker
In these modern interpretations, she's often reclaimed as a symbol of autonomy, sensuality, and rebellion, which I love. It's a reminder that the wild feminine cannot be tamed or erased, only misunderstood.
00:14:01
Speaker
The Holdra may no longer lure travelers from the forest path, but she still haunts the cultural imagination. She's a representation of a spirit of freedom, mystery, and defiance on the edge of civilization.
00:14:14
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if we want to look at it from a magical or modern connection, in Energetics, the Huldra's essence is deeply rooted in the element of earth and linked to wood, grounding her energy in the physical and spiritual wilds of the forest.
00:14:31
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She embodies the wild feminine, untamed, magnetic, and deeply intuitive, reminding us that sensuality and strength can coexist in perfect balance.
00:14:43
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Her energy carries threads of protection and natural justice. She guards what's sacred and demands respect in return. Working with Vicholdra's energy,
00:14:53
Speaker
invites reconnection with your primal instincts, your boundaries, and your relationship to the natural world around you. For herbal and magical correspondences, herbs associated with the Huldra echo the forest she inhabits.
00:15:08
Speaker
So birch is going to represent purification, renewal, and new beginnings, and it's a sacred tree of resilience and transformation. Pine for vitality, strength, and endurance, representing both grounding and the breath of life.
00:15:23
Speaker
Juniper for protection and cleansing. um It's also a guardian against harm and negative energies and even Moss for mystery grounding and the quiet wisdom of stillness and time to honor her spirit or connect with this energy. You might leave a small herbal offering at the base of a tree or along the forest path take a mindful walk in nature expressing gratitude for the land and its unseen guardians perform a grounding ritual using the scent of pine or the touch of wood to anchor yourself to the present moment and in modern interpretation in today's world the holdra can be seen as an archetype of reclaiming wildness a symbol for those seeking to reconnect with nature autonomy and authentic feminine power
00:16:16
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She reminds us that what's been labeled as wild or dangerous is often simply uncontrolled, unapologetic, and free. For many, her story resonates as a call to reclaim balance, to honor the natural world and the untamed parts within ourselves.
00:16:34
Speaker
Maybe the Holdra isn't here to lure us into danger. Maybe she's calling us back to balance, back to the forest, back to the earth, and back to our own roots. If you follow our socials, I'm going be posting some older content that I came across during my time in Norway.
00:16:49
Speaker
So make sure to check that out. And I'll also include those on Patreon and Supercast for our subscribers. So you don't have to go looking for it if you don't want to. And then just based too off of my experience in Norway, I'm going We had gone on a little tour in Flam and our tour guide was telling us stories of the Huldra and then, you know, the train stops at one point and you get off and there's this beautiful spot that you can take a picture And it sits there for a while. So you're kind of like, okay, what are we waiting for? And then they have somebody come out um representing the Holdra with music that plays and she dances through the little forest and waterfall area that we're at.
00:17:31
Speaker
So um' that's part of what I'm going to be posting. But the stories that we got from there were not stories that I found in any of my research. They were stories that, i which I'm sure this is something that, you know, in these cultures, stories about the Holdra gets passed down, whether they're, you know,
00:17:47
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Stories to scare children into not leaving their homes or stories to keep men from, you know, straying out of their marriage or off the path or however I worded it earlier. I
Experience Norway's Folklore
00:17:59
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don't even remember. But I'm sure these types of stories are told and passed down by word of mouth. And I'm sure each, you know, area has their own versions.
00:18:08
Speaker
So the way that they explain the Holdra to us is that, and that part where i was talking about earlier where Holdra cannot become pregnant from Holdra call. And so they need that man to come in. So some of the stories say that like they would lure a man and keep them for as long as, you know, they, they liked to being around them. So they would create kind of like this perfect life or like vision of the life, whether it was good or not. The man thought, you know, this is amazing.
00:18:37
Speaker
kind of smoke screen, I guess, for the man while they, you know, would have child after child, and then they would like tire of them and send them on their way. Or, you know, the man would see a crack in the vision that he was having this like perfect vision of this life or whatever. And he would start to realize that it's not as good as it is. And he would try to like escape and then the Holdra would punish him or not let him go home or make it so that he was lost in the woods for like long periods of time as a punishment.
00:19:07
Speaker
So there's all these little stories that are probably passed down by word of mouth that I couldn't find in my research. And you know, it's it's been a couple of months. Well, no, it's probably been about a month and a half since I've gone. So while I remember most of it, I don't remember all of it. And I wish I would have like recorded that or something so that I could have like referenced it back for these notes.
00:19:30
Speaker
But if you are ever in a place that allows you to go to Norway, i would say do it It was one of the most magical places i have ever been to.
00:19:41
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um The stories of the Holdra were amazing. There's a huge history of trolls and troll statues and carvings all over um We went to a Viking village while I was there. So it was just a very magical place for me. And I'm so lucky to live currently in Europe and, you know, to have been able to do that. So if if that ever becomes something that you can do, I highly, highly encourage it. it was amazing.
00:20:10
Speaker
Just absolutely magical. And hopefully you guys enjoyed this little intro into the Holdra if you've never heard of her before. Because until I had gone there, i had not.
00:20:22
Speaker
And so this was really fun to research having experienced a little bit of that.
Introduction to the Kelpie
00:20:28
Speaker
Okay, so the cultural cryptid that I'm going to cover today is the Kelpie.
00:20:32
Speaker
not to be confused with the Selkie, which I had, I only say this, and these are two different cryptids. Not, I mean, there are some overlapping similarities in some aspects, but definitely totally different.
00:20:46
Speaker
But whenever we were talking about what cryptids we were going to cover, I messaged Tiffany and I told her that I was going to cover the Kelpie. And then I was like, no, wait a second. No, that's not what I wanted to cover. I wanted to cover the Selkie.
00:20:57
Speaker
And so we talked about that for a little bit. And then when I went to go research for this episode, i just started researching the Kelpie. Just, i don't know.
00:21:08
Speaker
I guess my unconscious really wanted to cover the Kelpie. So that is what I'm covering today. The Kelpies are found in Celtic mythology and they are shape-shifting water spirits that are found around locks and the rivers in Scotland.
00:21:24
Speaker
Its name is said to derive from the Scottish Gaelic word which means heifer or colt and I did not look up how to pronounce the Scottish Gaelic word so I'm just gonna wing it and I fully anticipate that this be like this will be the wrong pronunciation but kale peak or coal pot probably both incredibly wrong but you know what We are struggling here. I am literally in the middle of packing up my entire life to move to another country. So it is what it is. Okay.
00:21:55
Speaker
So the origin of the Kelpie is also said to have possibly been influenced by Scandinavian mythology as well. And there are parallels between the Kelpie and the Norse Nykur, which is a water horse with reversed hooves.
00:22:08
Speaker
And let me just tell you, if I were to see a horse with reversed hooves, You could not pay me enough to get anywhere near that. As well as the Germanic Nixie, which is also a shape-shifting water spirit.
00:22:20
Speaker
Kelpies are said to appear as a horse or a pony, but because they are shape-shifting creatures, they could also take on the appearance of a human. And when they appear as a horse, they are often seen as either black, white, or green, with a dripping mane and adorned with seaweed or water weeds.
00:22:41
Speaker
So looking at the background and mythology surrounding Kelpies, there are many stories about Kelpies that vary depending on the location, but there are many common descriptions and beliefs that seem to be true as as a whole.
00:22:53
Speaker
Kelpies are said to lurk around lochs and rivers, enticing humans and children to come near them by appearing as a horse or a pony. And once some unsuspecting person approaches a Kelpie in their horse or pony form to try and pet them or to tame them,
00:23:09
Speaker
The person would become stuck to the Kelpie and then dragged down into the depths of the water and drowned. In their human form, Kelpies take on the form of a handsome and charming man who would persuade people and children to come into the water with him before drowning them and taking them to the depths of the body of the water that they were at.
00:23:27
Speaker
Once taken by a Kelpie, some legends state that the Kelpie devours a victim but leaves the victim's liver or sometimes entrails on the shore where the person was taken. There's one story that is found in folklore that talks of a village where children were disappearing one by one.
00:23:44
Speaker
No one knew where the children were going or what was happening to them. And then one day, a small child saw a pony near a lock, and as the child began to pet the pony on its nose area, I don't even, snout? Not snout. Whatever.
00:23:59
Speaker
On their nose area. The child's hand became stuck on the pony, and the Kelpie disguised as the pony began to drag the child to the depths of the water to drown them.
00:24:10
Speaker
In this story, the child was able to get away by cutting off their own finger. So, you know, I don't know. What is this child doing with a knife, first of all? I guess different times, right?
00:24:22
Speaker
There are also versions of Kelpies in mythology where the Kelpie takes on the form of a beautiful young woman as they as a way to lure young men to their death, as well as sometimes taking on the form of a hairy human lurking by the river.
00:24:37
Speaker
And in this rendition of the Kelpie story, the Kelpie in the form of a hairy human would jump out at unsuspecting travelers. And there are other stories that discuss how Kelpies had the power to create a flood to sweep people away as they were walking near a loch or a river.
00:24:55
Speaker
It's also said that if you hear thunder near water, it could be the Kelpie's tail, which is said to sound like thunder when a Kelpie enters the water. And if you're walking past a body of water and hear wailing or a howling sound, it could be the sound of a Kelpie warning of an approaching storm.
00:25:16
Speaker
Legend also states that if you sprinkle salt or carry iron with you, it will ward off a Kelpie from attacking. And in some lore, Kelpies are seen as part of the Fae Folk, who guard the entrances of the Otherworld, which were located beneath the locks.
00:25:32
Speaker
Kelpies are often seen with a bridle, and when they take on a human form, they shed their bridle. So the legend goes that if you happen to find and take a Kelpie's bridle, then you would become that Kelpie's master.
00:25:45
Speaker
And there are even stories within the Kelpie mythology of women who find a Kelpie's bridle and force the Kelpie to marry them in their handsome human form. Usually, though, these stories end up with a not-so-happy ending.
00:25:58
Speaker
As with many mythological creatures, Kelpies were said to have the strength and stamina of ten horses, so their bridles were also highly sought after by lords, lairds, and wealthy families in an effort to force a Kelpie to work with the land and fields.
00:26:13
Speaker
There's also a legend passed down that an ancestor of the McGregor clan acquired a Kelpie's bridle from a lock in Scotland and that this bridle has been passed down throughout generations within the family.
00:26:27
Speaker
This legend, though, has not been proven and nobody from the family has outright come and said that they have a Kelpie's bridle, but that's, you know, just the legend, right? The Scottish Highlands in particular have a similar legendary cryptid called the Akushka, which is a more violent version of the Kelpie.
00:26:46
Speaker
And you can think of it as like the Kelpie's cousin. The Akushka is connected to the sea rather than the rivers or loch's and is considered to be more violent. Legend states that its hide was irresistible to touch, and once you did, you'd be stuck like with the Kelpie and dragged into the sea.
00:27:05
Speaker
The legend of the water horse doesn't just stop at Scotland's borders, though. In Ireland, the Capul Ischga was the Irish version of the Kelpie. The Capul Ischga was more demonic in tone and associated with the coastal waters and the underworld, and it was known to lure people to fairy mounds and to bring about prophecy and sometimes dune.
00:27:26
Speaker
In Manx folklore, the Taro Uste was a sea spirit from the Isle of Man that is also linked to the Kelpie, And lastly, there is also Nukalavi from Orkney mythology that was seen as a grotesque sea spirit that blended both human and horse traits and symbolized death and decay.
00:27:47
Speaker
So going into a little bit of symbolism and meaning when it comes to the Kelpie, the Kelpie in Celtic folklore symbolizes the dual nature of water, so life-giving but can also be deadly.
00:27:59
Speaker
And like with most legends, there is a need to look at the time and place to determine truth, and these stories could very likely be a way to warn children of the dangers of open bodies of water. In Celtic cosmology, water is a threshold between worlds, the realm of the living and the underworld.
00:28:16
Speaker
Kelpies were said to possibly symbolize the perils of crossing the boundaries between the mortal and the spirit realm. And another symbolism is that Kelpies are connected to this idea of temptation and control.
00:28:29
Speaker
Kelpies lure through their beauty and charm, and they represent the danger of being seduced by appearances or desires that can lead to destruction. And due to their nature as shapeshifters, Kelpies also symbolize the wild side of human behavior beneath the civilized facade, reflecting themes of deceit, illusion, and suppressed instinct.
00:28:49
Speaker
The story of capturing a Kelpie is said to symbolize mastery over chaos or the arrogance of trying to dominate nature. And as with many things within Celtic mythology and pagan beliefs the world over, when Christianity arrived to Celtic Scotland, the idea of hooved human tied in really nicely with the Christian beliefs of Satan.
00:29:09
Speaker
So Christians latched onto this legend as a way to associate any existing beliefs in Kelpies with the devil, witchcraft, and evil. So as far as correspondences go, Kelpies are seen as the guardians of emotional boundaries or symbols of the wild and untamed aspects of practicing water magic.
00:29:29
Speaker
So as for elements, this would include the element of water, the direction west, the season of autumn, the deities Brigid and Mananen Maclear.
00:29:41
Speaker
Crystals would include aquamarine, obsidian, blue kyanite, and moonstone. Herbs would be willow bark, seaweed water mint and myrrh tarot cards associated with the kelpie are the moon the devil and death not to be confused as we've talked multiple times on this podcast with actual death even though kelpies have in their lore have been said to drag people to their death but just for like change transformation things like that
00:30:12
Speaker
As far as themes, this would be illusion, seduction, hidden danger, emotional power, surrender, and transformation. And as far as beliefs today, in Scotland, the Kelpie legends are now part of their heritage tourism, and their lore is often reframed as protectors of waterways rather than malevolent spirits.
00:30:32
Speaker
and April of 2014, a sculpture was unveiled in Falkirk, Scotland, called the Kelpies, which is the largest equine sculpture in the world at 30 meters high, which is about 98 feet tall, according to Google, for any other Americans who are curious and also a little bit curious.
00:30:52
Speaker
challenge when it comes to measuring the metric system. And Kelpies appear in a lot of modern fantasy novels and are reimagined as misunderstood or tragic creatures rather than being purely evil.
00:31:06
Speaker
And some, I was looking up on Goodreads, some of the fantasy novels that have Kelpies discussed within the books and a few of them that I found were the Scorpio races by Maggie Stiefvater could be saying that name wrong like with most of the names I've pronounced so far in this episode so I'm sorry if I did the runner and the kelpie by Dave Duncan and the Kelpie by T.J. Woodbridge.
00:31:37
Speaker
And I've also included a link in our show notes for that list of books I found on Goodreads that feature Kelpies and waterhorses. So if you are interested in learning more about Kelpies from a fantasy lane or from a more um legends and lore aspects.
Kelpie's Symbolism and Heritage
00:31:54
Speaker
There are ah ton of books for both fantasy and just looking at mythology and just lore and legends in general and Celtic mythology. So definitely check out that link if you are interested.
00:32:07
Speaker
And Additionally, modern pagans often interpret Kelpies as symbols of nature's revenge, punishing people who do not respect natural waterways.
00:32:18
Speaker
So with that said, that is the Kelpie. I kind of wish there was a little bit more information on the Kelpie because they are so interesting, especially whenever I first started researching them. I just was very intrigued with the legend and the lore and the fact that not only do we see this in Scotland, but we see this throughout not just Celtic mythology, but in Germanic and Norse mythology, and then also linked to the Selkie as well in some aspects. So so yeah, that is the Kelpies.
Episode Wrap-up and Engagement
00:33:03
Speaker
That's a wrap on this episode of Get In Loser, We're Doing Witchcraft. We hope you had as much fun as we did. If you loved this episode, we'd be eternally grateful if you left us five-star review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
00:33:16
Speaker
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00:33:36
Speaker
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00:33:50
Speaker
Join us next week as we talk about what it's like to survive out of the broom closet while in the military community. Until next time, stay magical, stay curious, and as always, blessed be witches.