Selkies Facts for Kids – 5 Spectacular Facts about Selkies

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Updated on: Educator Review By: Michelle Connolly

Have you ever wondered what a Selkie is? Here are five spectacular Selkies facts for kids.

Selkies Facts for Kids Fact Number 1: Selkies are Seals that can transform into Humans

Selkies are creatures from Scottish and Irish folklore that can transform from seals into humans. They are said to have the ability to shed their seal skin, revealing a human form underneath. This transformation is typically depicted as happening on land, but they are also said to be able to change back into seals while in the water. Legend has it that if a human can find and hide a selkie’s seal skin, the selkie will be forced to stay on land and marry the human. However, if the selkie ever finds its seal skin again, it will return to the sea and leave the human behind.

Selkies Facts for Kids

Selkies Facts for Kids Fact Number 2: Selkies are Mysterious Creatures

Selkies live in the sea and are considered to be powerful and mysterious creatures. They are often associated with the ocean and its inhabitants and are said to have control over the sea and its creatures. They are also believed to have the ability to control the weather, particularly storms. They are often depicted as having an otherworldly beauty and grace, and are said to be gifted swimmers and divers.

Selkies Facts for Kids Fact Number 3: Selkies Humans Use their Beauty to Lure Sailors

The Selkie human form is said to be that of a stunningly beautiful woman or handsome man. They are known to be elusive and are said to have the ability to charm and enchant humans. In some stories, they are said to be able to use their beauty to lure sailors to their deaths by shipwreck.

They may wear sealskin clothing, which is said to be soft, warm, and waterproof. In some stories, selkies are also described as having webbed fingers or toes, or as being able to hold their breath underwater for a long time.

When in human form, selkies are said to be friendly and gentle creatures, but they can also be very shy. They are often portrayed as living solitary lives by the sea, where they spend their time fishing, singing, and playing music. However, they may also interact with humans, sometimes even falling in love and having families.

Selkies Facts for Kids
Selkies Facts for Kids: Sailboat lot on body of water

Selkies Facts for Kids Fact Number 4: Silkies Can Control The Weather

Silkies are said to have magical powers and can control the weather. They are often associated with storms, and it is said that if a selkie is angered, it will create a storm at sea. They are also said to have the ability to control the winds and waves, making them both feared and respected by sailors. Some legends even suggest that selkies have the ability to control the tide and can cause flooding or drought. They are believed to possess healing powers, and it is said that if you find a Selkie and they give you a piece of their skin it will bring you good luck.

Selkies Facts for Kids Fact Number 5: Selkies Mythologies in Different Cultures

The idea of shapeshifting between humans and animals is a common theme in mythology around the world, and selkies are just one example of this. In Iceland, for example, there are stories of “seal-wives,” who are women who can transform into seals and live in the sea. Similarly, among the Inuit people of Greenland and Canada, there are legends of “qalupaliit,” who are also shapeshifting beings that can take the form of seals.

This suggests that the relationship between humans and animals, and the idea of crossing boundaries between different forms of life, is a universal theme that has been explored in different ways by different cultures. It also highlights the importance of the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it in human mythology and storytelling.

Selkies Facts for Kids LearningMole
Seals on shore

We hope you enjoyed learning more things about Gorgons as much as we loved teaching you about them. Now that you know how majestic these mythical creatures are, you can move on to learn about other ones like: Minotaur, Ogres, Midas, Mermaids, 12 Olympians, Greek Gods, Egyptian Gods, Athena, Norse Mystical Creatures, Celtic Mythology, Zodiac Myths, Cats in Egyptian Mythology, Snakes in Egyptian Mythology, Greek Mythology Books, Greek Mythology Stories, Hideous Creatures, Medusa, God of Fire in Egypt and Legendary Norse Mythology.

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