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Nuckelavee
Scotland's most horrifying monster rises from the sea. A skinless horse-man hybrid with one giant eye and toxic breath that kills crops and causes disease. So feared that speaking its name was forbidden. The sea witch keeps it imprisoned.
Ancient - Present
Orkney Islands, Scotland
100+ witnesses
The Nuckelavee is Scotland’s most terrifying creature.
The Description
What it looks like:
- Horse-man hybrid
- Completely skinless
- Visible muscles and veins
- Single giant eye
- No skin at all
The Terror
What it does:
- Breathes pestilence
- Kills crops
- Spreads disease
- Hunts humans
- Relentless pursuer
The Horse Part
The lower body:
- Horse-like
- Fins instead of legs
- Single eye
- Giant mouth
- Aquatic
The Rider Part
The upper body:
- Fused to horse
- Huge head
- Long arms
- Reaches ground
- No skin
Protection
How to survive:
- Fresh water stops it
- Cannot cross streams
- Rain drives it back
- Sea witch controls it
- Don’t say its name
The Mither o’ the Sea
Its jailer:
- Sea spirit
- Keeps it contained
- Summer imprisonment
- Breaks free sometimes
- Ancient balance