Scottish Myths & Legends

Selkies

In Celtic and Norse mythology, selkies or selkie folk (Scots: selkie fowk) meaning 'seal folk' are mythological beings capable of therianthropy, changing from seal to human form by shedding their skin. They are found in folktales and mythology originating from the Northern Isles of Scotland.

The folk-tales frequently revolve around female selkies being coerced into relationships with humans by someone stealing and hiding their sealskin.

Find out more about the selkie-folk of Orkney, Scotland