#Siren creature full

This is likely indicative of their prominence in early modern Scottish culture. Their name descends from the Scottish selich, and there does not appear to be a Gaelic term for these creatures. The Evolution of Sea Monsters on Medieval Maps.Oshun, African Goddess of Love and Sweet Waters.When the Church Bells Ring: Themes and Proclivities of the Danish Folktale 'Agnete and the Merman'.Selkies are predominately mythological creatures from Irish, Scottish (particularly in Orkney and the Shetland Islands) and Faroese folklore, however there is a similar tradition in Iceland as well. This is accomplished by shedding their seal-skin when they come to land.

#Siren creature full

What differentiates them from mermaids (aside from the choice of animal) is that they undergo a full body transformation upon coming to shore: they do not merely transform seal tails into human legs, but rather completely shapeshift from the sea animals into a human. Selkies can be either men or women, but are seals while in the water. The mythology of selkies is similar to that of the Japanese swan maidens, though historically it appears that the tales of the swan maidens predate the western tradition. While the tales of Selkies always begin with a warm and peaceful 'once upon a time', there are no true happy ending for the tales of Selkies-someone always gets his/her heart broken. Their myths are romantic tragedies, a common theme for land/sea romances, however it is the Selkies who suffer rather than their human lovers and spouses. Yet Selkies play a prominent role in the mythology of Scandinavia, Scotland and Ireland.

Gentle souls who prefer dancing in the moonlight over luring sailors to their death, Selkies are often overlooked by mythological enthusiasts for the more enthralling forms of mermaids or sirens. Amorous, affectionate and affable, Selkies are the hidden gems of sea mythology.