Something in the Water

Bodies of water have been the focus of mystical wonder since the beginning of the human race. Telling stories to promote understanding of our environment and its dangers, is a tradition woven into the very fabric of who we are. Horses, being an animal with a long relationship with humans, are naturally found in many mythologies. Legends that contain half-horse, half-fish creatures are found in varied ancient cultures.

From the Kelpie & Tangie/Tongie of Scotland, to the Hippocampus of the Greek and Romans, the legends of half-horse, half-fish are wide spread. In Greek and Roman tradition, the hippocampus guided Poseidon and drew Neptune's chariot. Appearing in Scotland (perhaps by way of Roman contact), the Picts developed the mythology of the Kelpie. Often dark in their nature, these legendary horsefish occupy an eerie place in our minds, connecting water and death. For some, a dangerous entity to be avoided (along with the water body it is connected to), for others the lost wandering spirits of the drowned and forsaken.

Other horsefish myths are found throughout the United kingdom and Ireland, in Eastern Europe and of course Greece and Italy.

Read: Riding the Seas by Valda Roric https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/riding-seas-kelpies-and-other-fascinating-water-horses-myth-and-legend-006170