What is the kelpie horse?
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. These water horses can also appear in human form.
What is a Pooka horse?
A Pooka is a shapeshifter and can take any form it chooses. Usually, it is seen in the form of a horse, dog, rabbit, goat, goblin, or even an old man. Traditionally a Pooka is seen as a dark, sleek horse with a long wild flowing mane and luminescent golden eyes.
What does the horse symbolize in Scottish mythology?
Amongst Celtic peoples the horse has always been highly venerated and seen as a prized possession. Horses were viewed as status symbols, treated with great respect, treasured and well cared for.
What is the myth about the Kelpies?
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 is a puka in Ireland?
The púca (Irish for spirit/ghost; plural púcaí), pooka, phouka is primarily a creature of Celtic folklore. Considered to be bringers both of good and bad fortune, they could help or hinder rural and marine communities. Púcaí can have dark or white fur or hair.
What is a Celtic horse?
Epona was a Celtic goddess. Her name contains an allusion to the horse: in Celtic, “epos” means “horse” and the suffix “-ona” affixed simply means “on”. Epona is the patron goddess of mares and foals. The oldest information about the Gallic goddess of horses is found in Juvenal (Satires, VIII, 155 ff).
Is there a Roman god of horses?
Epona, goddess who was patron of horses and also of asses and mules (epo- is the Gaulish equivalent of the Latin equo-; “horse”).
What is the name of the horses in spirit?
After a search, they found a Kiger mustang with beautiful conformation, coloring, and strength. His name was Donner, but these days, that real-life mustang goes by a different name: Spirit.
Why are kelpies so feared in Scottish folklore?
Why are kelpies so dangerous? In horse form, kelpies enticed people to climb on their back for a ride, only to drown them. They targeted children in particular. People learned to be wary of dark grey or white ponies that appeared lost near rivers or lakes.
What does the serpent represent in Celtic mythology?
Serpents also represented the connection between the rivers and seas as well as the Heavens and Earth. The Celtic snake both protected the entrance to the Otherworld and acted as the gods’ companion. Ouroboros, the Earth Serpent represented the coiled energy within the Earth and, with her tail in her mouth, infinity.
What animal is associated with Celtic culture?
Thanks to the annual shedding of its skin, the snake was the Celtic animal symbolizing the cyclical nature of life. Horses are the most common animal symbols used by Celtic noblemen in battle.
What is the name of the horse associated with Celtic mythology?
Then there is the magnificent horse Enbarr of the Flowing Mane associated with the great Celtic Sea god Manannán mac Lir. He features in Irish, Scottish and Manx mythology and is Cognate with Manawydan fab Llŷr in Wales. Manannán is closely associated with the Isle of Man (Mannin) and it is from him that the Island derives its name.
What do snakes represent in Celtic culture?
Celtic Snakes and Serpents. The snake was a complex animal symbol calling forth many ideas to the Celts. Representing the process of creation, rebirth, fertility, and healing. Serpents also represented the connection between the rivers and seas as well as the Heavens and Earth.