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Abstract
Mythologies of animals transforming into humans have been present throughout history, within cultures all across the globe. Within the folklore from Scotland, the Shetland and Orkney Islands, and Ireland, there are tales of mythical creatures that can change physical form from seal into human, called Selkies. Selkies have the ability to shed their seal skins, transforming into humans, and often possess natural charm and incredible beauty. I want to explore the varying characteristics of selkie stories between different Celtic and Norse cultures, and investigate the ways in which traditional gender relations, as well as how the relationship between human and nature play a part in these tales
Along the rocky Northern shores ... among the swirling fog there is a liminal space in which the mystical reveals itself.
In the meandering mists and hypnotic waves, your eyes can play tricks on you. Was that a seal, or a woman? What was that sound?
Legends from Ireland, Scotland and the Orkney Islands tell of seal-people living along the shores; tales of encounters with Selkies, mythological creatures who can change forms between human and seal.
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