Kópakonan (The Seal Wife); statue on Kalsoy, Faroe Islands; photo by Marita Gulklett

Selkie

Origin: Celtic mythology

Combination: human + seal

Classification: Mammal

Other Names: Kópakonan, Seal Folk

Associations: transformation, ocean, longing

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Selkies are mythical creatures primarily found in Scottish and Irish folklore. They are beings capable of transforming between the form of a seal in water and a human on land. Selkies are often portrayed as gentle and enchanting creatures, possessing ethereal beauty and captivating singing voices. Selkies are closely associated with the sea, embodying its mysteries and allure.

Legends tell of humans who encounter selkies on the shores and manage to steal their sealskins. Without their sealskins, selkies are unable to return to their true form as seals and are bound to live on land. These stories often revolve around themes of love and longing, as humans may form relationships with selkies, yet their instinctual connection to the sea remains strong. Selkies are symbols of transformation, freedom, and the transient nature of love and desire.