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The popular superstitions and festive amusements of the Highlanders of Scotland cover

The popular superstitions and festive amusements of the Highlanders of Scotland

Chapter 21: PART IV. Water-Kelpies.
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About This Book

A systematic collection of Highland oral traditions, superstitions, and seasonal entertainments, describing beliefs about fairies, ghosts, household spirits, charms, omens, and folklore, and documenting dances, games, songs, and communal winter pastimes. The author records variants, local customs, and explanatory remarks, situating these practices within changing social conditions and arguing for preserving them before they fade under increased external influence. The work combines first-hand testimonies, language notes, and commentary to present an ethnographic portrait of rural Highland popular culture.

PART IV.
Water-Kelpies.


When thaws dissolve the snawy hoord,
An’ float the jingling icy boord,
The water-kelpies haunt the foord,
By your direction,
And nightly travellers are allur’d
To their destruction.
BurnsAddress to the Deil.