The first time I learned about selkies was actually from a drama movie called Ondine. The movie tells the story of an Irish fisherman who discovers a woman named Ondine in his fishing net. Syracuse is convinced that Ondine is a selkie, a mythical creature from Irish folklore. Before the movie Ondine, I had never heard of selkies before; this is because mermaids are more well-known and popularized in the media.
Mermaids and selkies are both associated with the ocean, but they can live in many different places. We’ll talk more about where they call home a little later. First, let’s talk about what they look like and how they’re often depicted in mythology.
Mermaid and Selkie Characteristics
Selkies are mythological creatures that are often depicted as seals that can shed their skin to transform into human form at night or on certain days of the year. When selkies transform into humans, they have a human-like appearance; however, some stories insinuate that they retain some of their seal-like features like webbed fingers and toes or a slightly bluish/grayish tinge to their skin. When a selkie puts the skin back on, it returns to being a seal. Think of it as a scuba diver that puts on their scuba gear, except when they do, it’s less of a hassle and they turn into a fish and don’t need all that junk in order to breathe, lol. Anyhow, the selkie’s skin is often portrayed as a precious possession. Sadly, if it’s lost or stolen, then the selkie will be unable to return to its true form and remain trapped on land. 🙁
In human form, selkies are often described as being beautiful and graceful and have long hair and enchanting singing voices. The personalities of selkies are said to be gentle, innocent, and shy. They’re often depicted as feeling melancholic and are nostalgic for the sea. I can often relate to selkies as I’m a bit shy myself and also nostalgic at times. In many stories, selkies are portrayed as being caught between two worlds, torn between their love for the sea and their desire to be with their human families and loved ones.
Mermaids are also mythological creatures, and they are depicted as part human and part fish. Unlike selkies that are pure seals when they put on their skins and are in the water, mermaids aren’t entirely fish when they’re in the water – they are half fish (with a fish tail instead of legs) and half human. In most legends, mermaids are actually depicted as creatures that live primarily in the water and don’t have the ability to transform into humans on land like selkies do. However, as you are probably familiar with, there are variations of mermaid stories in which mermaids are able to take on a human form and temporarily walk on land. For example, in some versions of The Little Mermaid, the mermaid is able to gain legs and walk on land in exchange for her voice. In the movie Splash and in other similar variations, the mermaid has the ability to shapeshift from human to mermaid and vice versa by either coming in contact with water or by avoiding water. Who can forget that scene in Splash when the obsessive mermaid scientist takes a hose at Madison’s human legs? Check out that dramatic scene on YouTube. In other variations of mermaid legend, mermaids can appear human with a magical spell.
In both mermaid and human form, mermaids are described as being beautiful and alluring creatures. They’re often portrayed as having long, flowing hair, delicate features, and an enchanting voice. As you can see, selkies and mermaids have some commonalities in this respect. The personalities of mermaids come in all varieties. Mermaids can be playful, innocent, mischievous, or even seductive. On the flip side, in other legends, mermaids are portrayed as more monstrous, evil, and even dangerous. Mermaids with a dark side are known as “sirens”. Selkies on the other hand, don’t have a dark side. In fact, some believe they are fallen angels that landed in the sea. There is a quote about selkies that goes like this…
“When angels fell, some fell on the land, some on the sea. The former are the faeries and the latter were often said to be the seals.” Anonymous Scottish Quote
Source: Seal Team Scotland
It’s only fair I also share a mermaid quote. Here’s one by the author of The Little Mermaid.
“They were beautiful dark lakes in which her thoughts swam about like mermaids.”
Hans Christian Andersen
The characteristics of mermaids and selkies we just discussed are the most common ones. As you can see there are many commonalities, mostly in appearance and both selkies’ and mermaids’ connection to the sea and to humans. Keep in mind that these depictions, like that of many mythical creatures, can vary depending on the storyteller and cultural tradition. Now let’s talk about where mermaids and selkies feel most at home.
Where Mermaids and Selkies Feel at Home
The ocean is the most vast and commonly known place that mermaids and selkies are known to live in; however, mermaids are believed to make other bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and even swamps their homes too. That would explain most mermaids’ youthful looks and great skin. Did you know that swamp water – basically mud – is great for your skin? Well, it depends on the type of mud. Don’t go around picking up any handful of dirt and rubbing it on your skin now. But of course, I would never assume you’d be as gullible a mermaid as myself.
Anyhow, getting back to our topic. So yeah…mermaids can live in a whole bunch of different places you probably didn’t expect. In some legends, mermaids are said to dwell in underwater kingdoms like Atlantis or other fabled realms. Do you remember where Ariel from The Little Mermaid lives? She lives in an underwater kingdom called “Atlantic”. Sound familiar?
Selkies are also said to live in underwater kingdoms and in other places besides the ocean. Because of where most selkie legends come from, selkies are associated with the rocky shores and islands of Scotland and Ireland. Selkies are especially fond of areas where the land meets the sea. In some stories, selkies are said to come ashore to bask in the sun or dance and sing by the water’s edge. Selkies like to hang out on rocky shores and at the water’s edge, much like pure seals often do.
Now that we’ve discussed where mermaids and selkies like to call home, let’s talk about their origins and where these legends come from.
Mermaid and Selkie Legends
Both mermaids and selkies have been depicted in folklore and literature from various cultures around the world. The idea of the mermaid (half-human, half-fish creatures) has been present in mythologies and folklore from ancient times, and may have arisen independently in different parts of the world. In Western cultures, the legend of mermaids can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome. The first known reference to mermaids specifically comes from Syrian mythology. Mermaids also figure prominently in the folklore and traditions of other cultures, including those of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
It’s much easier to trace back where selkie legend came from. The selkie legend comes from the folklore and traditions of Scotland and Ireland, particularly in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, as well as in the Western Isles of Scotland. The selkie legend is closely tied to the maritime history and culture of Scotland and Ireland, where fishing and seafaring have long been important parts of the economy and way of life.
Mermaids and Selkies are both Magical and Fascinating
Mermaids and selkies are more alike than they are different. They both have a desire to connect with their human side. Both mermaids and selkies are associated with enchantment and transformation. In both cases, there is a sense of magic and otherworldliness associated with these creatures. Mermaids and selkies are found in various cultures and folklore traditions around the world, with their stories and depictions varying depending on time period, culture, and location. Despite their differences, both mermaids and selkies are fascinating creatures with rich histories and enduring cultural significance.
I encourage you to learn more about mermaids and selkies. Perhaps you’ll find these legends speak to your heart. I hope this article was informative and that you enjoyed it. Mermaids have always been an inspiration to me, so much so that I wrote an entire story about them and have been creating art for the story. Feel free to check out my story at the link below. I’ve been feeling inspired by the selkie legends as well. Who knows, I might write a story about selkies in the future as well. Until next time! Keep mermaiding, or selking for that matter! 😊🌟
Yours truly,
The Dreaming Siren 🧜♀️
