The Selkie Myth



 

"The Selkie Bride." The Selkie Bride. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 May 2015.

<http://www.weingartdesign.com/TMaS/Stories/tmas1-SelkieBride.html>

"Orkneyjar - The Selkie Folk of Orkney Folklore." Orkneyjar - The Selkie Folk of Orkney Folklore. Orkneyjar, n.d. Web. 01 May 2015.

<http://www.orkneyjar.com/folklore/selkiefolk/index.html>

The myth is that seals near the Orkney Island of Scotland are actually mythical creatures known as Selkies, that can take off their skins and turn into humans on shore. They take off their skins near rocks as they play or lay on the rocks enjoying the sun touching their skins and their time on shore. Female selkies are told to be the most exquisitely beautiful looking woman, but as for "a selkie-man in human form was said to be a handsome creature, with almost magical seductive powers over mortal women." Of course in order for them to transform back into seal form they will need their skins. If taken they are doomed to stay in human form until their skin is recovered. It is mostly for female Selkies that their skins are taken and they are forced to marry or stay with their capture until they can hopefully get their skin again. However, in some cases they fall in love with their capture and grow to have a family.


On the other hand, the selkie-men have no problem with having to stash their skins carefully. Instead the unsatisfied females have to call upon them with a specific rite. On high tide, they are to go onshore, and shed seven tears. "The selkie-man would then come ashore and, after removing his magical sealskin, seek out unlawful love."


An original Scottish folklore known as "The Selkie Bride" may be found on the link below if you'd like an example.