Selkie Legends from the Shetland Islands

Once there were three men who went out to Va Skerries, with the intention of killing seals for their pelts. The men were tossed in the waves and the sea was rough that day. One of the men, who was named Herman Perk, was able to make the shore. As the weather turned for the worst, his companions were made to abandon him and return to Papa Stour. 

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The two men in the boat fought the waves and made it back to Papa Stour. As they returned, they made immediately for the home of Perk, as to tell his family the tragic news that Herman was left behind. Imagine the men's surprise when they came upon Herman Perk already home, sitting by the fireplace. He had a thrilling and mysterious tale to tell. 

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After his friends had departed, Herman Perk was approached by a massive seal. The seal spoke to him and said, "Herman Perk, you have destroyed many of  our folk in your time. Yet nevertheless if you will undertake to do me a service I will carry you to  safety".  

The seal tells Herman of the capture of his wife on Papa Stour and that he knows the location of her seal skin. If Herman Perk agrees to take the skin and return it to the seal, then the seal will take him home. 

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The two agree, and the seal bears the man over the sea to the island of Papa Stour. The seal awaits as Herman Perk returns with the skin. The seal and his wife are together once more.