In the Celtic nations there are a number of mythological creatures that share the land and waters with humankind. Some are benign, others avoid their human neighbours at all costs. Probably they are the most sensible of all, because of the creatures of the world humans appear to cause the most harm and trouble. Other entities in folklore can be only be seen or heard at times of impending tragedy. There are some that will not cause you harm if you show respect and on occasion placate them. But there are those creatures which feature strongly in traditional beliefs, that are extremely frightening and whose name strikes fear into the heart of all who hear it.
Once such entity exists around the seas of Orkney, the group of islands situated of the north coast of Scotland. Known by the name Nuckelavee, which is thought to derive from the Orcadian word knoggelvi, meaning "Devil of the Sea". Accounts vary in regard to the appearance of the Nuckelavee, and what it might look like in the sea, its normal habitat, is not known. However, its description when on land was horrifying. A hybrid of a man and horse like creature with added horrific elements. Given the strong Viking influence in Orkney it appears to be a fusion of the water horse or Kelpie from Celtic mythology and something from a dark Norse legend.
