Celtic Folklore: Myths and Stories About The Ancient "Seal People" or "Selkies"

Growing up, we have heard many Irish, Scottish, and Icelandic folklore and mythologies that have blown our minds. It created imagery of magic and ancient tales that our ancestors believed in and would again seem impossible to be accurate, yet are claimed to be. These stories have been passed down through generations, and every time it is told, it makes us wonder what could have been or how beautiful and majestic it was.

One of these ancient folklore stories would be about the Selkies. Maighdeann-ròin (sea people), or Sea People as some may call them, are beautiful creatures cursed with the desires of what they can't have. The age-old tale tells us that these creatures swim day in and day out, trying to grasp the idea of living on land. They are thirsty to walk on the ground with two legs, just like any human.

According to some stories, selkies could shed their sealskin and change into humans at least once a year on Midsummer's Evening; others claim it occurred every ninth of the month at night. Once upon the beach, it was claimed that the seal people performed moonlight dances. They had very kind spirits, unlike the often aggressive mythical sea animals.

Female selkies are gorgeous and are ideal, devoted spouses. If a man were to take a female selkie's skin, she would be compelled to marry him. However, she was often seen looking wistfully toward the water, and if she found her skin, she would immediately return to her home.

On the other hand, Male selkies would have the ability to woo human women, particularly those who were unhappy with their existence and love experience. According to the legend, if a lady sheds seven tears into the sea during high tide, a selkie shall come ashore, shed his sealskin, and fall in love with her. These tales were used to explain why some women in Irish and Celtic practices would fall into an affair or flee their families. Additionally, there are tales concerning ladies who go missing at sea.

No matter how beautiful and majestic they may be, these mythical creatures were also tales created to explain the unexplainable. During the olden days, children were born with abnormalities in Celtic and Irish practices that couldn't utilize science to prove the phenomena. It was then easier for our ancestors to "blame" or consider how fairies and folklore may have something to do with it.

But if we think about it, was it part of their reasoning since they couldn't prove something beyond their control, or is it just an excuse for us to believe that these myths and folklore were just stories? We watch movies and series that consider such an experience, and we tend to think that it's all part of the creative direction and imagination of those who wrote it.

Yet, if we take a closer look and digest the stories shared by our ancestors, it seems as possible as it portrays itself on paper.

We still experience evolution, current changes, and various mythologies and folklore. We can guarantee that these stories shared with us as a child will be the stories we share with our children and future generations; how they perceive and believe it will be within their discretion.

Where myths and tales previously thrived, science has removed and omitted the curtain. However, we are eternally grateful that these old stories have been connected to our Celtic heritage.

Own pieces that remind us of our roots and ancestry through designed works that embody our beliefs. Visit our shop today at Celtic Knot Jewellery.