SELKIE Meaning and
Definition
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Selkie is a legendary creature originating in Scottish and Irish folklore, often depicted as a shape-shifting being that dwells in the sea. Typically, a selkie appears as a seal when in water but can shed its skin to assume a human form on land. Legends describe selkies as captivatingly beautiful beings with mesmerizing voices, known to enchant humans both on the shore and in the sea.
In many tales, selkies are portrayed as possessing a magical ability to allure and woo humans, often leading to romantic encounters. Numerous narratives revolve around lonely fishermen or individuals who encounter a selkie and become infatuated, sparking a relationship. These relationships often end in sorrow, as selkies are inherently tied to the sea and eventually yearn to return back to their aquatic habitat, leaving their human partners behind.
Selkies are commonly seen as symbols of duality and freedom, embodying the transformative power of the sea. They represent the dynamic balance between the terrestrial and aquatic realms and the interplay between the human and animal natures. Selkies have captivated the imagination of storytellers and artists for centuries, inspiring various literary works, songs, and visual representations.
Overall, selkies encapsulate the enchanting idea of transformative creatures existing in both the natural and supernatural realms, embodying a sense of mystery and longing for freedom.
Common Misspellings for SELKIE
- aelkie
- zelkie
- xelkie
- delkie
- eelkie
- welkie
- swlkie
- sslkie
- sdlkie
- srlkie
- s4lkie
- s3lkie
- sekkie
- sepkie
- seokie
- seljie
- selmie
- sellie
- seloie
- seliie
Etymology of SELKIE
The word "selkie" originates from Scottish folklore and mythology, specifically in the coastal areas of Scotland and the Northern Isles. The term "selkie" comes from the Scots language, which is a West Germanic language related to English but with distinct vocabulary and grammar. "Selk" or "selch" in Scots refers to a seal, and the "-ie" ending is a Scottish diminutive suffix often used to denote something small or endearing. Thus, "selkie" translates to "little seal" or "cute seal" in Scots. In folklore, selkies are believed to be mythical creatures capable of transforming from seals into humans, usually by shedding their skin.
